HEALTH CARE AND THE SUPREME COURT

by Ruth A. Sheets

So, President Obama has publicly stated his position on the upcoming Supreme Court decision concerning the health care plan.  The criticism of his statements is truly ridiculous and “much ado about nothing.”  Is it possible that the “right” has so little to complain about him lately that they are grabbing at straws.

Okay, enough with the cliches.  Mr. Obama is a Constitutional scholar and knows far more than his critics about what is and is not proper related to the Supreme Court.  He has the right of any citizen to remind the Court that they should not be partisan.   He knows that despite the conservative justices’ declaration that they despise “Activist Courts,” they, themselves have been as “Activist” as any recent Court:  declaring corporations to be persons and giving an election to a candidate who did not win despite voter fraud, among other decisions.

The health care law “Obamacare,” is challenging in many ways and whatever decision the Court comes to will be controversial.  According to polls, fewer than half of Americans asked said they did not like the law, but when asked about specific provisions, responded favorably.

Outside the Supreme Court building last week, people in both camps protested loudly.  On the one side, people cried “Health care for all!  The mandate means taking responsibility!”  The other side yelled, “We want freedom!  We want choice!”

Which of these arguments would carry the most weight with average Americans? 

None of the interviewers who spoke with the people in the crowds asked follow-up questions like “How do you think the mandate means taking responsibility?  What do you mean by freedom/choice?”

To me, the group demanding health care for all and people taking responsibility does to a great extent frame the issue and the reason the group was there.  Calling for “freedom” and “choice” says very little. 

Is this freedom to not have health insurance, yet expect to be cared for in the Emergency Room?

Is it freedom to have pre-existing conditions that are not covered for themselves or their family?

Is it freedom for insurance companies to refuse to cover expensive but necessary care?

One can’t help but wonder if the Supreme Court justices are considering these things.  As a nation, we commit to caring for one another.  For the first time in a long while, we have a chance to improve the quality of life for many Americans with minimal sacrifice.  I fear, as President Obama does that our unelected Supreme Court, for partisan reasons may destroy this opportunity.