The Contingency Plan

Several theories on why, at the last minute (seemingly), Roberts changed his vote. The reason for the belief that he changed his vote in the ninth hour is the way in which the Supreme Courts Summary statement was made. Okay, fine—yea, that’s the sentence. It matters little why he changed his mind, because now—without intervention—Obamacare becomes law. The talking heads are saying, “Don’t worry.” Really, don’t worry?

Presumably, the Democrats were set to challenge the Republicans this fall with, “Republicans want people to die.” That’s a bit of a stretch if you’ve read the healthcare bill. From most of the reading, you find all kinds of codicils and exceptions that would lead the common sense thinker to understand that “if” you’re not eating, exercising, and practicing your daily habits according to the prescribed liberal health plan, then you’re not going to get medical care anyway. One of my favorite portions of the bill states that your treatment will be dependent upon the amount of money you will be able to earn, if you’re healthy…more clearly put, if you don't live long enough to repay the debt at your present salary, you’ll be instructed to seek “End of Death Counseling.” Nicer than saying, “It’s a death panel.”

So the theory goes, Roberts set up the Democrats to take the fall on the 27-taxes that Obamacare will subtract from everyone’s pocketbook. Twenty-four of those taxes will affect those making less-than $250-thousand annually. That’s great news for the taxman, bad news for the consumer. It will also keep the job's market in limbo with the uncertainty of Obama’s re-election bid. As of yesterday, Romney has sworn to repeal Obamacare if he’s elected—I won’t go into all that, as there are too many variables to tally in one blog that is less-than 700-words.  

If Romney takes office, it will take only 51-votes from the Senate to repeal Obamacare. Cool, right? That’s where it becomes a contingency. It all hinges on Romney winning the presidency. True enough, he gained $4-million in donations within hours of the Supreme Court’s ruling; however, we have to have an election for the most important portion of the plan to take effect. In the interim, jobs won’t be available—more tax dollars will be required for unemployment recipients and more people out of work—insurance premiums will increase, and more hospitals, clinics, and health facilities will be closed due to a lack of funding or ability to meet the government’s criteria.  

What all theories fell to mention is that Obamacare had no severability clause, and the whole bill would have gone down in flames yesterday. It would have been “end of the story"” for the most heinously distributive policy of this administration. Now, we wait and hope that the elections will take place and that Romney, and the Republicans will take power. Whether Roberts was threatened, coerced, or was slyly scheming, is anyone’s guess; however, there is no guessing that Obamacare will be, in effect, for another year before we can finally be rid of the monster that threatens to kill any economic gains.