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Subscribe to RSSThis single file contains the court's decision, delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts, and the several dissenting opinions.
More health reform coverage:
- Supreme Court upholds health care law
- Dems cheer high court as Romney leads GOP charge to repeal health law
- Thrilled and relieved, sick patients cheer court ruling
Tom Goldstein of the SCOTUS blog examines the Supreme Court's ruling on health care. When asked why Chief Justice John Roberts voted to uphold the law, Goldstein said, "I think he believed it."
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OBAMA -THE PIED PIPER OF WASHINGTON! Remember what happened to those who followed the Pied Piper of Hamelin!
another crushing defeat for common sense and fiscal responsibility at the hands of the BO administration.
my attitude, up until now, is that the president of this country, even if i personally didn't vote for/agree with him, should be supported unconditionally because, well, he's our president. ok to criticize and/or debate policy, but he should be supported.
suffice it to say that my attitude has changed. this guy is driving us (taxpayers) right into the ditch at full speed in an effort to make a better life for people that contribute NOTHING to the greater good of this country.
as pissed as i am about this outcome, i'm twice as sad because we may never get out of the fiscal ditch this guy drove us into.
Gotta love the guy who says we're doomed if the government can make us buy something we don't want! I don't want most of the members of Congress but my taxes pay their salaries. I don't want war, but no one assked me, they just make me help pay for it. We already are legally required to have insurance to drive a car. My first response to that post was, "Is he kidding with that? Or is he that stupid?"
Hi all,
I know that this is a heated debate and everyone is expressing their opinion or just venting.
Here is my situation! I worked for 28 years and payed into the system as any American would do, had family insurance and payed aproximately $200/month premium for me and my wife (worked for large corporation).
I am a college graduate, professional engineer.
Here I am now, close to 60 and unemployed. Weekly unemployment is $214. To have health insurance COBRA wants me to pay $1200/month.
You tell me how can I afford it? All the years that I paid into the system means nothing? and I have to pay 6 times more money to get the same coverage as I did when I was employed? Don't you think that the system is not right and unfair to me?
I wonder....if unemployment was not so high, if we had industry back in the U.S. paying a decent wage then would the Health Care Issue (so many without) be such a hot topic. Health care is important; costs continue to skyrocket but the waste, fraud, support of illegals continues as do the moochers who can afford to pay but choose not to invest in their health. That said, if our unemployment was much, much lower, if we did not have such waste and fraud throughout our political system and special interests getting special treatment then would we be better off? It's the economy, it's the corruption, it's the politics, it's the middle class Americans being sold out because the Middle Class do not have the jobs they used to have.... quite frankly these past twelve years economically have been a complete failure...and the last four years have done little except pound another nail in the coffin...
Ok, I've been reading all this crap about who and who won't have health care and how much it costs. I have to praise the Senators and Congressmen for their votes on OBUMMA care. I have to thank the Justices for their ruling on the OBUMMACARE. People, you don't understand the real point of the matter. The above mentioned including OBUMMA don't even have the same health care we are going to have. Theirs is the best care you can get and it doesn't cost them a single penny for the rest of their lives. We have been duped and are suppose to like it. Freeloaders enjoy OBUMMA CARE. You are putting hard working people in the poor house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is not the first day america became a communist nation, believe it or else, i'[ve been driving 40 yrs. i never had an accident and i;m not saying it's not wise to have nsurance but i don't believe anyone should be forced to have it ornot be able to drive, that's like not being able to buy a gun because you could ""COULD'' commit a crime. if i haven't done anything don't accuse me simply because i 'could' i have no idea whether this is better for american people or not with this medical reform, what i do know is that no free american should be FORCED by the ""thier'' government to pay for anything they don't want, taxes are one thing but this is down right extortion.
Now the right wing fundamentalists even hate the SCOTUS! They are running out of hate objects unless they wish to look in the mirror. This is a big country and for people to function most effectively they need to be able to cross state lines for employment and healthcare among many other things without reordering their entire lives. Being tied to specific healthcare plans has been a terrible drag on those seeking employment in these difficult economic times because it minimizes flexibility for employment and separates families. Other countries with modern health systems do not experience this and those programs actually blunt the hardships during economic hard times.
Interesting that this discussion has less than 100 comments posted while the main story has almost 8,000. That means most people are not looking at the justices' rulings, just taking what the media gives them or what they think it means. 100 out of 8000 is 1.25%. That's why this country is dissolving. Plus, the legal gobbilty gook that is generated is unintelligible to the average citizen. That does not speak well for our government mandated educational system either. In fact, there is not much government can do well, and certainly not economically.
I have the PDF, I am reading it now in another pane and am actually suprised by the logical decisionmaking of our Court.Seems they did take an objective viewpoint,which with al the rhetoric going back and forth(much of it fueled by paid off media corps..love the mistake CNN and FOX made this am..made me chuckle.)was a suprise.
