Health Care: Take II

President, Dr. Obama

If the first health care debate was not enough for you, get ready for the 2011 version coming to a TV, web page, and newspaper near you soon.  Repeal of Obamacare is at the top of the new Republican Congress' agenda and they will not waste a moment to bring it to the floor of the House for debate and a vote.  It will undoubtedly pass the House as new members raise their teacups in a toast to celebrate their recent victory and flex their muscle; but I question whether everyday Americans like you and I will be impressed.  It is highly unlikely that it will be passed in the Senate and even if it were, it would not escape the scrutiny of the President's veto pen.

I am by  no means an expert on the new health care law.  However, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions, the non partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the new law will reduce the budget deficit by $140 billion dollars over the next ten years, and senior citizens are subsidized in their purchase of needed prescription medications.  If this information were on Facebook I would most certainly press the "like" button--what about you?  Undoubtedly there are provisions in the law that I do not completely understand and some that are ill-advised--I am committed to educating myself more fully.

What is the primary motivation for the new Congress to renew this fight and pick up the boxing gloves again?  Number one, many new members campaigned on the promise to repeal Obamacare and they must fulfill their promise to their electorate.  It is wise for them to move on this issue quickly, even if they are ultimately unsuccessful--it will give their constituents plenty of time to forget before the next election.  We voters are notorious for our short memories--our politicians, including our President, count on it.  In addition to fulfilling a campaign promise, the new Republican Congress wants to flex its muscle prior to the President's State of the Union Address in order to, what they believe, will weaken and embarrass him.

Calculating politicians often miscalculate the position and response of the public to the actions they are hell bent on taking.  While Republicans were successful earlier this year in convincing many Americans that health care was a manifestation of the evil, socialist agenda of the President, I'm not so sure that they remain convinced.  I'm skeptical that the new law will really reduce the deficit--but I don't know more than the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.  Who can argue with not being denied health insurance due to a pre-existing condition,? Certainly not me.