Message Received: Repealing Obamacare up to We the People
By Cathi Herrod, PresidentCenter for Arizona PolicyMany were surprised by not only the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act known as "Obamacare" yesterday, but by the legal rationale and the vote composition as well. The Court's majority opinion upheld the health care law as a tax on the American people therefore Congress and President Obama had the constitutional authority to enact a tax.The message the Court sent was heard loud and clear - as Governor Brewer said, "repealing Obamacare is now up to the American people."Erick Erickson of RedState.com points out that we can disagree with parts of the legal precedent set by this case, but we have to recognize the court is saying that this is a political matter, and elections have consequences. Simply put, elections matter more than court rulings and this decision by the court very distinctly shows the choice that you will be faced with in this election.A Similar Message 20 Years Ago We see a picture of the importance of elections when we look at the 1992 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Today marks the 20th anniversary of this ruling from which we need to learn its lessons, and apply them to Obamacare.Planned Parenthood hailed the Casey decision as a reaffirmation of Roe v Wade (the case that legalized abortion on demand throughout our nation). Pro-lifers mourned the decision as the missed opportunity to overturn Roe. Read one view about the disastrous legacy of Casey at Public Discourse in a two part series (part 1/part 2).Yet Casey also set the road map for us to address the horror of abortion over the last 20 years - by passing important clinic and informed consent standards to protect the health and safety of women and inform them about the dangers of abortion. The incremental approach to addressing abortion has at least enacted measures that appear to be bringing the abortion rate down thereby saving lives of preborn babies and their mothers.It's because elections have consequences, and because YOU went out and elected prolife candidates that the Arizona legislature has passed pro-life laws.Similarly, if you don't want this Supreme Court decision to be the final say on Obamacare, you must be registered to vote, be informed, and vote our values.Still Questions to Be Answered One question the nation's highest court left undecided is the impact Obamcare will have on religious freedom. There are at least 15 different lawsuits pending from nearly 50 individuals and organizations challenging Obamacare's negative impact on our religious liberty.The infamous "HHS mandate" requires that employers provide abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization services, and contraception, even when those products violate the employer's religious beliefs is still up for grabs. The supposed exception for religious organizations is incredibly weak and protects very few faith-based groups.The CAP-supported new Arizona law protects religious organizations from being forced to provide abortion-inducing drugs in their insurance plans will enable our state to fight back against the complete disregard for our First Amendment freedoms. Thank YOU for supporting our efforts to stand for this measure at the State Capitol.Two Great Events in July July 20-21, 29th Annual Arizona Home Education Convention & Curriculum Fair (Phoenix). Whether you are already educating at home or just curious about it, this convention is something you won't want to miss! Details online.July 20-21, A Weekend for Educators (Phoenix). eleven11 is bringing together a dynamic team of speakers to bless the educational leaders of Arizona. Encourage the teachers that you know to come be refreshed, equipped, and inspired. Details online.
