WASHINGTON - Today House Democrats strong armed H.R. 2454, the Clean Energy and Security Act, otherwise known as ‘Cap and Tax' legislation through the House of Representatives. It passed by a vote of 219 to 212.

I’m not going to lie: the first time I saw “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” I missed half of lunch so I could finish the film in my eighth grade U.S. history class. Feeling all patriotic and teary-eyed afterward, I had a whole new respect for black and white movies, Jimmy Stewart and dare I say it — politicians.

Prior to the founding of the United States, political theorist and philosopher John Locke developed the theory that government derives its power and authority from the consent of the governed. Benjamin Franklin once wrote that "in free governments the rulers are the servants and the people their superiors and sovereigns." These are the principles that are fundamental to the American system and have helped shape the nation we know and love today.

Quote of the day: “In 2009, we need to redefine freedom, and freedom, in America, in 2009, means being healthy and having access to a healthcare system that isn’t just for the elite, but it’s for everybody.” - Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) while speaking about the Pelosi Health Care Bill on the floor yesterday.