The American Spectator : No More Gun to the Head

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No More Gun to the Head

There’s no reason the states should participate in the president’s Bernie Madoff-type scheme.

First came the threat. Then the bribe, or the offer that sounds almost too good to be true. Now it is the moment of truth.

On June 28, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rendered the majority opinion in a 5-4 vote upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. However, with a 7-2 margin, the Court struck down a key part of the law that would have stopped the flow of all federal funds for Medicaid to states that did not expand access to this program, as the law intended. Since the federal government puts up the bulk of the money in this joint federal/state program, states that chose to opt out of the expansion would have faced a massive and essentially mandatory increase in their Medicaid costs if this part of the law had been upheld in its original form.

“The financial ‘inducement’ Congress has chosen is much more than ‘relatively mild encouragement’ to expand Medicaid,” Roberts wrote. “It is a gun to the head.”

Unable to coerce state governments to spend more of their tax money on Medicaid, the federal government offers a grace period of several years in which it will pick up essentially all of the cost of the Medicaid expansion, scheduled to begin in 2014, if individual states commit to spending money of their own in years to follow.

Over a 10-year period, Missouri — my home state — would need to commit to spending about $430 million in order to qualify for $8.4 billion in additional Medicaid grants from the federal government. If that looks and sounds almost too good to be true, it is because it literally is too good to be true.

Where is the money supposed to come from to pay for a huge increase in this entitlement program, which is intended to add some 17 million people nationwide to the Medicaid rolls? Do we just pretend that the money is there when we know very well that it is not?

Many state governments, including Missouri, are already over-leveraged. They cannot commit to spend large additional sums of money on Medicaid without slashing spending in other areas, such as education.

Meanwhile, the federal government — with a string of trillion-dollar deficits — is now borrowing about 40 cents for every dollar it spends. Imagine adding $400 of credit card debt for every $1,000 you spend. How long do you think that would work?

In short, the states are being asked to participate in a Bernie Madoff kind of scheme. They are being asked to commit to spend large sums of money, which they don’t have, in order to receive money from the federal government, which it doesn’t have, while making an unsustainable set of promises to people at both the state and federal levels.

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad are already on record opposing the Medicaid expansion. Let us hope that Missouri and other states join them in opting out of this part of the federal health care plan.

It is easy to write IOUs. As Bernie Madoff did, you can — for a while anyway — write new IOUs to replace old IOUs. But it is morally as well as fiscally reprehensible to make promises that you cannot keep. That is why the states should say “No” to the Medicaid expansion plan.

About the Author

Andrew B. Wilson, a frequent contributor to The American Spectator, writes from St. Louis.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (81) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Appleby| 7.13.12 @ 6:13AM

I think more states have added their "NO" to this idiotic plan, with Texas being the latest I have heard about.

Brookschwarzenegro | 7.13.12 @ 6:59PM

What we need is a 'defense' (offense) tax; it does mean you will have less and others will have more- but if you want a well-funded military you have to pay for it Big Time.

Really strange thing is how you act as if it is still 1983 and Reagan is still POTUS, you think you can say what you said in the past and we will believe it.

Aristocat| 7.14.12 @ 11:25PM

GREAT ARTICLE !
Just a great article by Mr.Wilson...It puts the complicated scam in language that even a college grad like myself can understand.
"The states are being asked to participate in a Bernie Madoff kind of scheme. They are being asked to commit to spend large sums of money, which they don't have, in order to receive money from the federal government, which it doesn't have, while making an unsustainable set of promises to people at both the state and federal levels." Well done, sir !

mike 3/505| 7.13.12 @ 6:46AM

I find it truly amazing that the Federal government gets to do stuff it forbids to private citizens...stuff like social security and unlimited printing & borrowing of money. If any of us tried such, we'd get throwed UNDER the jail.

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 7:44AM

That's easy Mike.

It's because they have Guns.

Think: Cop. Think: Cop speeding in his Car, No Seat Belt, and talking to his Chick on his Cellphone.

It's like Dogs licking themselves.

They do it, because they can.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 2:11PM

It's only amazing because you don't understand how governments work - all governments.
Social Security is an insurance program that we all pay for. It is simply managed by the U.S.A.
Printing and borrowing money is in the Constitution, bedrock principles of our country. Anyone who says different has their head up their a**.

