Two Years On: Obamacare

[Zeke12]

The ACA was passed two years ago today, and apparently legislative anniversaries demand threads now.

But I did have a thought about this.

The GOP will really regret the day they labeled this law Obamacare.

One the one hand, you have to give them credit. Republicans are really good at naming things. And they have succeeded in making the term very unpopular. They're also good at that, too.

Problem is, people like everything that's in the law. That will always win out, in the end.

They are also, I think, going to regret pushing to get the case before the Supreme Court before this election. Because I think they're going to lose, badly, and that will cement the law's place and allow the next Democratic president to build on it.

So, what are all your thoughts on a law that isn't fully implemented, yet?

 

[Zeke12]

Also, too, David Axelrod over at OFA sent out the following, today.

Zeke --

I like Obamacare.

I'm proud of it -- and you should be, too.

Here's why: Because it works.

So if you're with me, say it: "I like Obamacare."

Obamacare means never having to worry about getting sick and running up against a lifetime cap on insurance coverage. It gives parents the comfort of knowing their kids can stay on their insurance until they're 26, and that a "pre-existing condition" like an ear infection will never compromise their child's coverage.

It's about ending the practice of letting insurance companies charge women 50 percent more -- just because they're women.

And Obamacare can save seniors hundreds of dollars a year on prescription drugs -- and gives them access to preventive care that is saving their lives.

President Obama never lost sight of the fact that this reform is about people. People like his own mother, who spent the last years of her life fighting cancer -- and fighting with insurance companies, too.

That shouldn't happen. And because of Obamacare, it can't.

So next time you hear someone railing against Obamacare, remember what they're actually saying they want to take away.

And, today, stand with me in saying, "Hell yeah, I'm for Obamacare":

http://my.barackobama.com/I-Like-Obamacare

Thanks,

David

P.S. -- Side note: Can you imagine if the opposition called Social Security "Roosevelt Security"? Or if Medicare was "LBJ-Care"? Seriously, have these guys ever heard of the long view?

 

[old_tony]

It will eventually be known as Obamagate.

As for the long view, both Social Security and Medicare are well past halfway to insolvent without changes and both have cost numerous times what the government said they'd cost when introduced. If you want to count huge failures as successes of the left, have at it.

 

[Zeke12]

I do! I hate it so much, I want it to live long, healthy lives... So I can hate it longer!

 

[Moderator1]

We are really pushing things politically - just be forewarned we're getting close to going back to NO POLITICS. I suppose this thread will be a good test. It is a pretty big election year, we'd like to be open-minded.

Don't be the one who gives us reason not to be.

 

[dixiehack]

The world needs more process stories and less Get Fuzzy. That's what has newspapers in a slump.

 

[Zeke12]

My intention here was to avoid derailing a news thread with political talk.

I promise to be on my best behavior. Also, too, your dogs are cute.

 

[Zeke12]

If we put emoticons after everything we say, that makes it OK, right?

Suck it, Zeke! ;D :-*

The thermometer?

I feel fine.

 

[Zeke12]

I don't drink Sprite. I am brand loyal. Only Kool-Aid.

 

[imjustagirl]

As long as Zeke can get his birth control paid for so he doesn't have to have an abortion, he's all for Obamacare.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Zeke has death panels planned out for each and every one of us. Don't fool yourself.

I'd rather have a puppy.

 

[Zeke12]

Zeke has death panels planned out for each and every one of us. Don't fool yourself.

I'd rather have a puppy.

A collie?

 

[suburbia]

The ACA was passed two years ago today, and apparently legislative anniversaries demand threads now.

But I did have a thought about this.

The GOP will really regret the day they labeled this law Obamacare.

Really? It seems to be working quite well for them politically right now. And since the law's biggest benefits won't go into effect for another 21 months, it could work well enough for the Republicans to win back the White House and Senate and repeal the damn thing. Polls show that a plurality, if not a majority, of Americans would be perfectly fine with that.

One the one hand, you have to give them credit. Republicans are really good at naming things. And they have succeeded in making the term very unpopular. They're also good at that, too.

Agreed. And conversely Democrats are horrible at naming things and framing a debate. They just roll it out and expect that everyone will see things their way. And they can't maintain message discipline.

Problem is, people like everything that's in the law. That will always win out, in the end.

The individual mandate is very unpopular. Some other components are more popular. But the best parts haven't gone into effect yet, so most people haven't seen the positive impact. Makes it much easier for opponents to rally support against it.

They are also, I think, going to regret pushing to get the case before the Supreme Court before this election. Because I think they're going to lose, badly, and that will cement the law's place and allow the next Democratic president to build on it.

I have a feeling that, regardless of what the Supreme Court does, this year's election will be decided by factors besides Obamacare, namely the economy and national debt. Obamacare will be at best third on that list.

But if it does become a deciding issue, the Republicans have the advantage. Again, just look at the polling.

So, what are all your thoughts on a law that isn't fully implemented, yet?

It could be good or even very good. But we won't know for sure for several more years. And the Democrats did such a horrible job putting it together and, even more so, selling it, that it is at best controversial, at worst unpopular.

 

[Armchair_QB]

Zeke has death panels planned out for each and every one of us. Don't fool yourself.

I'd rather have a puppy.

A collie?

Unmolested.

 

[RickStain]

Still hate it.

Still am appalled that fellow liberals can be so easily brainwashed into cheering bad, conservative ideas.

Still hate the "well, it's better than nothing" attitude, as if unintended consequences can never make things worse.

Still think that if it's not unconstitutional, we need a better constitution.

 

[Stitch]

People are afraid of single-payer, even though it would help many small businesses and entrepreneurs.

 

[Zeke12]

Still hate it.

Still am appalled that fellow liberals can be so easily brainwashed into cheering bad, conservative ideas.

Still hate the "well, it's better than nothing" attitude, as if unintended consequences can never make things worse.

Still think that if it's not unconstitutional, we need a better constitution.

If it's unconstitutional the way it's been challenged, so are Medicare and Social Security.

 

[Quakes]

Still hate it.

Still am appalled that fellow liberals can be so easily brainwashed into cheering bad, conservative ideas.

Still hate the "well, it's better than nothing" attitude, as if unintended consequences can never make things worse.

Still think that if it's not unconstitutional, we need a better constitution.

It's constitutional. If you don't like it, that's fair. But you don't need a better constitution. You need to elect representatives who'll pass laws you like.

 

[steveu]

My two cents, within guidelines...

1. I think some form of health care plan is needed. This was not it. This was ram-rodded through Congress ("we have to pass this bill so you can see what is in it") and it doesn't address malpractice insurance, free-market selling of insurance across state lines, etc.

2. The mandate comes dangerously close to the government telling you that you have to buy something or face penalties. Where does it go from here? Does the government intrude in other areas involving food and drink to ensure the Affordable Care Act continues to gain steam? I believe Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" is a program that means well, but the unintended consequence is government is butting its head in and saying what you can't eat as an adult or a child. (See Happy Meal, San Francisco. Also see LA school lunch program.)

 

[Starman]

Still hate it.

Still am appalled that fellow liberals can be so easily brainwashed into cheering bad, conservative ideas.

Still hate the "well, it's better than nothing" attitude, as if unintended consequences can never make things worse.

Still think that if it's not unconstitutional, we need a better constitution.

If it's unconstitutional the way it's been challenged, so are Medicare and Social Security.

The teabag wingnuts all just had simultaneous orgasms and the vast majority of them don't know why.