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OPINION

Kirschner: Obamacare ruling a relief to GOP, too

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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. It has been a source of political debate since day one.

The Republican cry has been “Repeal and Replace.” The battle has been fought in the Congress and the courts.

I remember the moment when John McCain strode to the front of the Senate and dramatically signaled thumbs down.

The battle in the Supreme Court has been equally contentious, with the law being found constitutional on three occasions. The most recent being this week in a 7-2 decision stating that the plaintiffs had no standing.

One of those plaintiffs is our Attorney General, Mark Brnovich.

 I am seeing chatter on the Internet that Democrats are elated with the decision. I understand that emotion. Not much from the Republican side of the aisle, but I think that they are as pleased, or more so, than the Democrats.

Let me explain.

If the High Court struck down the law, some 30 million Americans might lose health insurance. Another 50 million might have policies canceled because of pre-existing conditions.

The Republicans would then need to explain the planned “Replace.” There is none.

Leonard Kirschner

Litchfield Park