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Updated 1:00 p.m. - Among the flurry of conservatives vowing to redouble their efforts to repeal President Obama’s health reform law was the handful of Republicans whom Mitt Romney might pick as a running mate.
Below is a rundown of portions of their statements, which we will continue to update throughout the day.
Ohio Sen. Rob Portman:
While the Court has deemed the law constitutional as a tax on the American people, it is still flawed policy that is unaffordable for our families, our small businesses, and our government. The President's one-size-fits-all health care spending law is the centerpiece of a failed agenda that has increased economic uncertainty, stalled job creation, and deepened the spending hole that Washington has dug.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio:
What's important to remember is that what the Court rules on is whether something is constitutional or not, not whether it's a good idea. And while the Court has said that the law is constitutional, it remains a bad idea for our economy, and I hope that in the fall we will have a majority here that will not just repeal this law, but replace it with real solutions that will insure more people and cost a lot less money.
Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan
Today’s decision strengthens the case for repeal and replace. With the right leadership in place, I am confident we can advance real health care solutions for the American people. It is now in the hands of the American people to determine whether this disastrous law will stand.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell:
Today's ruling crystallizes all that's at stake in November's election. The only way to stop Barack Obama's budget-busting health care takeover is by electing a new president. Barack Obama's health care takeover encapsulates his Presidency: Obamacare increases taxes, grows the size of government and puts bureaucrats over patients while doing nothing to improve the economy.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie:
Today's Supreme Court decision is disappointing and I still believe this is the wrong approach for the people of New Jersey who should be able to make their own judgments about health care. Most importantly, the Supreme Court is confirming what we knew all along about this law - it is a tax on middle class Americans.
New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte:
By imposing a coercive tax on the American people, the president's health care law represents an unprecedented federal overreach into individuals' personal lives. ... If we don't repeal it, Americans can expect to see higher costs, less choice and fewer jobs. I will continue to fight to repeal this law and replace it with market-based reforms that reduce costs and expand consumer choice.
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal:
Ironically, the Supreme Court has decided to be far more honest about Obamacare than Obama was. They rightly have called it a tax. Today's decision is a blow to our freedoms. The Court should have protected our constitutional freedoms, but remember, it was the President that forced this law on us.
Leave a Comment:
How is it that Boehner and the Nobody-Gets-Healthcare-But-Us Brigade:
Immediately swing into @ATTACK@ mode on the rest of this country, saying we must give control of our health care back to the Insurance Companies -
OR ELSE.
Republicans refused to acknowledge a problem even existed with health care until the Democrats forced them to.
Republicans have no plans to replace, but they do have one to repeal.
They have had a few years to come up with a "replace" plan. Yet no plan exists. Why not?
It's clear they have no intention of replacing anything if they have an opportunity to repeal.
What the GOP doesn't want you to know is that their "replace" plan is to put back everything that was included in ACA except the mandate...which is odd because they were FOR it before they were AGAINST it.
Da Noid,
On the President's Inauguration day in January 2009, 15 GOP seniors pledged to block every idea President Obama proposed to grow our economy and create jobs.
GOP voted down 2 million jobs in the American Jobs Act twice, and refused to debate it. Those are good examples of how they've been (openly) hurting America, and getting away with it.
Their plan is to blame any negative fallout on the President.
Something folks do not hear on Faux News.
Oh dear God:
Rand Paul, who must be totally without moral core:
Paraphrasing: "just because a couple of people on the court declare something Constitutional does not make it so."
Really, Rand? So that complete BS from the Paul cult about how you and daddy are the ONLY ones who know or have read the Constitution....
Complete bull$***!
Just rolled in off the beach bed and caught the 'Big News.'
So it's a tax now, eh?
Funny, and putting aside the million soundbites of Obama and his minions telling us over and over it's absolutely not a tax, what we now have is the US gov. imposing a tax on private people that goes to private corporations.
Seems a tad odd, yes?
And on top of that, we have libbies all happy about this.
Me, I suspect this will not end well for team blue, but for now I could care less. [Hey - go to Secrets Maroma Cancun live cam and check me out today. Either on the third lounger to the left or down on the beach].
M only final thought as I head back out for another Captain Morgan and coke is that Obama just HW Bushed himself.
Nobody like taxes. Nobody.
Cheers gang.
