Abraham Lincoln and the Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare)

(Promoted by Colorado Pols)

This evening the Democrats won a great victory in Congress and upheld the principle that budgets and more importantly, the credit of our country, should never be held hostage by a relatively small minority of members who don't like a particular law (in our case the Affordable Healthcare Act – AHA) or the individual who proposed it and saw it through to become the law of our land. Although a great victory has been won, this is not a time to gloat or rub noses in the dirt.

Senator Cruz, as late as this evening, from the floor of the Senate addressed his colleagues and harangued the AHA as the cause of great misery for the average American. He alleged it was costing average Americans a great deal of money, that their health insurance coverage has been canceled by the AHA and that businesses are cutting the hours of their employees across the country to avoid providing health insurance under the AHA. He offered no proof but it wasn't a moment where a detailed analysis or documentary evidence is expected. On the House side, Speaker Boehner acknowledged defeat, but again asserted he will continue the battle to repeal the AHA and he cited many of the assertions attributed Senator Cruz in the preceding sentence.

Let that debate begin but let it be based on facts and experience rather than unfounded theory or worse. And they should keep in mind the words of the the greatest Republican:

Let me not be understood as saying that there are no bad laws, nor that grievances may not arise for the redress of which no legal provisions have been made. I mean to say no such thing. But I do mean to say that although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still, while they continue in force, for the sake of example they should be religiously observed.

A. Lincoln

Respect for existing laws should be the rule in almost all circumstances. There have been exceptions like the civil disobedience required during the Civil Rights movement but the AHA certainly doesn't rise to that. Our lawmakers should not try to ransom our credit, our budget or our good name where they do not have the votes or political majority in our national legislature. Such efforts as we have witnessed brings other consequences, including economic dislocation, disrespect abroad and most important contempt for our national government here at home. None of those consequences are of service to our country either in the long or short term. 

The Republicans aim to repeal the AHA. Let them try but before they begin they should look to history and guidance from the greatest Republican:

The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.

A. Lincoln

Present day theoretical criticisms should never be the basis for amending or repealing a law. Let the AHA go into effect. Let the nation experience it. Let the citizens of this country decide whether or not they like the provisions of the law that allows their children coverage until they reach the age of 26. Let them experience the AHA provision that allows those with pre-existing conditions obtain insurance. Let them experience whether or not the AHA requires their employer to cancel a company's health insurance. Let them find out whether the AHA cuts healthcare costs and usage. Let the law be enforced and obeyed.  If the criticisms become fact, it will surely be amended or repealed.

In the meantime, let's "enforce it strictly."  

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