Letter: Court’s ruling on Obamacare affects fall elections, economy, he says

TO THE EDITOR: Obamacare is now in the hands of the Supreme Court.

After reading the transcripts and listening to all I could, it seems to me six of the nine judges had made up their minds reading pre-case briefs. Three liberals, three conservatives.

It’s not unusual for SCOTUS judges of all beliefs to garner more information from briefs than the oral arguments. From questions asked, it seems to me the fate of Obamacare is in the hands of three judges. How they’ll rule is anyone’s guess. They could leave it as it stands, strike down the entire law or something in the middle.

How they rule will affect elections this fall and 1/6th of America’s economy for years to come.

What I found ironic is Scalia’s observation that there may be politics at play, as that the 26 Attorneys General who sued for overturn all came from states with Republican governors. I listened to seven interviews of Republican AG’s and they all said that, if Congress had enacted a

National “Single Payer” health system, they wouldn’t have a case to present. Isn’t that funny that, if Congress had enacted a Single Payer system instead of a Market-based exchange, Obamacare would be unchallengeable even by Republican standards? Remarkable.

I don’t know how the SCOTUS will rule; anyone who claims to know is a fool. Let’s be clear about the heart of the case—Mandated coverage for all Americans. The Mandate’s genesis is a Republican idea. Two of whom are running for President now. Gingrich was the first champion and Gov. Romney enacted it.

Politically, either way they rule, it’s going to be a very passionate summer, as the ruling is expected to be announced in June. I’m sure the opinion page will be full of opinions both ways. I only hope they’re thoughtful.

Tags: opinion, letters, politics