As a twenty-three year old, very little in politics have had any potential affect on me, until recently. It seems most people are getting worked up about health care, because, finally, a political issue has some tangible affect that can be seen in our own lives. A friend of mine, who has previously never mentioned a single political issue once over the course of our lives, had a public outcry on Facebook last week after the Supreme Court made its decision on the Affordable Health Care Act (otherwise known as ObamaCare). When asked why he was so upset, he said, “because, this affects ME! I can’t afford to pay for something, especially something I don’t need. Maybe in 20 years I’ll need it, but not now. Besides, I don’t want anything forced on me.”
And really, that is one of the main issues it boils down to. Nobody wants anything forced on them. Nobody likes being told what to do. And, left or right, liberal or conservative, there eventually hits a point where government becomes too big and even the majority of liberals will get scared. I’m not saying this is America’s entrance into communism and we should all be terrified, but people who in the past have supported anything that gave the government a little more power, are turning away from ObamaCare simple because of the fact that the power it gives is a little scary. For one, there is no cap or premium on what can be charged for healthcare in this bill. That means hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical supply companies, etc, can charge whatever they want. It may start at a reasonable rate, but with no cap, limit, penalties or law, there’s no good reason for them not to raise the prices. And guess who will be paying for it?
Yep, you guessed it! Ok, well, I kind of just assumed your answer went in sync with mine, but in all honesty, it’s the people of this country who get the short end of the stick, here. And for the first time in a while, opposition on the issue isn’t just a republican or conservative thing; both sides are equally agitated. A story published today should irk a lot of left-wings; after all, I’ve been hearing them call for higher taxes on the rich (often described as any making over ~120k/year)- and this story today showed how 75% of ObamaCare will be paid for by those who make UNDER the hundred-twenty-thousand-a-year mark. Something about this doesn’t seem right (or left, for that matter).
From what I’ve seen, everything about ObamaCare is a poor compromise that can’t please either side. The biggest issue, which we’ve all heard, is that everybody will be forced to have healthcare. YOU WILL BE TAXED (“it’s a penalty, not a tax!” some say. Ok, call it whatever you want, its something we all have to pay for) for your healthcare, and you will be forced to have it. I’ve heard, “if it’s affordable, what’s the big deal?” The big deal is this: I have no money. I’m a healthy kid. If I decide I don’t want and/or need health insurance, it shouldn’t be forced on me. I understand it may be on a sliding scale, subsidized by those who make more, etc (sounds a bit socialist, no?), but the fact is I can’t afford anything right now. Even if I did want it, and did need it, it should not be forced. That is the epitome of government getting too large and having too much power. Remember when I said how there are no limits on virtually anything related to healthcare in this bill? That means the government technically wields the power to, literally, send every American into bankruptcy. I’m not saying it WILL happen, but just holding that much power over its citizens is un-American, and frankly, a bit scary.
Never have I seen a political issue that’s divided so many, also bring so many together. For the first time (ever, really), I’ve seen both liberals and conservatives agree over this issue. It may be, at the core, for different reasons, but I am for the first time, seeing both agree. That doesn’t mean there aren’t it’s fair share of supporters, either. But generally, those opposed, liberals and conservatives alike, seem to share similar views about it. Most seem opposed to what seems unconstitutional about it. Now, I’m not a lawyer, nor a constitutionalist, so I’m sure I’d get beat in any debate as to whether or not ObamaCare is constitutional. But what I do know, is that it’s not right. It gives the government too much power, forces something on a population and compromises the quality of healthcare for the quantity of those treated as well as the money involved. Unfortunately, this will now be the major debate between Obama and Romney for the 2012 election, dividing those in favor (Obama) against those against (Romney). I didn’t vote last election because I did not like either of my choices. It was again my view until recently for this election, but as I learn more about this Affordable Health Care Act, the more I’m seeing I may have to go out and vote. I think this may well be the case for many Americans this year.
Though I seem to fall into the category of “people who would most benefit from ObamaCare,” I can’t help but be against it for the fundamental principals at its core.
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