Now that a majority of those nine supposed guardians of our Constitution have officially spoken, what is the next logical step for we the people in ridding ourselves of this massive exercise in governmental intrusion into, what used to be, our private lives? Or, would the more appropriate question be, is there a next step, logical or otherwise? Barry’s health care law has now become the largest ever tax increase in American history. Surviving by a 5-4 decision, thanks to that gutless fraud, John Roberts, Barry's health care law will mean less coverage, less care and at higher costs for the poor and middle class. The complete opposite of all that we were promised. The ruling is not only a major disappointment for the millions of Americans concerned about freedom and the cost and availability of quality health care, but it is but one more example that we are on the verge of losing this grand experiment in individual freedom. Some say that this will likely prove to be a political liability for Barry, I wish I could be so confident.
Although the court has upheld the law, there was still some manner of division over just how best to provide health care. The challenge now is to move forward and to seek repeal or revision of whatever elements of the law that prove to be unworkable. Although this trial-and-error approach to government is less than ideal, it is necessary. And, essentially, it may be all that we have left. Much of the effort will revolve around the law’s initial goals, such as the need to reduce the cost of health care. Health care spending, which is now approaching 20 percent of GDP, is clearly out of control. It threatens the budget of every citizen and dims our chances of economic recovery and long-term prosperity. But this approach is obviously not the best solution, by any means, but it is something we are now stuck with. But without addressing such things as much needed tort reform as well as some serious changes in insurance regulations, such as purchasing insurance across state lines, no meaningful reform will be possible.
And something that I would have thought would have been painfully obvious to those on the court, at least those of the more conservative persuasion, is the fact that the law places, what one should expect to easily recognize as being, an unacceptable limit on personal choice. It very clearly undermines the time-honored principle that health care decisions are best made between the patient and their doctor. The law changes that equation, and not anywhere near for the better, not by any stretch. Instead it hands over to Washington bureaucrats, control over all important medical decisions. These unelected, faceless, cubicle-bound bureaucrats can alter, or even deny, treatment. And that must not be allowed to stand in any way, shape manner or form. Barry's healthcare law was never subjected to any kind of an honest debate, but was instead a massive exercise in Democrat deception from the beginning. And it was only after the plan became law that most of what it contained was revealed. And we're still finding out stuff.
As then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi once stated, Congress would have to pass the bill so we could all find out what was in it. A case in point was Barry’s presentation of the plan. He repeatedly said that individuals could keep their health care plans if they liked them. But he lied to us, because according to a Congressional Budget Office study released earlier this year, that simply isn’t true. As many as 20 million people could lose their employer coverage under the law. Barry also said that his plan would reduce health care costs and would not increase the federal debt. Again, Barry looked us dead in the eye and lied to us. Because we learned later that those statements were patently false as well. Then again, he also said that the mandate wasn’t a tax. Another lie. So what we have here is a law that was purposely constructed upon one lie on top of another lie on top of yet another lie, and that has now been determined to be constitutional, all those lies notwithstanding.
There remain may serious concerns about the law. Such as the changes and cuts to Medicare and popular programs such as Medicare Advantage. Another is that the law does nothing whatsoever to address the massive amount of fraud in federal health care programs that costs taxpayers billions. We face a very serious challenge here. In the midst of a stubborn recession, millions of Americans face uncertainty about their economic futures. A key contributor to that continuing uncertainty is the cost of health care under this horrendous law. While some say the only way forward is for Barry to cooperate in an open and honest evaluation of the health care law and to consult with Republicans and Democrats, retaining the elements of the law that work, alter those that can be salvaged and repeal those that cannot, I simply don't see that happening. Where's the incentive for him to do it. And frankly, I think it more than just a little naïve to expect him to do something even remotely like that.
Congressional Response to this disaster of a ruling:
Democrats:
Nancy "I'll Have Botox Til My Face Splits" Pelosi: "In passing health reform, we made history for our nation and progress for the American people. We completed the unfinished business of our society and strengthened the character of our country. We ensured health care would be a right for all, not a privilege for the few. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed our progress and protected that right, securing a future of health and economic security for the middle class and for every American."
Steny "The Gas Bag" Hoyer:"Our highest court has weighed in, and its decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a victory for all Americans who have ever worried about being able to access or afford the care they need. Democrats are proud to have worked hard to pass this landmark legislation in 2010 and of our efforts to make sure it is implemented in a way that continues to yield new benefits for patients, employers, and care providers."
"Dingy Harry" Reid: "I'm happy, I'm pleased to see the Supreme Court put the rule of law ahead of partisanship."
Max "Klinger" Baucus, a key architect of the law: "This is a win for millions of American families, small businesses, and seniors who are getting more affordable health care, tax cuts, and protections from insurance company abuses thanks to this law. Now it's time to put politics aside. We need to move forward and find ways to work together to put America back on track."
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.: "Today's decision creates a clear path forward. We must now focus on how to best deliver affordable, high-quality health care for every American."
"Little Chuckie" Schumer: "This decision preserves not only the health care law, but also the Supreme Court's position as an institution above politics. Just as Speaker Boehner vowed not to spike the football if the law was overturned, Republicans should not carry on out of pique now that the law has been upheld. Democrats remain willing to cooperate on potential improvements to the law, but now that all three branches of government have ratified this law, the time for quarreling over its validity is over. Congress must now return its full-time focus to the issue that matters most to the public, and that is jobs."
Republicans:
House Speaker John Boehner: "The president's health care law is hurting our economy by driving up health costs and making it harder for small businesses to hire. Today's ruling underscores the urgency of repealing this harmful law in its entirety. What Americans want is a common-sense, step-by-step approach to health care reform that will protect Americans' access to the care they need, from the doctor they choose, at a lower cost. Republicans stand ready to work with a president who will listen to the people and will not repeat the mistakes that gave our country ObamaCare."
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor: "The Court's decision brings into focus the choice the American people have about the direction of our country. The President and his party believe in massive government intrusions that increase costs and take decisions away from patients. In contrast, Republicans believe in patient-centered, affordable care where health care decisions are made by patients, their families and their doctors, not by the federal government."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: "Today's decision makes one thing clear: Congress must act to repeal this misguided law...The bill was sold to the American people on a deception."
House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Tom Price: "Today's ruling by the Supreme Court has set a dangerous precedent by allowing this administration to continue pursuing its unbridled effort to erode personal freedom and undo the principles upon which this country was founded... President Obama's health care law trumps personal health care choices in exchange for a more powerful Washington. It will force American citizens to endure diminished quality of care, increased insurance costs, health care rationing and excessive taxation brought on by an overzealous Washington bureaucracy. We have no choice but to exercise every possible legislative option to repeal this disastrous law, and the American people should know that House Republicans will continue to advocate on their behalf to restore personal control over health care decisions."
Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio: "While the Court has deemed the law constitutional as a tax on the American people, it is still flawed policy that is unaffordable for our families, our small businesses, and our government. The President's one-size-fits-all health care spending law is the centerpiece of a failed agenda that has increased economic uncertainty, stalled job creation, and deepened the spending hole that Washington has dug."
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