There’s been a lot of furious screaming and propagandizing about the Affordable Care Act. While far from perfect, the reality is that it’s a damned sight better than the system it replaced. For my money, nothing short of universal health care (SOCIALISM!!!!) is an acceptable solution, but that’s another argument for another time. Having grown sick and tired of listening to Conservatives and teabaggers in the pocket of the health care industry demagogue the issue, I thought a little perspective (i.e., a trip to the intersection of Truth St. and Fact Ave.) would be a good thing.
Jon Gruber is an economist who consulted with those who crafted Romneycare and later with those who put forward the Affordable Care Act. Mitt Romney may find it politically inconvenient to be held responsible for the most progressive health care legislation in this nation’s history. That doesn’t change the reality that the health care system that exists in Massachusetts today was the model for the Affordable Care Act. Gruber explains what the Affordable Care act IS and what it actually DOES. Those who choose to continue trafficking in propaganda, disinformation, and fear-mongering will continue to do so; it doesn’t mean they deserve to dominate the public discourse on the matter.
Truth is not subject to political expediency. Reality is not subject to interpretation. Facts are not fungible, malleable commodities that can be molded to fit the required “truth” of the moment. Those on the Far Right who continue do demagogue health care reform deserved to be exposed for their lies, dissembling, and self-interest. And wouldn’t it be nice to be able to talk about things as they really are instead of listening to irrational zealots screaming about things they clearly don’t (or refuse) to understand?