I have a pre-existing condition and cannot get insurance. I am also on disability and couldn't afford it anyway. There are pharmaceutical companies that help with my meds because I just barely get enough money to get my. I for one do not like the idea of the government telling me that I have to buy something I can't afford to begin with. If that's the case then I will no longer be able to buy food or possibly pay other bills. Then what should I do, just put a gun to my head?
So you'll take the government money for help with your meds but you dont want to contribute anything back? Typical right wing hypocrisy.
Do you like the idea of a private corporation who has no interest in your survival at all helping you with your medications?..They make so much profit from you all they are doing is throwing you a bone,so that when you die they wont look so bad.Trust me they do not do it for your benefit.No,what ou do is wait for 2013 and 2014,when insurance companies will be required to take you on,at their cost.Hang in there..relief will be soon
Obama 2012!
Hillary 2016!
Glad with the ruling. More people can receive medical care they need. But this is just the beginning. The next step: Obama administration has to cut the cost of implementing it so it won't be the burden of the tax payers and "force" the insurance companies to lower their premiums. Their profits are way too much. Stop the greediness
This country has gone to the dogs. When everyone gets the bill for this maybe there will be a thought on how much you will pay over a lifetime in addition to your regular health insurance. Just look at our disabled Vets who get free health care.....not any more.
We americans must come to the realization that the Republican New World Order is Just a two class society-Rich or Poor. Justice Roberts has come to realize that this country will fail unless we come together for all Americans and do the Right thing for the country. How soon has the republicans forgotten that when the World Trade Center was bombed the terrorists did not come to kill democrats or Republicans, black or whites they came and killed Americans . Lets not forget those pictures of all those grey covered people whose political affiliation or race was undetermined while they ran away from the falling buildings. Chief Justice Roberts has truly come forth and realized that "Do the Right Thing Obama" is the true politician Americans desire and needs and It takes a Do the right thing Justice to assist him in Keeping this country from becoming a two class society As the preferred stock holders of the insurance companies want.
What in the name of all that is holy is wrong with people of today? I have been paying for my own health insurance since I was about 18 years of age. I will be 87 years of age the end of July. I have had open heart surgery. I have had cancer surgery. I started to pay for health insurance when I was 18 years old. I was a polio victim at age 3. When I started to work I started to pay for my leg brace that I wear every day. I worked from age 16 until age 63. All this time I paid my own health insurance and never felt I was taken advantage of. Today I still pay for my insurance and also I am covered by Medicare. Everybody is complaining because they have to pay for health insurance. You have to pay for the food you eat and I wonder how long it will be before you are asking for your food for free. Most of you don't know what it is like to go to bed hungry like I did many times during the depression. Wake up people life is not a free ride. I have had a good life and would not mind living it again. I paid my way and am proud of it in spite of all my health problems.
Today everybody wants everything for FREE.
You say you paid for your own health insurance when you were 18?You back then were one of the privileged ones at the time who HAD healthcare.My father who is 85 did not have health insurance for all four of us until 1972.He paid out of pocket for all 4 of our births,all of the doctors visits and a few surgeries out of pocket and we were not rich by any means.He was an art teacher and my mother did'nt work.My dad paid for all of our polio vaccines all of our vaccinations(government did not cover any of that,you did'nt get vaccinated you did'nt go to school)So,what I am saying is that for a very long time the playing field has not been level at all concerning the health field in general and it begins at the insurance level.Yes you have to pay for the food you eat,the gas to get you around,but at this point in time for the care we are given is far far less than the price we pay for than it is in pretty much every developed country on this planet and that is what must be changed.
There is one bright side to this travesty. 60% of the populace were against the bill when it passed. Hopefully this will prod the entire 60% to vote against Obama this November. It also bodes well for the Republicans to take over the Senate. The only thing we have to worry is about suppression Republican vote, aided by the new black panthers and Eric Holder the ""Bobby Seale of our time.
I have a question. How much money would the government collect if every body employed or on welfare paid $1.00 a week toward health care. How many people are employed right now? Any body have the answer? I think that would cover health care for every body.
Justice Roberts recognizes the value of a Do the Right Thing President in a Political world which Republicans New World Order is no more than an attempt to create a 2 class society Rich or Poor. The upholding of the health care was a bash to the Politicians by a Justice who stood to the rule of law. The decenter voted as politicians not a justices. Americans will need Justices as Roberts to continue to be an American Supreme Court Justice because political parties have forgotten the grey covered Americans running from the falling world trade towers. They came to Kill Americans not democrats or republicans, blacks or whites. We must continue to seek out more DO THE RIGHT THING PRESIDENTS AND SUPREME COURT JUSTICES to ensure our continued American way of live and forget the one sided politicians who support the RICH INSURANCE INDUSTRIES and their policies which have destroyed the global economy with their preferred stockholders interests as their only interest. Congratulations Mr. Do The Right Thing Obama
so is congress going to pay for there insurence to or get them free?and how about welfar and unimpolment recepeions
"There's no requirement that you buy anything. You can just go ahead and pay the tax"....
