Message to Congress: Don't 'fix' ObamaCare

In the wake of Judge Vinson's evisceration of ObamaCare, it appears that the plaintiffs - the attorneys general and governors of the 26 states involved in the suit - are recognizing their power. While the administration pretends nothing happened, they're standing up, as they should, against the law. From the WSJ:

"For Wisconsin, the federal health care law is dead," Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said in a statement, "unless Judge Vinson's decision is stayed by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals." Florida Governor Rick Scott said he had no intention of "wasting time and money" executing the for-now defunct law, and his insurance commissioner returned a $1 million federal assistance grant. Idaho will also freeze implementation, and we hope the remaining 23 states join the rejectionists.


As do all freedom-loving Americans. We echo this passion. But it's important to also say that under no scenario should ObamaCare be "fixed." The states, Congress, and ultimately a president who supports the Constitution, must repeal it wholesale. The WSJ goes on to call "promising" a bill from John Barrasso (R-WY) that would allow states to "opt out" of the individual mandate.

But this is the kind of piecemeal approach which hurts repeal efforts. There is no severability clause in ObamaCare (the individual mandate is compulsory) and because there isn't, Vinson rejected the law in toto. To allow states to "opt out" weakens both Congressional repeal efforts, as well as judicial precedent, because it subverts his ruling.

With this in mind, we must avoid "band-aid" measures. Public perception is fickle, and the nixing of the 1099 reporting provision - the first "tinker" - is a p.r. win for Democrats. The message-"It can be saved!"

Never mind that the provision's revenue projection was .009% of the law's projected cost. The impression is one of "solutions."

But there are no solutions, save for "repeal." Health care is not a right, it's a service amenable to market forces and must be defended as such. The GOP must recognize this reality or aid disaster.

Because, as it now stands, that's what ObamaCare is.


Greg Halvorson is the founder of Soldiers Without Boots , and hosts Freedom Warrior Radio on Blog TalkRadio


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