Nobamacare

(Click on image to enlarge.)The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has repeatedly and derisively been referred to as "Obamacare". Recently the President adopted the term as his own, saying something like, "If "Obamacare" means I care, well I do" - good for him. Whatever you choose to call it, I think the PPACA is a good thing - not a perfect thing, but a good one. If it were up to me, "Obamacare" would have gone much further to provide affordable, high quality medical care (which I view as a basic right, part of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness") to every citizen. To my way of thinking, a "Single Payer" system is the way to go, but "Obamacare" is what we have (at least for the time being) so let's make the most of it.

Republicans, of course, have a contrary point of view (they have a contrary point of view about everything Obama supports, even when it was their idea, which "Obamacare" was) - they would repeal "Obamacare" in it's entirety since the current system seems to work perfectly fine for them. (Full disclosure: as a federal retiree I have access to the same health insurance benefits as members of Congress enjoy, so it works fine for me, too.) The reality that many citizens can't afford any medical care at all, let alone check-ups and preventative care that would actually reduce costs, seems lost on them. You need medical treatment and don't have insurance - Well that's what emergency rooms (the MOST expensive medical treatment) are for, isn't it?

Republicans also like to sign pledges, at least as far as taxes are concerned. So here's my proposal to resolve the current dilemma regarding "Obamacare": Republicans, not just in Congress but ALL republicans, and anyone else who would do away with "Obamacare", can sign the "Nobamacare Pledge" - I've included it above (without any permission whatsoever from Matson (the Cartoonist) or caglecartoons.com.) Then the "health care insurance" mandate which you find so offensive to your personal liberty (but which was originated by Republicans)can be amended to exclude anyone who signs the pledge, and you can leave the rest of us who need the PPACA alone. Problem solved.

And if the Supreme Court in their "wisdom" should strike the entire Act down, well that's what we call an opportunity, since they have already suggested that a "single-payer" system would be constitutional. Be careful what you wish for.