Joe, you don't get it It is mandated. One way or another you pay, and what is worth if you don't pay the taxes on this, you could go to jail, because you can not mess with the government when money matters. But that is ok because in jail no one will see you die because your health will be care for, you would only get raped, I guess that is ok for you? Perhaps you should see the consequences to this law a lot deeper?
No,you cant go to jail for not paying this tax.That is explicitly said in the PDF.You must be a supporter of the worst health system in the developed world.Go to any other country and see how they handle healthcare.You'd be suprised.This law is only a start in the right direction.It has taken 40 years to get to this point and the irony is...Richard Nixon was one of the fundamental authors of this very legislation and of all things in the 70's when this was in Congress Ted Kennedy voted it down.He said before he died that it was the worst legislative mistake of his career.
Yea good thing ins., they said car ins. would go down because it was mandated, never happened did it,just kept going up, do you really think this will drop prices?
The Republicans are against health...and want sick and dead Americans! What other reason could there be. It's that simple.
Well yea,look around at all the overweight,unhealthy unemployed depressed sick people in the country today.Know what..compare what we all look like today to what we looked like in the 70's.Most of us were thin and in shape,and a lot more people smoked and drank...seems their program's workin,lol.
The only ones complaining are these shaddy companies not wanting to pay for insurance for their employees. Like wal-mart that hires only part-timers so they don't pay insurance for them or joe blow plumbing. guess what most of wal-mart employees are on medicaid, food stamps, and other gov. help. so yes penalize companies that hire and don't provide insurance. Why should everyone else pay for.
I'M A HARD WORKING AMERICAN. I'm white, 41 years old. I'm a professional technology manager who's been working since I was legally allowed to. I've never been on welfare. I'm a husband and father of two children, 2 and 4 years old.
Since being laid off and hired by another firm 2 YEARS ago, my wife and children have gone without health insurance because my employer only covers me and it would cost us $1,400 DOLLARS PER MONTH to insure them. Who can afford that?
I was severely depressed for a long time. I had nightmares of my children getting sick. I felt like less of a man. Then I watched Obama address the nation about the healthcare problem and had a glimmer of hope. But honestly, I never expected this bill to pass the Supreme Court, let alone by John Roberts as the swing vote. It has renewed my faith in our government.
I struggle to understand how so many Americans could be against this bill. I realize many are opposed to it simply because Obama is a black man. Another large percent are blinded by their faith in the republican party. Those with good jobs, that provide health insurance for their family are probably worried about cost increases- I get that. But I don't understand our selfishness and total lack of regard for fellow Americans.
I only hope this slight minority of people will someday come to realize how badly a vast majority of HARD WORKING AMERICANS, desparately need this healthcare plan.
Obama has earned this white American's vote and I urge others to consider the same.
Here here,I totally agree...all this is long long overdue.Hopefully it takes the burden off a lot of Americans who have preexisting conditions(like diabetes)and have to starve in order to get any care at all.It aint right in this country.Go look at any other developed democratic republic and you'll see a huge difference.It is no wonder why we're in such poor health in this country.The majority literally cannot afford it unless it is provided by an employer.
Just so it is understood. Obama is extremely far from being a socialist. How do I know this, you ask. Because not only do I fully believe in socialism (if you don't, check out and see how wonderful socialism has been for the two longest lasting socialistic nations in the world. Switzerland and Sweden.) but I am also a Marxist. No, I do not believe in the Communism created and endorsed by China and Russia. But Obama is just a President who is trying with the best options he has available to fix the crappy situation this country is in right now. Unfortunately, Capitalists such as Obama, Conservatives, Liberals and any other Capitalists that are in power in this nation seem to think that money is the fix all. So, Conservatives think that if we fire more people and hoard money things will get better. On the other hand most Liberals believe that if we funnel more money into the system that will fix our issues. NEITHER WAY WILL FIX THESE PROBLEMS THAT WE ARE FACING. But if we were smart enough to think this all through carefully, read the Karl Marx Communist Manifesto we would all come to realize that money is not the fix. It is mostly the problem. Our perception of money is the biggest issue at this point. So many people in this discussion are complaining that this is a bad decision because it costs money. But so does uninsured individuals going to the emergency room in droves. Please, try to be understanding. Not everyone can afford insurance in this expensive Capitalistic Nation. Obama tried to make it more affordable. But whatever that paperwork says when it comes out of Congress and the Senate is the work of Congress and the Senate. So, from an actual Socialist/Marxist the best way to fix the issues in this nation is not through hoarding or spending money. It will be through changing our perception of money and moving ourselves into a socialistic or marxist mindset and caring more about helping all Americans and not just ourselves.
I think this is great!! I am only 30 years old and feel like the American Society as a whole has forgotten that we are all Americans and if one struggles we all struggle. It's so shameful to me that this society has become all about oneself rather than banded together as an American. Medicaid is deeply flawed and abused and we all pay taxes on it so what is the problem with having EVERYONE kick something in. We all have the option to not live in this country, get the hell out of here i9f you have such a problem, see if the grass is greener elsewhere!!