Republican Representative Ahn "Joseph" Gao did the unthinkable when instead of voting in the interests of the GOP, he voted in the interests of the people who actually elected him when he chose to support the healthcare measure going through Congress.
Micheal Steele, that glorified "hall monitor" and other party members, in the most blatant display of hypocrisy, actually threatened any Republican who didn't vote along party lines. Steele's words ? "We will come after you." And do what Mike ? Give Ahn a swirly in the boys bathroom ? Maybe an atomic wedgie ? Someone really needs to tell "Mr. Steppinfetchit" to sit his punk ass down. Is there no end to the embarrassment he continues to cause the party ?
Gao's "maverick" move further illustrates the problems that the GOP continues to have and his explanation for doing so was simple and to the point. "I have to vote for what's best for my people" to paraphrase. He represents one of the poorest districts in Louisiana with at least 25% of it's populace with no insurance. Put that with the fact that they're still recovering from Katrina and the situation is even more dire.
This is simply a case of an elected official who actually gets it. Chances are that Steele and his masters will try to drive him out of the party, and that's fine. The district is majority Democrat and I'm sure he'd be a welcomed addition.
It also has to be noted that another Republican, Dick Young I believe, had Gao's back as he actually stood guard with his 6'4" frame while Gao, at 5'5" went to cast his vote. Seeing something like this should serve as a reminder to all Americans, no matter your political affiliation, that at the end of the day, party lines are bullshit and doing the right thing is the only thing that matters.
Well done gentlemen.