Oh and Ms. Spanky made me read 50 Shades of Grey. FInished book one, and can only assume he chases her through 2 and then they get married in 3?
Mindless drivel, but naughty fun time.
Spanky - you put me down for not knowing "how these things work" when you were SOOOOO sure it was going to be overturned.
How is it - with ALL of your inside knowledge, you actually didn't have a clue???
What a joke!
Obama/Biden 2012
Backhouse
How is it that Boehner and the Nobody-Gets-Health Care-But-Us Brigade:
Immediately swing into @ATTACK@ mode on the rest of this country, saying we must give control of our health care back to the Insurance Companies -
OR ELSE.
Because simply put ...they are hopeless, dogmatic, ideologues akin to *gasp* antidisembleshncment Backhouse
I don't get how this solves any problems.
1. States can refuse the Medicaid expansion. This was the main path to insuring the 30 million. This is now up in the air and can vary from state to state.
2. Insurance companies cannot refuse to insure anybody in 2014, but as the mandate is now a tax why would anybody buy insurance before getting sick? Much better to wait and pay the tax than pay a premium...even if you are indeed taxed. The way I understand it is that the IRS will not send you a refund if you indicate on your tax form that you do not have insurance. If you owe the government do they add the tax to your liability or can you just ignore it. Also, is this money going to the treasury or will it be disbursed to the insurance companies. If it simply is kept by the treasury then premiums will go up (see below).
3. If people do wait until sick to buy insurance and the insurance companies cannot refuse them then premiums will go up 20% - 30%. Uninsured people will still use the emergency room as before and cost-shifting will still occur.
4. What are the penalties for businesses. I hear they are $2000 per employee. This is MUCH less than the cost of a family plan. So why will a business offer health insurance rather than pay a fine.
5. Kaiser did an example of people earning between 35,001 and 50,000. An individual policy is around 4,000, and a person earning above 35K can expect a subsidy of just under $1,000. So to by a policy with premium support is going to cost around 10% of their pre-tax income, or they will have to pay the new tax. Hardly affordable. Consider also that if they don't buy a policy and then get sick, the insurance companies can charge up to 20% higher than their lowest cost policy.
So, exactly what problems does this legislation fix?
edit; should read
...they are hopeless, dogmatic, ideologues akin to *gasp* antidisestablishmentarianism
[How is it - with ALL of your inside knowledge, you actually didn't have a clue???]
That's because he has no inside knowledge, nor does he have a clue. Maybe he can better spend his time taking cheap shots at Domenico, who, by the way, handed Spanky his ass on a plate recently.
Ain't that right, "counselor"?
Yeah, you know I'm right...
Spanky,
I normally do not like a lot conservative ideas, but this one called the ACA that our president adopted, while not perfect is a step in the right direction.
As long as our ER rooms can not turn away individuals w/o health insurance, we would rightly have a tax that covers this luxury... we as Americans are used to luxuries and not like paying for it. I repeat this is a conservative idea, and I applaud it... too bad the neocons hate it.
The spinning of the facts continues...this is going to be fun to watch.
Boehner and Republicans know that 12.8 million Americans receive health insurance refund checks in July.
Republicans will be forced to tell Americans, that Republicans want to repeal the law so Americans can go back to paying more to their insurance companies.
Just rolled in off the beach bed and caught the 'Big News.'
Speaking of Exploding "Sperm whales", look who just showed up.
Hey Spanky, How does your head feel this morning?
Okay, I'm a little confused. You mean there are ACTUALLY Republican VP hopefuls? Honestly? Who would be moronic enough to want to be on a ticket with Mitt???
Obama/Biden 2012
Enjoy guys ... phase two of this fight which is a single payer system will be a tough one also.
Alan,NJ - As always you bring up good points. As you know I would have much liked single payer system for ease of understanding. That said, I am extremely happy that the ACA has been upheld. Perhaps a public option can be added later to increase competition. I will not pretend to know the answers outright. Just my thoughts.
1. If states refuse the medicaid expansion, don't you think it puts it in the hands of the electorate even more now. People who want the expansion might become more interested in state legislative races. Those against it can vote against it. Democracy in action, no?
2. I would think that the money, as it is described as a tax, would go to the government. Possibly to help fund the Law's provisions, set up exchanges etc. Why would it go to the insurance companies?
