Time to Repeal Obamacare

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (also known as Obamacare) is constitutional. As you can imagine, I disagree with the majority opinion of the high court. I do not believe that the federal government has, or should have, the authority to force Americans to purchase health insurance. 

It is important for us to remember that today's ruling from the Supreme Court does not indicate that Obamacare is good legislation, nor does it indicate that Obamacare is workable. What the ruling does is to simply state that, according to a 5-4 majority of justices, the law does not violate the U.S. Constitution. 

Obamacare always has been and will continue to be bad legislation. It is an intrusive law that was written by out-of-touch bureaucrats, and it was forced upon the American people by politicians who don't understand what the law does. As you may recall, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once proclaimed, "We must pass the bill so you can find out what is in it."

In essence, Obamacare would amount to more government bureaucracy, higher taxes, and less liberty. It would have a detrimental effect on the private sector as businesses across the nation would struggle to comply with increased regulations. It would also serve as a stepping stone to a full government takeover of health care.

The future of Obamacare is now in the hands of the American people. Now that the high court has made its ruling, we must take it upon ourselves to see that the law is repealed. We can do this by electing candidates to federal office who will work to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a conservative, free-market solution.

Some pundits may suggest that today's ruling is a victory for President Obama and a defeat for Republicans. I happen to think that it is the other way around. Conservative and independent-thinkers across the nation are now going to become energized, focused, and mobilized in an effort to ensure that Obamacare is repealed. 

There may also be some actions that we can take in the North Carolina General Assembly to protect our citizens from Obamacare. We will most certainly consider all of our legislative options as we move forward. As a member of the N.C. House, I will make it a priority to shield my constituents from abuses of government power.

America is a great nation but we must work to keep it that way. We must strive to preserve our freedom and liberty. Today's ruling by the Supreme Court is not a defeat for Americans; it is a call to action. 

NC House District 59 Update

Visit to Raleigh

Last week I spent some time at the General Assembly in Raleigh to get acclimated with the legislative process, and to meet some of my future colleagues. It was a good experience, and I enjoyed my time there. I will probably visit the General Assembly again before the current session adjourns, which will be sometime in the next few weeks. 

Big Win for Scott Walker

As you know, Governor Scott Walker had a big win in the Wisconsin recall election last week. This shows that people are ready for sound fiscal policies, and that voters appreciate public officials who stand on principle. Walker's victory also may be a precursor of what is to come in the presidential election this November. 

No Tax Increase

The Republican majority in the General Assembly has made it clear that raising taxes in a down economy is not a viable option. Governor Bev Perdue has suggested raising taxes to generate more government revenue, but I completely disagree with any notion of raising taxes, especially when our economy is in need of a recovery. 

Victory for Annexation Reform

The General Assembly recently passed annexation reform that allows citizens the ability to stop annexation by a simple majority vote. This gives our citizens a much-needed voice, and puts an end to forced annexation, which abuses government power and neglects property rights. Governor Perdue chose not to veto nor sign the legislation, which means it will become law. 

State Budget Adjustments

The House and Senate are currently working on budget proposals for the coming year. Governor Perdue has also released a budget, but it contains a tax increase, which the Republican majority will not accept. Once the final budget is formed by the General Assembly, it will be sent to Governor Perdue who may or may not exercise a veto. 

Note: Speaking of the state budget, I firmly believe that we need a constitutional limit on spending in North Carolina. If we implement a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, also known as TABOR, we will take a positive step towards keeping government spending under control. Basically, TABOR would prevent government spending from out-pacing increases in population and inflation, which would help to protect taxpayer dollars. 

Quote to Remember

"There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your own means."

- President Calvin Coolidge

As always, please feel to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.