Fair warning: There is an orgy being broadcast on most TV networks today. If the sight of bodies writhing in ecstasy and/or agony offends you, get out your favorite CD's and pop in some relaxing music.
No, you won't see naked bodies engaged in sexual gymnastics, but you will see those on the left writhing in unexpected ecstasy while those on the right try to deal with their unexpected agony over today's healthcare decision.
There was even some comedy mixed in. Watchers outside the Supreme Court were divided into two opposing camps and both sides were cheering as the decision was announced. Seems that both CNN and Fox News announced that the law had been struck down, while other sources were saying it had been upheld. What happened?
As Chief Justice Roberts read the opinion he had authored, he first said that the government could not sustain the argument that the individual mandate was permissible under the commerce clause of the constitution. CNN and Fox took that to mean that the law would be struck down. Roberts went on to say, however, that the mandate was permissible under the government's power to tax. CNN and Fox said "oops, sorry." Note to Jon Stewart fans: Wanna bet that this "oopsie" moment is mentioned tonight?
At any rate, the airwaves are filled today with orgies of spin from both sides. Some of what each side says may be true, but it's a safe bet to say that many of the claims are pure BS.
As a reader of this blog, you know how I feel about facts. Intelligent people need facts upon which to base their decisions on important matters. I'm going to wait a few days, then I'll share the facts about healthcare that I've been able to collect. Most of the real work will be done by the factcheckers at places like Politifact, the Washington Post, etc.
That's why I'm sad to see a migration from print to online journalism. While newspapers and magazines still employ factcheckers, most websites do not.
Although very lengthy and quite intense, reading the decisions which may be found in entirety online, is quite enlightening. I was moderately,(no pun intended),impressed with the true Constitutional concerns that formed the opinion written by Chief Justice Roberts. The lack of partisan politics that seemed to be haunting the recent blogs of a few Justices, especially Justice Scalia, was refreshing and encouraging. The Supreme Court Justices cannot be partisan at any time, and should, based on their Constitutional job description and responsibilities, shun all forms of bias, whether political, religious or personal predilection, to conduct the Court according to the standards set by the Constitution. Chief Justice Roberts lived up to the task.
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