Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 was a very noteworthy day. The House of Representatives voted 220 t0 215 for the health care reform plan offered by the Democrats in Congress. Thirty-nine Democrats voted against the legislation and a lone Republican voted in favor. This Republican from Louisiana was Congressman Anh " Joseph" Cao representing a district that was devastated by hurricane Katrina. Congressman Cao and his family lost their home and Congressman Cao then a practicing lawyer lost his office as Katrina devastated New Orleans. However these losses paled by comparison to the daily experiences he lived through while a child in Vietnam. At the age of 8 he and two siblings weer able to escape from Communist controlled Vietnam and eventually he became a US citizen and now a Congressman. Few of us have lived through such experiences. He survived and thrived, and now represents a district in New Orleans that is still recovering from the devastation of Katrina. Tragedies and overcoming obstacles are not new to this heroic man who now faces the scorn of the Republican Party because of his vote for health care reform.
He explained his reason for voting for the legislation by in part saying: "I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents." He further explained : “Today, I obtained a commitment from President Obama that he and I will work together to address the critical health care issues of Louisiana including the FMAP crisis and community disaster loan forgiveness, as well as issues related to Charity and Methodist Hospitals. And, I call on my constituents to support me as I work with him on these issues."
Congressman Cao is truly a man of honor who stands above party politics and reaches out to serve the people he represents for their benefit. His vote proves that their are some Republican who will defy their part rhetoric and be guided by their conscience. Congressman Cao's life experiences have molded his beliefs and conscience in a manner that few have experienced. Perhaps we can all learn something from Congressman Cao. Please join me in acknowledging this man of honor.
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