#NOTsoRandom fact about President Barack Obama: This is what it looks like when a former Constituional Law professor, now serving as President, learns the Supreme Court upheld the tax penalties for the Affordable Care Act:
(CREDIT: The photo above was taken by White House photographer Pete Souza)
SWISH!!!
The week of June 21st saw two major scores settled by the Supreme Court. Proponents of each were happy that the "score" tipped in their favor.
ON THE ACA RULING
YAY...the Affordable Care Act survived another legal challenge!
After reading the opinion for myself, I reluctantly concede to understanding why opponents have lead themselves to believe that Chief Justice Roberts exercised some "creativity" when structuring the majority opinion. However, I do NOT think the Supreme Court exceeded its constitutional authority. The Court's use of legislative intent to interpret laws is NOT a new concept or action. BESIDES, a greater good was served here: access to and affordability of health care has improved for many under the Affordable Care Act. Protecting domestic public health is NOT judicial activism, it's an exercise of patriotic compassion and common sense.
BUT, WAIT...the Affordable Care Act is still susceptible to attack. READ this great summary outlining how: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/06/26/417733970/5-challenges-still-facing-obamacare?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=health&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews
ON THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY RULING
YAY...the legal impediment to marriage for my same-gender loving peeps has been removed!
A rainbow-colored ray of sunshine emanated brightly on an otherwise overcast Friday morning as our nation's highest court held that same-gender loving people are to be treated equally under the law. Masterfully woven into a legal opinion supported by precedent, Justice Kennedy discussed same-gender relationships with respect for humanity and spirit of inclusion it deserved.
BUT, WAIT...changing a law on paper does not change hearts, minds or realities.
Two weeks ago, my friend had to bury her teenage cousin. The teen girl's mother kicked her out of the house because the mother hoped the streets would take away the teen girl's desire to love someone of the same gender. Unfortunately, the streets took the teen girl's life and innocence instead. She was brutally murdered while trying to arrange a ride to get to a safe place.
Let me send up this truth on Tuesday, June 30, 2015: last week's judicial successes ought to be celebrated. But, the game isn't over yet. Several more points need to be made. Unfortunately, we aren't playing for titles, rings or money. This "game" is a fierce and serious fight to protect what each of us should hold dear: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
*drinks Gatorade and warms up for the next phase of play*
P.S. Whether you support or oppose the recent rulings of the Supreme Court, you MUST accept those legal opinions ARE the law of the land.
No comments:
Post a Comment