3. This is where responsibility comes into play, it they don't get it they will have to pay the tax. Then if they choose to get insurance when sick they will pay 20% more than before. It incentivizes them to act responsibly. For example, some may not want to buy flood, fire insurance but the responsible thing is to buy it just in case. Case in point Colorado fires and Florida hurricanes.
4. Point taken some business with over 50 people might chose to not provide insurance. If and when the job market improves, not having insurance for employees will not be a selling point for potential employees. It is a market driven approach, if company A refuses to offer these benefits they might lose employees to company B. I'm looking long term here.
5. The 20% increase in premiums - see point 3 above.
Republicans playing defense and they are hopeless
their are no more republicans, nor democrats, nor independants... All in the USofA are now socialist! Er, be it not by choice!
;~(
Think about this though... if you don't work, you get healthcare, food (stamps), housing (gvmt). We have now caught up to what INMATES receive, congratulations America!!
No logic there, Romney. Like the old "If you don't support the war, you don't support the troops" BS. How the heck does it matter who is in the White House and what Congress, or now the SCOTUS will do in regard to "Obamacare?" Does Romney thinks this is a dictatorship? Oh, I see, he plans to make it a dictatorship (otherwise known as a plutocracy).
Hey Romney -- Didn't you get the memo from Boehner? You're not supposed to say "repeal and replace," just "repeal." Yeh, let's hear about the "replace" plan you have...oh wait, do that after you release your tax returns...
Right. In fact the insurance companies must refund premiums if not used toward actual health care. They can only use 20% for administrative overhead/profit. So there is already a billion in refunds due to consumers. When rightwingers start getting these checks, they too will say ACA is better than doing nothing to fix our broken health care system.
But we need a public option!
Wow, the incompetence of the right is astounding! Really! Over and over and over and over again and again and again you hear from the right, "See I told you so, it is a tax!"
SCOTUS (actually Republicon Justice Roberts) says its so, so I guess Simon says so. Right?
Are taxes now penalties? It was deemed that way, again, by the right, however, the Act, like having to wear a seatbelt, is a PENALTY, or FINE, if you are caught not wearing it. Not a tax.
POTUS has said this to nauseum and it completely does fly-by's over Republicons. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised since they would much rather trust the word of the Republicon majority in SCOTUS.
New Republican talking points...drafted before the decision was handed down, so nothing really meaningful.
The entire Republican Party just got bitch slapped by the SCOTUS and they don't like it one bit.
TOUGH!
Now all of them are trying to spin things so it doesn't look like the loss it was to them.
The GNOP has little going for them other than to attempt to say and do everything possible in a negative manner. That is the only thing they have been successful with.
This day is a preview of what is to happen in November; another win for the democrats and the American people and another bitter loss for the GNOP.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
Willard looked like someone let the air out of his normally "cocky" tires!
Speaking of cocky, where oh where are our usual right wing nuts today?
Second time this week they got caught flat-footed! lmao!
Speaking of cocky, where oh where are our usual right wing nuts today?
There heads exploded and now they are busy trying to determine if there is a provision in the ACA that will pay for a brain transplant that they all so desperately need.
In the mean time I am going to relish in the relative sane and peaceful quiet at FR .
Hey NOmore, I'm not a right wing, but an Independent . I know you would take your best shot, but anyway Congratulations and keep on Gloating.
Hey NOmore, I'm not a riaght
Poor Concerned is so shook, she can't even talk straight....
Do you folks even care how often and how many times this President has lied to the American people?
This is a tax on everyone.
Including all those folks who make less than $250,000/year.
But the great news is that it goes to the Insurance companies, not the Feds.
Lie after lie after lie and yet you cheer.
Guess we should remember that the next time you all spout about WMD's.
BTW GT, what is with you and your penchant for pointing out spelling errors in dissenting opinions? Nothing better to add?
WCA - get over it. You lost and we have a great President!
And, what does that have to do with the non-existent WMD's?
Your desperation is showing - big time!
Obama/Biden 2012
Hey GT - I believe Concerned stated "Hey NOmore, I'm not a right wing, but an Independent ."
Could it be you that needs to understand how to spell "riaght" (right)
I am also an Independent - until I can get down to Cityhall to register as a Republican. See you in November - bring your A game.
Why waste our "A" game on Romney? **yawn**
WHO CARES WHAT POTENTIAL REPUBLICAN VPs THINK ABOUT THE RULING?
