Now that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act/”Obamacare” has been ruled mostly constitutional and the Intramuralist’s analysis of the law itself has ceased, allow me to share my most significant, resulting concern…
The process to enact the law was fully partisan. The sad reality is that this is an observation we ignore if we agree with the bill — with most bills. But then again, this isn’t what concerns me most.
The process was divisive. Due to the fact that the process was pushed from a partisan perspective, divisiveness was rampant. One of my current, chief apprehensions about Pres. Obama is whether or not he’s a uniter or divider. Then again, this also isn’t what concerns me most.
The process (notice there is much about the process) was manipulated, full of favors, negotiated behind closed doors, and rushed through Congress without congressmen reading the bill. There is much in that observation that causes this semi-humble current events blogger to shake my head, wondering how so many seemingly ethical people can be comfortable with that. But no, this still isn’t what concerns me most.
It also isn’t the content. The advocates’ primary talking point for the last few months has been: “the bill’s not perfect, but it’s a good start.” Allow me to acknowledge there is some ‘good stuff’ in there; but allow me to also acknowledge there’s some ‘bad stuff’ in there. Ignorance of that fact does not make this law wise nor even comparable to “perfect.” Then again, the specifics of what’s embedded within the legislation are known to very few.
I’m also not most concerned about the new taxes. I know, I know… Even after the Supreme Court ruled the only way the mandated purchase can be constitutional is because it’s a tax, the White House Press Sec. said Friday (after the ruling) that it’s not a tax; “it’s a penalty.” Geepers. The Supreme Court ruled a “penalty” is unconstitutional; a tax — regardless of wisdom — is legal. Still, the flurry of rhetorical contradiction is not my greatest concern.
Additionally, I’m not significantly concerned about some pundits’ reactions. For example…
Democratic National Committee Executive Director Patrick Gaspard, tweeting almost immediately after the ruling: “It’s constitutional. B—–s.” Note that his “B” word rhymes with “witches.” Nice.
Am I concerned about significant inflation and debt? Of course… but not most. Economically speaking, if coverage is mandated, specific services are required, and coverage is now free for many, someone has to pay for that. Will it be the government, thus sinking into deeper debt? Or will it be you and me? What will be the effect on small business? Small business now has 2 choices: hire less than 50 people (so providing coverage isn’t mandated) or significantly raise the price of goods and services. One amounts to fewer jobs — the other, higher inflation.
Am I most concerned about larger government? Where inefficiency expands and individual liberty potentially diminishes? Not exactly.
Ok, ok… what concerns me most?
Time and time again, our country passionately works to care for the least of these. I believe that is our calling, as a nation, but even more so as individuals. Ironically, however, time and time again, our justification for caring for those ‘least’ totally omits that this is what the God of the universe has long exhorted us to do. The call comes not from a party nor any president.
Repeatedly, policy is advocated where we omit any recognition of a divine creator. We pat ourselves repeatedly for doing what’s supposedly good and compassionate without acknowledging it was God who mandated the calling. With healthcare, we can boast, “Finally! We are taking care of the least of these!” But God has been historically clear; any nation that refuses to acknowledge him — what he’s done and what he still calls us to do — ceases to exist. Don’t take my word for it. Study it. Countries who negate their reliance on God are at some point utterly ruined and destroyed.
I believe in individually and corporately caring for the least of these. I believe in being fiscally responsible. And I believe in acknowledging God as the one who called us to do both.
Respectfully,
AR