Truth to Power| 7.13.12 @ 2:47PM

If it is for sure going to happen to you then it shouldn't be managed with insurance. That is for lower probability risks like car accidents. For sure things need to be planned for. Social Security is a con where the first in have made out and todays young will be left holding the empty bag. When there is borrowing with no intent to repay, then you are really stealing. The left always destroys language to cover their misconduct.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 6:25PM

No, just the same language that applies to your personal life does not apply to governments. But you apparently haven't learned enough to know that.
When did anyone borrow with no intent to pay? Oh, you mean when the Republicans passed the Medicare Drug benefit as a giveaway to the Pharmaceuticals and had no plan to find the revenue to pay for it? Hmmmm....

Truth to Power| 7.14.12 @ 11:55AM

That is what all those bankruptcies in California are about. Soon we will have states in that condition and of course Obama is driving us into that ditch. European countries like Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Ireland are demonstrating that they have no intention to pay. If there is a leftist government this is the prevailing idea. It is probably through incompetence but pyramid schemes and a kick the can down the road attitude end in bankruptcy.

Appleby| 7.13.12 @ 6:27PM

Social Security would work fine if we were still using the same criteria used in the beginning -- (1) only those people who had paid in could collect; (2) after they reached an age that was set at least five years higher than the average retirement age; (3) for their lifetime and no longer.

The problem Social Security has is all the bells and whistles and hangers-on that have been added since the original program, and its failure to raise the eligibility age as people began to live longer. SSI should be paying out at age 75 for men and 80 for women, not age 65 for everybody, and should only be paid to the workers who had paid in. Then it would be solvent.

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 7:39AM

Health Care?

I thought we were talking about Social Security.
And, even if we're not? Doesn't anybody else find it PECULIAR that President Apocalypse keeps wanting to STOP COLLECTING the only Mechanism available to Fund Soc Sec? It's the only Tax that he ever wants to Cut. He wants ANOTHER FICA HOLIDAY.

Hellooooooo. Anybody approaching OLD, out there?

We know that he has PURPOSEFULLY Destroyed our Economy, despite what his little Nazi Propaganda Minister - Herr Carney - insists to the contrary.

I'm not gonna go down the List of Industries that he has, single Handedly, by Hook and by Crook, either Run into the Ground, or Out of the Country. I'm not allowed that many characters.

Why does he keep Eliminating the only Cash Flow to Social Security?

And, why doesn't anyone else see what a HUGE STORY this is? (Key up the Cricket noises)

Fine. You wanna talk about the other thing?

Does ANYONE believe that the "Taxes" that they are already collecting for their Obamacare Lock Box, to Pay for "Ponzi x Madoff to the nth Power" will still be there, come 2014? Anyone?

And, in the meantime, Doctors will be leaving the Sinking Ship, while those Contemplating Hanging a Shingle outside their door, will be looking for Greener Pastures. Something that will actually PAY them something.

An Ice Cream Cart, in Scranton, perhaps?

Pecos Pete| 7.13.12 @ 8:05AM

Tim: Much better than your more recent earlier posts. Sometimes you do hit the nail on the head. Especially: "Why does he keep Eliminating the only Cash Flow to Social Security?"

Excellent question.

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 4:52PM

Sometimes?

Suzyqpie| 7.13.12 @ 8:50AM

Hi TLP, I suspect that you have a theory why Pres 0bama keeps eliminating funding for SS. Will you please share your theory.

Kwan| 7.13.12 @ 9:37AM

One possibility is that once the "Death Panels" are activated and start filling the cemeteries with Social Security recipients the government won't need as much money to fund their monthly Social Security tab.
Just to refresh your memory mental and physical midget Robert Reich an Obama economic advisor made these heartwarming comments before a cheering crowd. "And by the way, we’re going to have to, if you’re very old, we’re not going to give you all that technology and all those drugs for the last couple of years of your life to keep you maybe going for another couple of months. It’s too expensive…so we’re going to let you die.”

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 10:23AM

I believe that the Honourable Mr. Kwan has already more than adequately put my thoughts to paper. (so to speak)

If he can't CONVINCE us to walk in to the "Showers"?

