History's happening, so don't miss it

I remember watching the after-hours replay of the Watergate hearings, which stretched into the wee hours night after night,  then reporting for work at 7 a.m. each day at the Tallahassee Democrat, red-eyed but high on adrenaline. Now that was reality TV. 

Saturday evening, I watched another moment of history unfold as the House passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, 220-215. That entailed enduring speech after speech that appeared to have been scripted by the same political operative, passed out and read word for word. 

But there were stirring moments, especially during the amendment to take abortion coverage out of the public plan and any plans that have enrollees receiving government subsidies. Which will probably be all of them. 

It's too bad the historic debate and series of votes took place on a Saturday. I was able to watch it on C-Span but it offered no help on what the amendments said that were being voted on, and none of the other networks, including CNN, were staffed to handle a serious play-by-play because it was the weekend. Sorry to quibble, but really, guys -- football can wait, history's happening here!

In the coming weeks, as we report and write on Florida issues, we'll have one eye on Washington and will keep you informed. With more than 3.6 million uninsured and countless others underinsured, Florida has a huge stake in events unfolding there.

--Carol Gentry, Editor, can be reached at 727-410-3266 or by e-mail.