Obamacare Should Be Repealed, but That Should Be Just the First Step
by Dan MitchellRepublicans in the House of Representatives are seeking to force a vote, using a discharge petition, on repealing Obamacare. This has caused some infighting since some Republicans want to simply repeal the monstrosity that passed earlier this year, while other GOPers are in the repeal-and-replace camp (Heritage Action is leading the pure repeal effort and National Review has good coverage here and here).
I’m not an expert on the politics of healthcare and discharge petitions, but my gut instinct is that a pure repeal vote is the best short-term strategy. Having said that, there should be no question that good policy requires much more than repeal. In this new Center for Freedom and Prosperity video, Eline van den Broek of the European Independent Institute explains that Obamacare should be repealed, but she also makes a key observation that the American healthcare system was in deep trouble even before that legislation was adopted and sweeping reforms are needed for Medicare, Medicaid, and the tax code’s healthcare exclusion.
I especially like the “Health Freedom Meter” in the video. Citing government data on the huge share of healthcare spending that already is being financed by taxpayers – and showing that only 12 percent is financed directly by consumers, the Health Freedom Meter shows that Obamacare moved America from having a healthcare system 67 percent controlled by government to a system 79 percent controlled by government. That’s obviously a step in the wrong direction, but it also makes clear that repealing Obamacare means a system that will still be burdened with far too much government invovlement and intervention.
Unfortunately, it is not clear if Republicans have the brains or the ….um…fortitude to push the sweeping reforms advocated in the video. Congressman Paul Ryan’s Roadmap is one of the few GOP proposals that contains some of the policies mentioned in the video (though that proposal is marred on the revenue side by the inclusion of a value-added tax).
The ultimate lesson to be learned from this issue is that more government is not the way to solve problems caused by government. Every time politicians intervene in the healthcare market, they pass some law that makes the system worse. They then say that the resulting problems require even more government intervention. I expect that I’ll be famous at some point (like Art Laffer for the Laffer Curve) for Mitchell’s Law, which is the simple observation that “Bad government policy begets more bad government policy.” But I’d much prefer to remain anonymous because politicians stopped being such nuisances.
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65 Comments
It's important repeal is for the right reasons, it's unconstitutional …
Good article. It does point out that there were issues before Obama tried to "fix" it. I fully support a repeal effort, but more has to be done, ie, tort reform, cutting the fraud/waste/abuse in the medicare, medicaid system,
Medicare is broken so let's fix it with Medicare on steroids. It's illogical, it's unconstitutional, it's too costly, it's unfair, it gives too much power over individual health care choices to some nameless, faceless bureaucrat, it will break the doctors, it will lower the quality of care, it will increase the waiting time for any and all operations, it will demand changes in everyone's behavior( You smoke? You can no longer receive care. You are fat? No more care until you lose some weight. You drink? Forget that operation; you are not worthy. You're old? Well, the younger people have more to give so they come first.). Other than these few little things, it's a f—ing great idea!
The problem with our system is that we have confused the issue of payment with that of insurance. One buys insurance to cover potentially ruinous expenses, paying for most expenses out-of-pocket. As one's earnings and/or savings increase, they can reduce the amount of insurance (increase the deductible) to make the insurance less costly.
The government plan will constantly be under political pressure to increase benefits (lower the deductible), which is logically counter to the proper use of insurance.
The winners will be those providers who can afford to lobby Congress to give them the biggest share of the pie.
Repeal, then addressing real issues can be looked at.
Do not speak of replace, why do we need to replace unconstitutional unneeded, statist power expanding legislation?
Get rid of it first.
Mmm, and good luck getting that done, that's for sure.
Let's start with tort reform and secure borders. Between the skyrocketing malpractice insurance and having to pay for illegals who use the ER for primary care and don't pay, the working American citizen is getting shafted.
I'm not that old, I remember when I could just go to my family doctor, get taken care of and pay his reasonable bill. No middleman either of the insurance or government variety. THAT's what I want to go back to.
Followed by a CRIMINAL investigation of the executive branch. Then one of the democratic leadership of congress. Followed by several trials then long hard sentences.
I say we go whole hog. Obama, Pelosi and Reid didn't care if they broke the law, now it's time to pay the piper.
It's how the current Democrat party does things. It's like curing cancer by giving you more cancer and then being shocked when you die from cancer.
The leftie 'logic' is that "They didn't have BHO and we do." They think since we have "the ONE", he'll make it successful. Just shows him more of the empty suit he already is.
Can't remember when Republicans played in their own ball park,…..
even the Bush tax cuts had to be cut in half,………..