He will FORCE US to, by cutting off any Alternative.

It's just a GODDAMN SHAME that we refuse to learn from History.

How many times have I written - ARBEIT MACHT FREI - and been told that I'm crazy?

That's what they said to Winston Churchill when he tried to sound the Alarm on "The little Corporal/Paper Hanger from Austria".

That's what they always say to anyone who dares Cry out in the Wilderness.

Al Adab| 7.13.12 @ 12:28PM

As you all note: The issue is control.

Gary B| 7.13.12 @ 11:15AM

Ice cream carts require far too much red tape.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 2:12PM

All these brain farts you suffer from - all of this is temporary measures to get us past the Bush Depression.

C'mon Man!| 7.13.12 @ 8:18AM

Why become a doctor now, with all the liabilty, they now take away your earnings. In Canada, many doctors only work part of the year, then when they reach their gov't controlled earnings cap, they just stop working. Welcome to that, America! (I'm not in Canada, there was a wonderful report on that, and the fact that a human blood test takes months and is very expensive, yet one for your dog is $10 and 10 minutes.) You do have that to look forward to! Well, it will make Skippy happy...

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 2:14PM

Some more scare tactics - do you really think Canadians are that stupid? They wouldn't change that?
All you ever cite are issues coming from remote areas in Canada - and we have the same issues here, even without the Affordable Care Act.

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 4:56PM

Maybe, with all of your "Wisdom" you can ENLIGHTEN the rest of us, why so many Canadians come here, for Medical Treatment?

I guess it's true, what they say.

IGNORANCE is Bliss.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 6:26PM

If you want to show stats, maybe you will get a response - otherwise it's just a red herring argument.

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 7:39PM

Typical Nothing.

Purp| 7.14.12 @ 8:16AM

As I suspected - it's a myth, as is all the right-wing scare mongering.

Jive Bomber| 7.15.12 @ 6:41PM

My wife is an ex-pat Canadian doctor whose practice is about 30 minutes south of the border and 90% of her patients are her fellow Canadians.

Every dollar she spends on advertising is aimed at Canadians; she was born and raised there and knows what they demand: appointments that are made in days, not months, full say in exercising their options, and quality care at a reasonable cost.

They especially make the trip south for out-of-pocket procedures not covered by their insurance because it costs less down here and, again, better quality. Another attractive feature is they can claim out of country medical bills on their taxes.

And these are not my words; they are the testimonials of her patients. They would rather wait 45 minutes at the border than wait 4 months for a doctor.
Again, their words, not mine.

PS. My wife always refers to Canada's patchwork healthcare as "much better in theory than in execution".

PSS. My wife's uncle waited over 2 years on the hip replacement list and then died 3 months after the operation. How the Canadian medical czars must have choked in fury when they realized that if they had only stalled the old man a few more months he wouldn't have cost the taxpayers a thing. Never mind his pain and suffering in those 2 years.

Bob James| 7.13.12 @ 6:09PM

Reported just yesterday. An average of 9.5 weeks for an appointment for follow-up care after seeing a specialist in Canada. That's two-and-a-half months, if you're math (or temporally) impaired. You do know, don't you Violet, how many Canadians come here for medical treatment? Now, why is that? Or are you just burying your head under a pillow and singing "la-la-la"

Keep singing praises for the One (PBUH). When you're gasping for breath - or worse, a loved one is gasping for breath - for want of care that is readily available now, I'll say a prayer for you.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 6:27PM

Where in Canada? In the middle of Montana, there are similar issues. Middle of Texas, Wyoming, even Missouri. So where in Canada?

Occam's Tool| 7.13.12 @ 8:13PM

Purp: I can quote chapter and verse from New Zealand: Wellington, the Capitol of the country, population 400,000---NOT ONE Pediatric ONCOLOGIST.

ALL OF NEW ZEALAND with FEWER Child Psychiatry beds available than OWENSBORO, KY. (I practiced in both places)

The Maori, with the HIGHEST LUNG CANCER RATE IN THE WORLD, and a SMOKING RATE OF ALMOST 50%---no access to WELLBUTRIN OR CHANTIX in 2007.

