Live Thread: Constitutionality of Health Care Law [Watch live deliberation on CSPAN2]

CSPAN2 ^

[NoGrayZone]

I didn't see a live thread, so I thought I'd start one. Anyone else watching?

[NoGrayZone]

Now on CSPAN2 live.

[NoGrayZone]

Wicker from MI is stating they are listening to WE THE PEOPLE. I was wondering, as I was screaming at the top of my lungs in DC, CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?

I think some did.

[The Pack Knight]

His automobile insurance analogy was also specious...

If I remember correctly, he also ignored the fact that only the state governments, not the federal government, mandate auto liability insurance. They seem to be utterly blind to the entire thrust of conservatives arguments here, which is that the Commerce Clause is not a grant of a plenary police power like that enjoyed by the states.

They seem to think that the only constraints on the federal government are found in the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment, and can only handle constitutional arguments based on those amendments. Did you notice how Lee and others had to keep steering the liberals away from Due Process Clause arguments and back onto the matter at hand, the Commerce Clause?

I suspect it is because most liberal lawyers fell asleep in ConLaw class during all the "boring" stuff on federalism and separation of powers and actually think the Constitution jumps straight from the Preamble to the First Amendment.

if the government can mandate that people buy health insurance to ostensibly reduce the overall cost of health care (and use Wickard as supporting precedent), then using that same rationale could the government not also mandate that everyone grow corn to reduce the overall cost of food?

For that matter, I'm almost surprised they haven't put forth the hypothetical of conscripting individuals to undergo some medical training and serve as part-time "volunteer health care providers" in their communities - a la China's disastrous "Barefoot Medic" program - in order increase access to and reduce the cost of medical care. Precisely the same legal and moral arguments used to support ObamaCare could be used to support that approach, after all.

Sure, there's that pesky 13th Amendment, of course, but if military conscription is legal, why not health care conscription?

[NoGrayZone]

Thanks again mods =).

[OldDeckHand]

Yes, I didn't mention that because Hatch (I think), made that point almost immediately. I was just highlighting some other inaccuracies with the analogy. Sorry for the confusion.

[NoGrayZone]

Durbin just said those who don’t want health insurance are the problem. What about all the illegals draining our system? Not a peep about them.

[Road Warrior ‘04]

Turbin continues the lie! “80% don’t want it repealed!” BS! 60% do!

[RatsDawg]

Turbin is giving me a headache!

[NoGrayZone]

Why isn’t he mentioning the illegals raising our health premiums and draining our hospitals??

[NoGrayZone]

Oy vey, when DOESN’T he give us a headache??

[OldDeckHand]

"Durbin just said those who don’t want health insurance are the problem."

No, actually compelling the hospitals to treat people who aren't able (or willing) to pay, or face civil prosecution by the federal government, is the problem. If the government passed a "no insurance or no cash then no treatment" law today, the health care "crisis" would be over tomorrow.

Do people need health care? Sure, in the abstract I guess that's true. But, the need for food is much more immediate, and not hardly abstract. Everyone literally needs food, or they face near-term expiration. Why then, doesn't the government mandate that supermarkets giveaway food to those who can't (or won't) buy it?

Maybe I shouldn't give them the idea, right?

[RatsDawg]

We all know that answer...

[NoGrayZone]

I believe the illegals are the problem here. They don’t have health insurance therefore go to emergency rooms.

Get rid of illegals, we can then talk about health care. Until then, illegals rape our system.

[NoGrayZone]

We do, but I want SOMEONE to come out and say it!

[NoGrayZone]

Yeah, I’d keep that one to myself ;).

[RatsDawg]

Mark Kirk’s voice kind of sounds likes Chuck Schumer’s. yikes.

[NoGrayZone]

Why is he bringing Egypt into this?

[JPG]

That auto insurance movie is really getting tired. So, if a person chooses not to have a car does the government still force them to buy auto insurance? When they insist of bringing up that tired chestnut, shove it right back in their face.

[xzins]

He apparently sees no difference between regulating it and mandating it.

Electric cars have fewer emissions.

Fewer emissions = healthier people.

Purchasing cars is commerce.

Therefore, Congress can require everyone to purchase an electric car.

[NoGrayZone]

I will not give up my Ford Explorer, 8v, all wheel drive. He is a hungry beast, but he gets to to and fro safely.

Plus I can run over any Piraeus in my way....not that I would, but I could.