Talk about the furthest people from power. Lowest politicians on the food chain. I'd sooner hear what the Mayor of Portland has to say. He is grappling right now with cuts by the Republican state legislature for healthcare for low income people.
Who cares what the current crop of VP hopefuls have to say...
What does Sarah "death panals" Palin have to say...*snark chuckkle*
What does Sarah "death panals" Palin have to say...*snark chuckkle
Whatever she says it will be unintelligent. Word salads are irrelevant!!!
Did we hear from the queen of repeal 'Obamacare', Michelle Bachman?.
She must have collapsed into a puddle as she looks in the mirror and asks. "Mirror, Mirror on the wall who is the looniest of all?' You are Michelle, you are.
GM - I don't know. That Christine O'Donnell might slightly top Michelle Bachman - just slightly. How did one party end up with both of these loons? Oh wait - Republicans - never mind!
I don't care what those Republican VP losers have to say.
Today's "Dewey Defeats Truman" moment goes to CNN and FOX News.
Both initally reported that ACA was struck down.
www.newsday.com/opinion/viewsday-1.3683911/cnn-s-mistake-on-obama-health-care-ruling-historic-1.3810723
Hey governor Christy,
Sure let the people in your state make their own decision about health care. 1.3 million in your state are uninsured. I know the good people of NJ believe in personal responsibility and will seek insurance coverage under this law., now that preexisting conditions, exchanges, qualify for Medicaid for low income adults will be available.
Only the deadbeats will pass and have a tax under the individual madate.
But I am sure they are few and far between in you state.
A particular shout out to Think Progress and their extraordinary work. We are fortunate to be able to go to them as a source for what is true and what isn't, particularly when it comes to health care.
They are the future in journalism and it's important for the future of our country that we see their reporting on tv.
I love how right wing people here on First Read tell me not to read Think Progress. Gee, is it because TP tells the truth?
We wouldn't want that, now would we?
They're reporting right now that CNN, Huffington Post, Time and Fox had the story wrong today. SURprise SURprise!
Pat Boston MA - Aren't you from Mass. - Wasn't Romney your Governor .
Please convince me that Obamacare (Romneycare raised to a new level) - Do enough of a convince job - and maybe, just maybe - I'll vote for your man.
I watched it on SCOTUS blog live. Was a texted, online deal with journalists/bloggers who solely cover the supreme court.
First thing they said was "Mandate is upheld to be constitutional as a tax."
Fox I understand, but CNN, TIME etc surprised they got it wrong. Wow that would have been depressing to think it went one way then learn it was wrong. Can't say I have any sympathy for the anti-health care crowd though.
DenverBob, we don't need to convince you. Google it. Set your mind free.
Watching Mittens now:
He just told lie after lie about what the HCR does. Man couldn't tell the truth if he were paid. Which, of course, he is paid by the Koch Brothers to lie daily.
Kind of embarrassing, Mittens: Same plan you put in place in MA.
You were for it before you were against it.
I would think Mr. Romney would be taking some credit today considering the Op-Ed he wrote back in 2009 telling the President this was the right thing to do.
That would at least be the honest position to take, Da Noid.
Bishop Willard's side just went into a nose dive of EPIC proportions, the RWNJ's were not only counting on a reversal they were screaming from the rooftops that THIS DECISION was the DEATH of BHO's run for a 2nd term..... not so much it turns out .
I would imagine that sane people would tuck-tail & hide all day from the impending flack... but I know them RWNJ's and they not only don't have the pride to stay away they will jump in with both feet up to their eyeballs & proclaim the SCOTUS decision to be
the NEW DEATH of Obama.... always another death in their future to keep their spirits up !
Cantor, Boehner & McConnell's hole is twice as deep this morning as it was when they went to bed last night...... i think they will be taking a WIDE STANCE from here on out !!
I can't wait to see what the CLOWN Hannity will say tonite on FOX NOISE.
Hannity is s-o-o-o-o accomplished with that puppetry thing. Ican see his strings behind his ears.
12.8 million Americans will receive a refund from the insurance companies for over billing in 2011 thanks to today's ruling.
That's 12.8 million Americans who will realize they were lied to by Republicans.
Finally, taxpayers will see relief of paying for emergency room visits of millions of Americans who can afford insurance, but opted to have taxpayers pay for their unpaid emergency room visits if they became sick. Those who want to risk it will now have to pay a tax, so the rest of us who are responsible finally get a tax break.