The North Island, WITH A POPULATION OF 3 MILLION PEOPLE---NO CHILD PSYCHIATRY BEDS DEVOTED TO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12.

You know that the number of Canadian psychiatrists to population are roughly the same here as there. the difference is that Canadian docs work far fewer hours than American docs do. The assumption is that Canadian docs work 1750 hours a year. I, on the other hand, as a full time employee, work 2040 hours a year NOT counting call and weekend rounding. Canadian docs tend to not get paid (taxed heavily) once they hit their hour limits. They therefore do not work, and this leads to wait lines. Same in New Zealand.

TLP| 7.14.12 @ 8:18AM

On your journey to New Zealand. Did you notice if Guam had Tipped Over, yet?

I recall one of our Esteemed Black Caucus members paying heed to a possible scenario, whereby all of the people of Guam might go to one side of the Island, thus placing it in Danger of Capsizing.

I believe he's the Ranking Member of the House Education Committee, with a part time Consulting Position at The Institute for Poulation Distribution, among Countries that are Prone to Tipping Over.

I understand he enjoys The Monkee Cages, at the Zoo, and Blowing Bubbles through his Nose.

But, we don't need Photo I.D. To Vote.

For, as you can see, the system works.

And, we'll never tip over.

We're in Good Hands.

Purp| 7.14.12 @ 8:19AM

Assuming I believe you - what's the other side of the story? There's always at least 2 different viewpoints. In any case, where would American doctors go, if it's so bad here?
I simply don't believe you.

Jive Bomber| 7.15.12 @ 6:44PM

Using that math, do you really think anyone believes you?

Just sayin.....

Kwan| 7.13.12 @ 10:02AM

Obama and the left want to drive all the independent physicians out of the medical profession to be replaced with government stooges. This is why the government took over the student loan program so that they could fund the education for the thousands of replacements that will soon be needed. Like in Cuba where the physicians are government employees these government physicians' allegiance will be to the government first the patient second. What about their Hippocratic Oath? Forgetaboutit.

Al Adab| 7.13.12 @ 12:31PM

Kwan:
Exactly so. Our Dr. has already closed his practice and he was one of those who never took medicare. He had his patients sign a waivver to not bill Medicare for visits, etc. Now he is gone as will many others. Centralization is the goal.

Fast and Curious| 7.13.12 @ 2:44PM

Medicaid is a disaster for physicians and hospitals. Medicare is not much better. The only thing that holds the system together is PRIVATE INSURANCE. Their higher reimbursements allow Drs. and hospitals to offset the losses from government programs. Medicare, for example, pays less (NOT inflation adjusted) for a hip replacement than it did 25 yrs. ago. Doctors and hospitals LOSE money caring for Medicaid.

So here's the deal: as the private insurance system withers away due to Obamacare's new price fixing, so goes the hospitals and doctors who are in private practice. The government will respond in these ways when things begin to fall apart:

1. In order to renew their medical license, doctors will be forced to accept govt insurance. A doctor shortage will ensue, leading to...

2. Nurses and physician assistants will be allowed to diagnose and prescribe.

3. Visa programs for doctors will be changed to allow foreign born and trained Drs to practice without jumping through the many hoops of certification.

4. LONG wait times for things that nurses cannot do- like your joint replacement surgery.

In the end the patients will suffer greatly, but they can all celebrate the fact that they have "health care coverage".

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 2:16PM

The Government ran the Student Load program just fine for decades... so stop your bull.
Republicans want to help business and Democrats want to help the people. It's that simple.
Doctors that are only out for money will service the rich - they aren't going anywhere. What about the rest of us? We are going broke with the current healthcare system ... and you don't care?

Truth to Power| 7.13.12 @ 2:54PM

The student loan program is a kickback to the universities. The universities get the money and the students get a mountain of debt. The cost of education has inflated at an even higher rate than health care but because the educational establishment is leftist it is not called a crisis.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 6:29PM

Kickback? You mean the cost of an education? That you call a kickback.
Education has inflated because public support for it has been removed by Republican legislatures.

Truth to Power| 7.14.12 @ 11:49AM

I mean money going to worthless pos's that support the Democratic Party. It is corruption plain and simple.