Let's just pray that the Tea ("racist") Party Movement doesn't lose steam.
Repeal the monster and if (when) Oblabla wont play defund it until 2012. When THE CHOSEN ONE starts getting budgets that are 2/3 of what he's getting now something has got to give. It'll be the "Save our teachers, Cops and Firemen" crap. When cutting the budget lets start with the EPA, HUD, the department of Education and all the feel good departments not with the people who actually do something productive in/for society.
I agree. The effort to repeal this disaster will gain more traction if the GOP also promise to address the reasons why medical care has become so expensive the last 2 decades.
Eline's points are correct. Obama and his version of "care" must go. All federal mandates on insurance must go. Consumers must be exposed directly to real market forces that impact cost. Trial lawyers must be banished through tort reform. Anything short of this list or "replacing" bad stuff with different bad stuff is insanity.
Why would any conservative: a)not see this; and b)not have the stomach for it?
Any Republicans decides not to repeal any of Obama's crap that was passed are called RINOs and needs to be voted out!
We need names of the Congressmen who are not on the bandwagon for complete repeal, ASAP.
When constituents ask they mealy mouth the subject and never really give a definite answer. If we
can get inside information that they plan to oppose full repeal we have ammunition for challenging
them when they are campaigning for the Nov elections. We must have a guarantee from any candi-
date on their vote on this matter. Fence sitting should not be tolerated.
While it is the thought that counts, "Repeal it" is not going to work regarding Health Care, any more than Senator Shelby's comments on repealing the financial "de-from" bill. Repealing is easier said than done. The only major piece of legislation that is comparable to Health Care that was ever repealed, was Prohibition. The reason that worked, was folks wanted a drink.Health care is a different issue. It just created a Trillion dollar entitlement. It bankrupted US.
Lets see a Full Criminal Investigation all of them, including the Executive Branch of this Government and of the Democratic Leadership, for Crimes against America, and the D.O.J. This Administration has perpetuated Legislation that was and is, CLEARLY against the will of The People!
Darrell Issa, Please supoena each one of this Administration's members and satisfy America with their interrogation. We have been tortured, terrified and oppressed, to the point of despair with their socialist policies. We need to see them held publicly accountable with American JUSTICE!
It needs repealing.These quotes are very old, yet pointed and remind us that, "we" must take out country back. This wolves are not going to unclench their teeth without us socking them in the jaw:
Constitutional Limits on Government Have Been Subverted; We Are Losing Our Republic!
"A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner. Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." – Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
"When there is an income tax, the just man will pay more and the unjust less on the same amount of income." – Plato (427 BC – 347 BC), The Republic
"When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic. Sell not liberty to purchase power." – Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." – Edmund Burke (1729 – 1797)
Barrycare needs to be stopped before the parasites can latch on. However, this will require courage from our elected politicians in Washington…I have my doubts. The “good” news, in a sick way, this will hasten our financial collapse, and once the host is dead, we can start over again, and re-found our great country.
The ultimate fix, repeal the 16th Amendment, institute a Fair Tax, and go forth and sin no more! .
First things first. Don't assume that conservatives will be elected in November. Many have posted here "Wait till November". We CAN'T afford to wait till November. As individuals We the People, MUST be involved locally and nationally to INSURE that happens. If you are NOT out in the street or e-mailing, calling, petitioning the RHINO's who are on 'automatic' GET INVOLVED now!
We the People tend NOT to be "Community Organizers" and WE KNOW that works.
Obama is a ticket to a life of pure pain in the wallet, and brain.
Yes. Government has morphed from an entity that was designed to protect the United STATES of America and their citizens from foreign invasion, insurrection and other things that trampled on individual liberty, into an entity that perceives it's role to protect the individual from himself. Social engineering sucks.
I don't think we'll "lose steam" CR, but we need some new methods of attack.
Infantry has not been effective,,,,,,,,,,,,we must move on to another mode of attack,
IMO we're floundering for a new direction, since our opposition so far has been ineffective.
The Congress is fulfilling the oRegime's dreams week by week. It is hard to stomach.
Repeal and then start again!
Powerful cartoon on the "Congressional Abuse" of passing this in the first place at http://drawfortruth.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/cong...
Think positive CL……………the same principle applies as prohibition……………
people will want some cake and icecream………. : – )
REPEAL EVERY PIECE OF LEGISLATION FROM JAN 2009 TO 2012. THEN BEGIN RESTORING OUR LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMS THAT HAVE BEEN SUCKED FROM US SINCE 1900.
Is there really a wrong reason?
