Columnist
President Obama finally signed into law the historic health care reform package. After the long and contentious fight, I just don’t feel I can do a high five or take one step towards a victory lap.
I was not the most enthusiastic supporter of the current health care reform package, but I knew that if it didn’t pass now all future attempts at any reform for this president would be rendered Dead on Arrival by the Republicans, the Party of No.
The legislation ratcheted up the hate tactics of racist right wingers who are intent on scripting a failed presidency for the first black president.
Immediately after passage, 37 states moved to repeal the law. Of course, this will never happen since Obama has veto power. Fourteen state attorney generals filed suit claiming the law is unconstitutional.
In Missouri, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder says he’s itching to join the lawsuit. State Senator Gary Nodler and Congress Roy Blunt have both vowed to jump on the repeal bandwagon.
Instead of moving to put the legislation in place and saving lives, health care supporters will have to waste precious time and resources beating back efforts to sabotage the health care legislation.
The unbridled hatred of a black president has blinded the Tea Party people and the GOP to the needs of the people – even those of white people. In Missouri, passage of the federal law means that nearly a half-million uninsured people will get health coverage; over 960,000 seniors will receive free preventive services, and 170,000 of them will get a break on their Medicare Part D drugs. Nearly 80,000 small businesses could get crucial tax credits to make their premiums more affordable.
It’s hard to be joyful when you know that the incendiary talk and actions will make it unsafe for all people of color who could become random victims of violence. These crazed racists believe we are responsible in some way for “taking their country” from them. If they can’t get to Obama, any colored person will do. If they are bold enough to publicly spit on a black congressman in broad daylight, they are capable of more deadly acts in the darkness of night.
And do I think for a minute the insurance companies are going to take these reforms sitting down? This legislation does not overhaul the insurance companies in ways that keep them from passing costs onto us. They are working overtime to find ways to circumvent the law; that’s how they roll – or should I say that’s how they bankroll their agenda.
For working people, most have not been able to stay on top of the long drama that led to the historic legislation. Some may not even know that a health reform bill has passed. They are struggling to keep a job, find a job or get unemployment benefits. They are missing meals and downsizing their social budgets. They are fighting to keep a roof over their heads. They are trying to keep it all together.
Health care advocates must protect what we have just won. We all have to get the word out and down about what this law will mean to poor and working people and their families. White working-class families must be educated to the fact that they have more with us than the corporate thugs and their governmental lackies. If not, this country will continue to witness the upsurge of white militia-type groups who are confused about who represents their self interests.