“Now begins communism in America,” sneered some members of the GOP.
Although it was a joke to relieve some of our stress, it is sad to think that this is how some Americans feel towards the passing of President Obama’s health care bill.
Signed into law on Tuesday, the Affordable Health for America Act has been the subject of scrutiny for the past year.
According to the New York Times, the measure will require most Americans to have health insurance coverage; would add 16 million people to Medicaid rolls; subsidize private coverage for low-and middle- income people and provide tax credits to small business who cannot afford to offer health insurance to their employees.
It will cost the government about $938 billion over ten years, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.
Despite the president’s signature, the legislative part is not over. Outraged Republicans are attempting to repeal the bill. Attorney generals from 13 states, including Florida, are filing a suit claiming that the health care overhaul is unconstitutional. Tea party activists are vowing to exact revenge in this year’s elections on those who helped to pass the bill.
This brings up the question of whether health care is a right or a privilege. Should not all Americans have a right to be covered by insurance?
The issue really does not seem that big a deal to some. If Americans are working hard to accumulate wealth for the few, why shouldn’t those hard working, “Average Joe’s,” have access to affordable health care?
Ironically, this is question that the GOP could not answer, which is subsequently why they lost this battle by a landslide.
Signing into law, the Affordable Health for America Act is a step toward a better future for American citizens. President Obama should be commended for keeping his word and helping to advance the lives of the less fortunate.