Single-payer advocate meets the progressive blogosphere

[In view of the ongoing blogosphere-wide zombie infestation, I'm belatedly cross-posting this November, 2009 item from my blog.]

INT. OFFICE -- DAY

An OFFICIOUS GENTLEMAN sits at a desk and regards a VISITOR'S somewhat awkward entrance. An empty chair faces the desk.

Hello, is this the, uh... progressive blogosphere?

Oh, yes indeed! In fact, this is the A-list of the selfsame!

Ah, very good! Very good.

I had some questions.

Have you donated to our campaign, Progressively Progressive Progressives for (mumbles)?

Sorry, I, uh... didn't quite catch that last part....

Oh, no bother. Forget I mentioned it. Now, with what may I help you?

Well, I'm interested in single-payer healthcare reform!

"Public option," wonderful, wonderful. Have you donated --

No, I said "single payer." Remember when the President and Congress said they'd have an open and transparent process that considered all options? Naturally, I assumed the progressive blogosphere...

Pardon?

Were you saying something? You wanted to donate, yes?

No, I don't want to donate, I wanted to ask about --

What? You don't donate to anything?

Oh, yes. To many lesser-known bloggers, some political campaigns, micro-lending, Habitat for --

Fine! Be that way. Stingy git!

Anyway, about that "public option"...

Yes!

How many people will have access to it?
(long, uncomfortable pause)
Hello?

Look, I thought this was the progressive blogosphere!

Oh, quite right! Finest in the land! Uncontaminated by "single payer" talk, innit?

I thought this was where people came to discuss progressive issues.

Bloody purist!

Isn't this where liberals go to debate --

Oh, I'm sorry, you wanted a debate. Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes. Oh, no.

You see, I thought you wanted to donate! Are you sure you won't... a little?

So, can we have that debate now?

Sorry, too late. It's already been decided. "Public option," very good. Well done! That settles it.

When was it decided?

Just then. Good day!

Well, who decided it?

Oh, our best and brightest did. Our very best, I'll have you know. Nothing else was feasible, believe you me! 'Tis a fair blogosphere. Leave a donation, thank you!

(Gets up, pulls out a $5 bill and hands it over)

That's a good lad, be on your way.

(On the way out, turns toward the camera)
And to think, before netroots, I'd wouldn't have been able to make a difference. Thank you, progressive blogosphere!