Politics & Government

Speak Out: Are You For or Against 'Obamacare'?

Hundreds protest both sides Tuesday outside the Supreme Court.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday to protest for and against President Obama’s health care reform. The high court is hearing arguments for the second of the three-day hearing.

The case, according to the Washington Post, largely rests on the constitutionality of a provision that originated deep in Republican circles.

"As Americans we all deserve affordable health care," said Allan Jordan, of Piscataway, N.J., outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday. "Health care is too high, and not everyone has the funds to pay for it. That's not right."

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The justices started zeroing in on whether Congress had the power to require most people in the U.S. to buy medical insurance, according to Reuters. The wire service also reported a ruling in the case is expected in late June before the Democratic and Republican party presidential nominating conventions.

The law requires people to obtain health insurance by 2014 or pay a penalty, according to Reuters. The challengers, including 26 of the 50 states and a small-business trade group, contend Congress exceeded its authority to regulate commerce with that so-called individual mandate.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's crazy to think that the government can make you have health insurance," said Bob Dickerson of Oklahoma. "I don't like the sound of that at all."

What do you think about "Obamacare"? Has Congress exceeded its authority? Or was reform necessary? 


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