Unconstitutional, unsustainable, job destroyer, incentive-killer, crushing tax burden, federal government intrusion…..
Take your pick.
As much as I agree with the essence of your statement, a Republican/Independent controlled congress is going to have to go about this the right way. Vindictiveness will turn off the squishy moderates which, be honest, make up the largest portion of the voting populace. You have to keep these people in your corner, all the while reminding them why this needs to be done and keeping that foremost in their minds.
Turning around the economy with tax cuts and massive reductions in federal spending will point the way and make the whole process easier. People have to be shown the errors being made, even moderate Republicans won't go along with all the cuts that are necessary unless they are shown the glaring errors and the fact that there is no other way. The stupidity of these people never ceases to amaze me. They are the reason we are where we are at.
However,…….they'll never admit it.
What the libprogtards will show you is a man, struggling under a 300 lb weight and say " See, it works!". Greece is the example. but how many are really heeding that example?
Keep exposing the hard left. They have all crawled out from under their rocks and populate a target rich environment. They need to be destroyed.
It's going to get very ugly.
Agreed Tarpon! Total repeal. Healthcare is a start, then there are lots of other things to repeal as well.
I think we should make that a battle cry for November 2010 elections. No Pledge to Repeal – then No Vote.
How about cutting taxes out of the heal care industry?
Zero taxes on hospital income, pharma drugs sold, taxes on doctors and nurses, taxes on procedure and testing, Zreo taxes on health insurance profits and plans……cut taxes out of everything health care why should the government profit from a crises?…..I bet this would cut some 20-30% of the cost of health care and it could take place today…..same for alternative energy AE equipment, infrastructure and retrofits…..get rid of the taxes in these crucial areas.
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/07/16/americas...
Laws and regulations nowadays are longer than ever because length is needed to specify how people will be treated unequally. For example, the health care bill of 2010 takes more than 2,700 pages to make sure not just that some states will be treated differently from others because their senators offered key political support, but more importantly to codify bargains between the government and various parts of the health care industry, state governments, and large employers about who would receive what benefits (e.g., public employee unions and auto workers) and who would pass what indirect taxes onto the general public.
========
pass it on… Outstanding article…
Even should the Republicans take both houses back, I fear you may be correct that the gutless wonders would attempt to morph it into healthcare lite. This is why I am no longer a Republican. Showing that they can fix the economy through tax cuts and massive spending reductions will ease the path to repeal. Not easy to do. This is a very long road that requires actual statesmen, not enabled trial lawyers, to accomplish.
If I had my druthers, trial lawyers would be out weed wacking highways and cleaning state parks.
……in three piece suits.
That would be fun to crack a few beers and watch. I've qualified expert with empty beer cans. The trick is to put some rocks in the bottom.
True dat!
But then again, we weren't ……victims
2/3rds?!?!?
How about about half.
…..and take away their parking spots, too.
But this just gives truth to the lie.
Healthcare is not their goal, insurance is, but insurance is not care is it?
They don't give two craps about helping people, caring for the sick or any other such nonsense.
They are after power, and all this money will now be under their control.
That is what this is about.
Too bad that more people do not understand this, of course it helps the statist that the media effectively work for the statist, and will lie and cover up truths whenever called upon to do so.
I got your back brother.
Neither tort reform (desperately needed) nor waste/fraud/abuse enforcement (a bogeyman of the left) are nearly enough. The REAL problem has been and always will be 3rd party payor. If I pay for your groceries, you ain't buying hamburger helper in bulk; you'll be buying USDA prime – that's human nature. The consumer of health care must learn the COST of the product. Once this fundamental of capitalism is restored to healthcare, market forces will begin to work their magic.
Robert Gibbs Is Asked About Obama's Connecticut Social Security Number http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8Aahw3NT6E
Obama's Social Security Number(s) – Jerome Corsi on the Jeff Kuhner Show – 5/18/10 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRt64dO0opE&pl...
According to the USDOJ lawyers, It's not insurance. Government lawyers are presently arguing the case in court, as health-care being a legal Constitutional tax under the "general welfare" clause. The USDOJ argument have made democrat congress persons and president Barack H. Obama II into big liars to the American people. And the Socialists charade continues.
NOVEMBER, VOTE THE DIRTY COMMIE RATS OUT
People will be sorry and surprised when they learn that instead of office visits when they are sick, ObamaCare requires that their doctor "Tweet" them – SHOCKING details are at:
http://spnheadlines.blogspot.com/2010/03/obama-he...
Peace!
Brilliant! That's about the most original and workable solution I've ever heard!
