Poll after poll after poll has been a continuum that repeatedly demonstrates the majority of Americans oppose ObamaCare. A rational leader would take that as a hint to change direction or jump back a few steps. No, not America’s fearless leader, despite an overwhelming public opposition, he’s decided to pursue his prime objective of government healthcare, again. This time he has changed his approach. Previously, he used the “46.5 million Americans are uninsured” strategy. It didn’t work because the numbers were proven incorrect. Then he tried the “deficit neutral” sham; it didn’t work either. Now, he’s chosen to use a tactic known as the “common enemy” theory. Used effectively, it unites divided people to fight against a vilified common danger. Lawyers use it frequently in courtroom battles to win over juries. Oops, isn’t the president a Harvard-educated attorney? Doesn’t it seem plausible that Alan M. Dershowitz might have covered that in at least one law class? Common enemy is a cheap parlor trick in which the opposition, whether right or wrong, is denigrated. At least the court system uses a burden of proof methodology. Politicians with an agenda don’t bother with evidence; they just manufacture allegations about a “supposed” enemy to all.
The president stated that the most fearful common threat to American life is the health insurance provider. He could have made a compelling argument for Al Qaeda and the war on terror, make that the Overseas Contingency Operation. Yet, most Americans reject the viewpoint that their health insurance provider is an enemy combatant. America’s voice is not important to this president. In his recent speech to students at Arcadia University, the president stated:
“We can’t have a system that works better for the insurance companies than it does for the American people. How many people would like a proposal that holds insurance companies more accountable? How many people would like to give Americans the same insurance choices that members of Congress get? And, how many would like a proposal that brings down costs for everyone? That’s our proposal.”
Many credible sources respectfully disagree with the president.
Steve Wojcik, Vice President Public Policy, National Business Group on Health:
“Unfortunately the President’s proposal, while not fully detailed, appears to have few if any provisions that would deal with employers’ number one healthcare issue—controlling costs to keep coverage affordable.”
J. James Rohack MD, President, American Medical Association:
“It’s unfortunate that this proposal does not address Medicare physician payment as a 21% Medicare cut to physicians that will cripple healthcare choices for seniors and military families begins in one week.”
Karen Ignagni, CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP):
“To suggest that cost containment can be achieved by singling out health plans ignores the very inconvenient truth that premium increases reflect increases in the underlying cost of medical services. According to Yahoo! Finance’s latest analysis of quarterly financial data, the net profit margin for the entire health care sector is 11%, while health plans’ net profit margin is 3.4%. In fact, out of every dollar the nation spends on healthcare, less than one penny goes to health plan profits. It is time to ask: what are we doing about the other 99 cents?”
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association:
“President Obama’s proposal to establish a new Health Insurance Rate Authority ignores the unique cost drivers in each of the 50 state insurance markets.”
Economic theories espouse that price ceilings do not work. They increase demand and reduce supply. This means that with ObamaCare, Americans might be covered,but many won’t get treated. Apparently, economics must not be a required course for Harvard law students. To quote Rhett Butler, the president’s response to the majority of Americans opposing ObamaCare, “Frankly, my dear I don’t give a damn!” To which, on the first Tuesday in November, Americans will react much like Howard Beale, “We’re mad as hell and we won’t take it anymore!”