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Politics & Government

Fifth District Opponents React to Affordable Care Act Ruling

Rep. Keith Ellison and challenger Chris Fields react to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Obama's health care reform.

Rep. Keith Ellison and his opponent in the upcoming election, Chris Fields, have differing views on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act. The plan, which has been dubbed “Obamacare," calls for just about every American to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty. Last week’s decision has sparked much debate among politicians. Here’s a look at what Ellison and Fields had to say about the decision:

Congressman Keith Ellison:

“This ruling is a significant victory for the American people.  After a two-year legal battle, the Supreme Court confirmed today that the Affordable Care Act will continue to provide millions of Americans with health coverage. The health care reform act provides that children will not be denied coverage due to a preexisting condition, young adults will be able to stay on their family health plan, and that Americans can keep their health care insurance if they get a major illness. The Affordable Care Act will now take its rightful place with Social Security and Medicare as powerful examples of what we can do together to improve the lives of every American. 

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“Despite today’s victory, Republicans in Congress will continue their assault on universal health care for the American people. Throughout this year, GOP lawmakers have tried to repeal and cut back health care benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid.  We must continue to work together to protect vital reforms that will improve the health of every American.  

Today’s decision is a turning point for the American people.  Let’s remember that millions of American families suffered without health care coverage for decades.  The health care law has already benefited millions of families.  The Court’s decision to uphold this law President Obama proposed and Congress enacted is a sign that dramatic change can happen when the American people demand change.   We have made an important step forward toward our goal of affordable universal coverage.   Now we need to be vigilant to implement the law so that American families have the health care they need and deserve.”

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Chris Fields:

"First, the Supreme Court did their job today. While I would have preferred a different outcome, I accept the Court’s decision without challenging their legitimacy. This is a contrast to Keith Ellison, who just last week declared that the Supreme Court was “a wholly-owned subsidiary of the right wing” because he didn’t agree with one of their rulings. As disappointed as I am in this ruling, I respect the Court and the rule of law. It’s clear that Keith owes the court an apology for his childish and unfounded outburst.

Chief Justice John Roberts demonstrated that he is able to independently and objectively interpret the law. We need more of those qualities in the people who are charged with serving our country.

Where I do believe Americans were let down is in an interpretation of law that allows for a group of individuals of one party to ram a tax down the throats of Americans for simply breathing. The ruling that the Affordable Care Act is a tax is damaging to personal choice because it will open the floodgates to a plethora of new taxes and new laws.

We used to aspire to having more freedom and more liberty. Now we have a ruling class in this country that believes it is their sworn duty to protect us from the decisions we make for ourselves.

While supporters of today’s decision, like Keith Ellison, will have fun spiking the football, it’s important to remember that the American Revolution was started in part because of taxes.

The next revolution we must be ready to usher in is not just against this ruling but against a political system that allows politicians to say one thing and do another.  President Obama said, “this was not tax” but then went to court to argue it was a tax.  Likewise, Keith Ellison continually says he needs money for his re-election campaign but then sends thousands of those dollars off to other candidates throughout the country like Charlie Rangel (D-NY). Our political system is broken and we must elect leaders who have the intellectual integrity to repair the damage.

We’ve already seen provisions of the law repealed. In fact even Keith Ellison voted to repeal a part of it (the Medical Device Tax). I will support the repeal of more.  We need well thought-out solutions, not more grandstanding and bait and switch tactics. Too much is at risk.

Our ability to make personal decisions has been hijacked by a Washington DC mob who believes that they know how to best to care for every man, woman and child.  That is not the American way.

We can fight back today and put in place a government that treats us like free, mature citizens.  Our efforts must lead to building a government that serves us and not supervises us.  We can achieve this goal, but only if we Come Together."

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