Truth. But given the current climate in D.C. and (my) inherent disgust with republicans as well, I have small hopes for real change in the healthcare system.
Attila the Pun (great moniker): I'm on your page with illegals/ER for free healthcare, and at the risk of being lynched by the "compassionate left," I have a suggestion… I can't really quibble with a legal requirement that emergency care cannot be refused, but how about holding the enablers of illegal alien-presence financially liable for the associated costs? Sanctuary cities (and other "sanctuary" bodies, including churches) and organizations that raise & use funds for protests and demonstrations to promote/encourage illegal presence, should be held financially accountable for all associated cost(s).
Citizens who use emergency rooms have to pay for services received (most work out payment plans and do ultimately pay all related charges); why should providers have to "eat" the cost (and pass it on via higher charges for all patients) for illegals, who are here due to the "compassion" of activists who want to reach into our (taxpayer) pockets to pay for their "good works?"
Repeal and replace and then restore the Republic.
thinking about this DC thing going on in August,…..there onecornpone.
maybe we ought to talk about it here on BG.
If you are speaking of Becks shin-dig on 8/28, I agree we probably should.
Do you think all this high-profile BS by the New Black Pussy's is designed
to scare folks away from that DC event? That thought had occurred to me.
Everyone is up for a TEA Party, but some may not show if they fear trouble
with the New Black Pussy's. Beck seems to be somewhat concerned, now
that shabozozz has announced his intention to appear.
Super brilliant. Can I copy this and send it to my congress critter?
Well, you just gave me a great idea. My congressman always sends out questions to his constituents on how we would vote on things.
Time for a little quid pro quo.
I"m going to ask for for him to do a little polling for me. Who's FOR repeal, Who's for Repeal and replace.
Maybe we should all do it.
MyKu:
After November,
Obama will not have much
except a veto.
Yeah, the GOP is going to make gains in both houses of the legislature, but they won't have veto-proof majorities, so they're going to have to be very creative when it comes to dismantling Obama's Frankenstein monsters. The "repeal it immediately, outright" crowd is not going to get what it wants. Accept that now so you don't get angry later.
that's the one buddy,……….
if I do not go,..it certainly will not be because of what these chongos say or do.
lets talk it up.
sisty……….that's what we're here for,……………to bounce ideas off one another and cause the
lightbulbs hanging over our heads to pop on. Happens to me here quite frequently.
Your turn!
I'll mention it every chance I get, weekends are especially opportune due to variation in
traffic.
Let's add in term limits so we can limit the damage these career political hacks can do.
Obama lied, chilren died. The whole healthcare packaged passed because Stupik and his bunch were given a presidental promise that no abortions would be done with federal money. Promise already broken in 2 states(Beck's thurs program). This president is the biggest liar the presidency has every seen (includes Clinton & Nixon).
REPUBLICANS WHO INTEND TO REPLACE OBAMACARE, TAKE NOTE — YOU ARE FIRED, TOO!
Repeal Obamacare, period. Not just the health care provisions, all of the collateral crap enacted along with and subsequen t to, Obamacare's passage. Sibelius and her beasts ought to be imprison for 5 years for malfeasance. The only cure for the Democrats' "solutions" is extirpation of every statute, law, and regulation passed since Congress convened in 2006.
By the way, NO REPARATIONS, NOW OR EVER.
A message to the FEDERAL STOOGES who monitor these controversial websites for their Ruling Class masters:
You suck. Get a real job. Parasites like you give Civilization a bad name.
SA Brownshirt wannabees.
And what are Conservatives going to replace it with? What are the conseravtive alternatives for anything for that matter? If their only idea is 'free enterprise" i'll stick with my Government run healthcare thank you very much.
This video should go into the no shit category.
WELL….Even a foreigner has more sense than the Average government schooled American, who refuses to study reaL life without government counselors/media, telling/explaining to them how to think about a particular subject!! How could that happen? "Elementary my dear Watson" WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!
THE NEW AMERICAN EMPIRE, the healthy will be treated, the sickly will be disposed of, the over population of the earth will be controlled by the government!!! One will be allowed to live, the other will be left to die, limited funds can only care for so many!!!! ASK OBAMA!!!!
It should be repealed and killed. There is no way to pay for this mess and the states will be left with unfunded mandates.
Darrell Issa, Please supoena each one of this Administration's members and satisfy America with their interrogation. We have been tortured, terrified and oppressed, to the point of despair with their socialist policies. We need to see them held publicly accountable with American JUSTICE!
louis
We the People tend NOT to be "Community Organizers" and WE KNOW that works.
Exactly.
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