"Education has inflated because public support for it has been removed by Republican legislatures."

This is you going off script and it doesn't show a very intelligent mind.

Purp| 7.14.12 @ 7:55PM

Then you haven't been paying attention how tuitions rise... or you're just ignorant, stupid or evil.

Truth to Power| 7.14.12 @ 8:21PM

I was looking at total actual costs and the funny money student loan program. Students go into to debt while the university system gets real money funneled to them. It is corrupt and evil. On top of this too many students get worthless degrees and with the big O's penchant for killing jobs a few more years living with Mom and Dad instead of making their way in the world. Like every group that takes things from the Democratic Party they will sink to the bottom with only worthless promises.

Butch| 7.13.12 @ 3:30PM

Sociologists regularly conduct occupational prestige surveys. In the USA, MDs always top the list. In England, there is a very different situation: because MDs view patients as pains-in-the-neck to be rid of as quickly as possible, patients regard MDs and something on the order of DMV employees.

Von Mises Jr| 7.13.12 @ 4:52PM

Kwan, the government wants to raise the property and other taxes on citizens so that they are serfs. The doctors just happen to also be citizens that DC wishes to enslave in serfdom.
As this article rightly points out, they want to use the states to enslave their citizens while destroying the state sovereignty. AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS and WV all have much of their citizenry living below 132% of the poverty level. So the expansion of MediKKKaid will not only raise property taxes to oblivion enslaving the property owners (redistribution of wealth for power) but it will dissolve the states. How can you have a Federal Republic without Federalism???

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 4:58PM

Where the Hell have you been?

I only ask you, because I'm Jealous.

Von Mises Jr| 7.14.12 @ 7:37AM

Boot camp. I am trained and ready looking for trolls to slay.
Actually I didn't know Obama was going to eliminate the work requirement for welfare. Otherwise I would have never put in 10 hours a day in the hot sun. I would have just signed up for Obama's stash. Why work when someone else can work for you?
Next I am going on vacation, and it won't be to the Democrat Convention. Even the Democrats won't go and be seen with our dicktator.

TLP| 7.14.12 @ 8:24AM

What I wanna STILL know, is how he uses Executive Orders for these Massive Deals, and yet, we still aren't Drilling in Anwar?

The Republican Wienership has gotta go.

Frankly, I can't belive the Son of a Communist Wh*re is still alive.

John of Patmos, and I, have July in the Pool.

So, there's still time for hope.

Warrior| 7.13.12 @ 5:11PM

"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 7:41PM

2nd Amendment.

Purp| 7.14.12 @ 7:55PM

Sad ... you would overthrow your own Constitution.

JD| 7.15.12 @ 2:20PM

Your side did that.

loulou| 7.13.12 @ 11:20AM

Superb posts from all of you.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 2:18PM

What is Richie Romney hiding in the Cayman Islands?
How did he amass 100 million dollars in an IRA? Hmmm?
Why did he pioneer outsourcing at Bain, showing companies how to do it, if he's such a great American job creator? Hmmmm?
Where are his tax returns? What's he hiding there?
Dont' you care?

Anthony| 7.13.12 @ 2:40PM

It's past 2, so Purp just woke up from the left coast.
How did the druggie Obozo get into Oxidental College, and then Columbia on a transfer, one of the hardest things to do, especially into an Ivy League school?
How is it that the professor emeritus of Columbia's Poly Si department has no recollection of Obozo?
How did Obozo get a CT S.S. card?
How did Obozo get into Harvard Law?
How does a non descript, insignificant person of no accomplishment, get a publisher?
And why did that publisher publish for 17 years a bio blurb that Obozo was Kenyan?
What is he hiding?
Don't you care?

TLP| 7.13.12 @ 5:02PM

The second Greatest Story Ever Told, is sitting in a Vault, on a Volcanic Island in the Middle of the Pacific Ocean, and nobody seems to GIVE A SH*T.

I can only imagine what Future Historians will write, about The Fall of America.

Purp| 7.14.12 @ 8:21AM

He's President Obama now. Questions that should have been asked before he became President, just like we ask questions now of Romney's past.
But you'd vote for a slime instead of Obama, wouldn't you?

