Understanding the Reactions to the Health Care Outcome
Written by MadMark   
Sunday, 28 March 2010 23:04



Without doubt that the most important moment of Barack Obama’s presidency has been the passage of what is known as the Health Care Overhaul (actual name: On Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments Patients Protection and Affordable Care Act), where 219 Democrats voted yes, and 34 Democrats voted no with all 178 Republicans. While the merit and actual practicality of the bill is questionable at best, the reactions for many of the major figures are more than entertaining.

The New York Times published A Historic Moment for Health Care? featuring the thoughts by 15 public figures and historians. I hereby work to translate their responses to what they actually mean. I hope you enjoy the read as much as I did on the translation.

Question: Is this legislation as significant as the creation of Medicare? Will it fundamentally alter the social safety net?

Tommy Thompson (former governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under Bush, the Jr.)

I really don’t have anything insightful to say except that we can all see that it will be a government controlled health care system! 

Donna E. Shalala (Secretary of HHS under Clinton and currently president of U. of Miami – and one memorable last name!)

I am going to stick to the script and say something that is along the party line. All workers and children now actually have the right to good health insurance.

Dick Armey (former majority leader of House – Republican)

I (probably – and I don’t blame him) didn’t read the details but this is definitely evil since they want to expand the role of the government! Only insurance and pharmaceuticals will win! They are ignoring the economy and jobs! Please don’t ask me about why I pushed for the creation of Homeland Security… or my role as advisor to the pharmaceuticals.

Louis W. Sullivan (Secretary of HHS under Bush Sr.)

It’s been nearly 20 years after my old boss, so I can take a more centrist role. I will just say something politically correct – so yes, expand access to health care, projected savings according to the CBO, and or course, this will all work out if things are as projected. I.e., I am correct whatever the result is.

Ralph Nader (the guy that robbed the Al Gore presidency!)

It is not enough! Well, it’s been a while since I was last on news so give me a damn spot! I can only get it by declaring that they are not doing enough! Not enough! Not enough! Not enough! Is anyone shouting with me??? 

Robert Reich (Secretary of Labor under Clinton)

Well, I am doing pretty well so I will simply answer this in a lawyer speak style. It is not as big as Medicare or Social Security but it is along the same idea that government can solve problems. Barack’s idea is not as big of a deal as Hilliary’s… did I mention that I went on a date with Hilliary before Bill got to her?

Jesse L. Jackson Sr. (the Reverend, the Godfather, the Saint)

Dude, I gotta keep my rep. I am all for representing my people (don’t label me or I will cry foul!), i.e. anyone that will cheer for me, and fight against the evil Republicans… that don’t give me no respect. And I don’t know a damn thing about health care, economics, or anything along that line but I figure that my man Barack (same party) will tie the knots. So health care overhaul will save mankind, and this is in line with Dr. King’s dream. Damn I almost forgot!

Bill Frist (former Senate Majority Leader – Republican)

This will cost us a boat load! I told you all along that this doesn’t work! I am a doctor and I teach business - I know what I am talking about! Just watch when hell breaks loose… I told you so!

Alan Brinkley (History Professor at Columbia)

Yes, this is significant – as significant as the Social Security in 1935, the most *successful legislation* of last century. Don’t tell me about Social Security to See Payout Exceed Pay-In This Year, I know! Let me continue. This might work out later…only history can tell.

Richard Carmona (surgeon general under Bush, Jr.)

Well, you can’t really compare them. Medicare is still the basis of comparison for now and the future. But wait, you can’t really compare them. Why are you even asking me?

Geraldine A. Ferraro (vice presidential candidate with Walter Mondale – first female)

Although I don’t quite understand much about the bill, I think it is good since it expands coverage to 30 million Americans, including many women. Hilliary’s plan would have been better but didn’t pass because she was a woman! Put a woman in office, NOW!

Robert Dallek (presidential scholar – write biographies)

There are historical difference between the health care overhaul and that of F.D.R. and Johnson that are very important. There will be political consequences…forthcoming with juicy details in my next presidential biography!

Rick Santorum (former Senator from Pennsylvania - Republican)

O.K., I have to stick to my rep and keep my image afloat – this bill by the Democrats will lead us to oblivion! Now keywords: devastate, create jobs, higher standard of living, government spending, debt explode, health care quality, Americans suffer, million innocent children killed, bankruptcy, and rationed. This will get picked up by many as something important, even rank high on a Google search!

Bill Bradley (former New Jersey Senator – Democrat)

I don’t really care any other way since I am not the president. This is probably important since something is finally done, although it is clearly something we can do without ANY Republicans in the first place!

Richard Reeves (author that writes about presidents)

It’s a problem and something has to be done – Republicans don’t have a damn thing! Next book title should be ”President Obama: Legacy of Expansion.”   


(Photo: ProgressOhio)