So glad the Republican attack dogs are ON RECORD decrying this ruling, which in a few years, will have people wondering how we ever lived without it.
Just think: my nephew, who had heart surgery as a child, will never be denied health insurance because he has a pre-existing condition.
Just think: if you lose your job, you will not lose your health insurance. You can change jobs! Work for yourself and still provide healthcare for your family!
Just think: if you get sick or injured, you won't be forced into bankruptcy to pay medical bills that accumulated after your insurance ran out.
Just think: your adult child can stay on your insurance until they are 26, so you don't have to worry they will go without insurance while they "find themselves."I have young friends who are still paying medical bills in their thirties, they racked up by getting into an accident, while uninsured, in their twenties.
Excellent comment Amy!
While the GNOP is busy declaring foul, the sane people of the country can now rest a little easier knowing they won't have to hock the farm to pay for their care.
Amy -
Just think - with $1350 a month I can pay for mandate (a TAX) Healthcare for my family $5000 deductable 80/20 policy.
To bad that my Mortgage is $2153 /mo.
Lets see $2150 + $1350 = 3500... After Taxes = That means I must have to have at least a $50K /yr job just to sleep.
Add in another $800 for food, another $300 for phones (next terms mandate), 150 for Electricity, $150 for Gas...
Guessing that adds upto 5K a month after tax income - so about 75K a year pre-tax.
Lets see - that means about $36.00 an hour - based upon 40 hours a week.
Anybody need a 57yo programmer - I only need $36.00 an hour to survive.
If you're not making at lest 75K a year as a programmer, that's your fault. Or you're not that good a programmer.
Hey whats that THUMP sound I keep hearing? Could it be the rocks hitting the ground as our far right wing haters crawl back under?
Don't crow too early! The GNOP'ers are regrouping, coming up with new ways to spin the lies they have been spewing; Watch them go at this as a TAX INCREASE on the middle class. Is Rush gagging yet?
One can only hope.
yeah, he's blubbering like a baby that's lost his binky. Aint it grand!
Harry Reid's comments on the Senate Floor this morning . . .
I prefer that one to all of those listed above!
Now come out an TELL us what you really signed into law.
Since COngress, POTUS, SCOTUS did not read what was signed into LAW.
I claim dereliction of Duty.... If this is shown to benefit the insurance industry - I will vow to make sure ALL independents know that they just let were sold down the river.
The Liar and the Pandaer
At the top of the BS list.
Military Members, Veterans, Military retirees; note that Romney PROMOTED THE DRAFT during the Viet Nam War,
then skipped out to France for extraordinary length of time when church missionary tours were limited.
When Romney came home, he sided with his dad that the whole Viet Nam War was a scam and that he
was against the war. Promoting the draft, while Americans were dieing, he skipped out, then says he
wishes he could have participated. His whole life has been a lie.
Romney is a COWARD, Lying, Draft Dodger, who promoted someone else to die for him, that is
his way of management. One may want anyone but Obama, but this guy ranks with Jane Fonda and
should not be given anything or elected for anything. A low life human being who has risen to the top
because of his families money.
Military Members, Veterans, Military retirees; note that Romney PROMOTED THE DRAFT during the Viet Nam War,
then skipped out to France for extraordinary length of time when church missionary tours were limited.
When Romney came home, he sided with his dad that the whole Viet Nam War was a scam and that he
was against the war. Promoting the draft, while Americans were dieing, he skipped out, then says he
wishes he could have participated. His whole life has been a lie.
Romney is a COWARD, Lying, Draft Dodger, who promoted someone else to die for him, that is
his way of management. One may want anyone but Obama, but this guy ranks with Jane Fonda and
should not be given anything or elected for anything. A low life human being who has risen to the top
because of his families money.
You know what is funny of the first passage:
The very first thought that popped up in my head was Darth Vader discussing the Emperor's displeasure of the efforts building the Death Star, to the general, said virtually the same thing.
"Sorry, Lord Vader, we shall redouble our efforts...." HA! XD ....and I can hear the Vader/Volkswagon commercial theme playing in the background, also!
However, there will not be "The Empire Strikes Back" in this movie. More like "The Return of the Jedi"!
Obama 2012!
Low life phoney who wants to be president, I don't think so.
Military people are against you Romney.