Repeal or Retain: That is the Question

On February 13, 2017, USA Today published an editorial titled, “Repair and Retain Obamacare: Our View,” which discusses the reasons why the Trump administration should not replace the Obamacare policy in the United States. The authors, USA Today’s editorial board, argue that the Republicans should “retain and repair” the Affordable Care Act — not end it. In support of their argument the authors claim it has afforded “20 million people” the opportunity of having health insurance while at the same time has had an overall kind effect on the cost of coverage. In addition, they claim it should be repaired because “it is in trouble in some states,” for the fact that not very many young people are enrolling in Obamacare whereas too many unhealthy people are. The authors state, “Congress sets the penalties for not having coverage too low,” as evidence supporting their reasoning why “too few young people sign up.” 

On the other hand, the editorial board claims that “the Trump administration is…considering some ideas” that might help retain Obamacare. Such as, raising the cost of coverage for the elderly and lowering it for young people. As evidence, the authors then proclaim that “the law says premiums for older customers can be no more than three times as much as those for young people…without legislation, the Trump team believes it could raise the ratio to 3:49 to 1.” Evidently, this article is aimed at the Trump administration and his supporters, the Republicans, for the purpose of considering fixing “the things that are working against” Obamacare. 

I disagree with the author’s plan to “retain and repair” Obamacare. I’m siding with the Republicans on this one, the Trump administration should repeal it. I think most would agree repealing Obamacare would not be easy, however, like myself most can’t afford it. Whether President Trump decides to fix Obamacare or offers a better alternative, he should spare us the madness of applying the word “Affordable” in the description. It is anything but “affordable” and using that word is about as ridiculous as Obama’s promise — “If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.”            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Donald Trump: Checked and Unbalanced

On Thursday, February 9, 2017, the Washington Post published an article about how the federal appeals court ruling unanimously defeated Trump’s executive order, which temporarily banned people from seven predominately Muslim countries and all refugees from entering the United States.
 

In Donald Trump’s style, he took his presidency in a bold and brash manner and just as he has grabbed the horns of business, he thought he would be able to steer the United States government in the exact same manner. However, the court’s ruling ultimately forced Trump to acknowledge the limits of his power.

Despite this “major setback,” the government will most likely appeal to the Supreme Court to reinstate Trump’s Muslim ban. Though without the ninth circuit decision, a tie would remain and Trump’s Muslim ban “would be no more."

This article is worth reading because it emphasizes the importance of checks and balances and the separation of powers in our system of government. Furthermore, this article proves that even the most powerful man in our country, the POTUS, still has someone to answer too.