Truth to Power| 7.14.12 @ 11:01PM

Well put. Obama is worse than slime.

CJW| 7.13.12 @ 4:05PM

Obamaboy
Still no answer from you on"
1. Michelle got a raise from$100,000 per year to $350,000 per year for her job as "Community Relations Attorney" from the Chicago hospital that got an earmark from Senator Obama. Could this be a variation of the kickback? I would have more respect for her is she just took the cash like Spiro.

2. How about the Obamas getting the house/land paid indirectly by the Chicago crook Tony Rezko?

3. How about Bubba selling a pardon for one million buckc to Denise Rich for her fugitive husband, Mark Rich? You know Eric Holder was involved in those pardons.

You must be desperate, purpie, talking about the Cayman and Swiss.
Obma did create jobs in Finland, and in Mexico for doctors/morticians for the Mexicans killed and injured by the guns he and Holder sent to Mexico.

It will be a landslide for Romney, purpie, get your money as a paid troll while you can.
I see the desperation in your posts.s

Anthony| 7.13.12 @ 4:29PM

CJW, Have you noticed a pattern to Purp? He fails to respond when challenged, and on the rare occasion when he does, he critizes one's spelling or grammar, and then moves on.
Well, we know one thing about Purp, he has no dangling participle, that's for damn sure.
Adios all, have a happy!!!

CJW| 7.13.12 @ 5:30PM

Vaya con Dios.

Bob James| 7.13.12 @ 6:19PM

To respond to Violet, assuming, arguendo, that his "facts" are such, Mr. Romney EARNED it, a fact entirely lost on avaricious, envious leftist bozos. That's unlike you blood-sucking statist parasites, who will not rest until we have all been reduced to penury and serfdom. Good Lord above, where we're headed makes 18th Century Russia look like a garden spot.

As for his tax returns, where are Obozo's? Where are his college transcripts? Where is a single article under his pen as editor of Harvard's Law Review? How did Choom-boy transfer from Occidental to Columbia?

Feh. Away with you.

RichTex| 7.13.12 @ 11:29AM

Eventually, all medical personnel in the United States will be required to be members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which is headed by the Surgeon General. No one else will be allowed to practice medicine, dentistry, or even empty a bedpan. When this results in a shortage of doctors and nurses, the draft will be instituted to force them into service. Of course, this will then result in a shortage of students attending medical, dental and nursing schools. But don’t worry. Just like in any totalitarian regime, the government will identify those students early on (maybe junior high?) who show an aptitude for medicine, and they will have no choice as to what field of work they will go into.

Just think, it all started with Obamacare.

Anthony| 7.13.12 @ 12:18PM

The three most ignored and forgotten words among the Washington establishment are "We The People".
The three most effective words that will restore our Constitutional Republic are "Lock and Load".
Contrary to what some leftists believe, fear can be a wonderful motivator for doing what is right!!

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 2:19PM

Yep, there's a good republican following the "Rule of Law" ... idiot.

Anthony| 7.13.12 @ 2:43PM

We ARE following the rule of law, moron; it's you and your lefty ilk that are wiping your asses with the Constitution.

Purp| 7.14.12 @ 8:22AM

Taking up arms, "Lock and Load", what could that mean, hmmmm? Lawbreaker, Outlaw - and you think you're a patriot? Traitorous dog is what you are.

TLP| 7.14.12 @ 8:26AM

Read the Declaration of Independence.

It's right there.

Al Adab| 7.13.12 @ 12:38PM

This issue provides the opening needed for the States to reassert themselves. For many years the federal government has used highway funds to extort compliance from the States for various centralizing laws. Now the States have an opportunity through this case and the AZ case to reassert their status and rebuild the concept of Federalism. Let us all hope that many of them have the spines to take action.

Purp| 7.13.12 @ 2:19PM

Yeah, let's become a third world country with the States fighting amongst themselves. Great idea.... imbecile.

Truth to Power| 7.13.12 @ 2:56PM

This is funny coming from a big O supporter. Projection always finds its way into a leftist accusation.

Butch| 7.13.12 @ 3:36PM

They won't be fighting among themselves; they will be united fighting the federal octopus. Call me a moron, please: you've already used idiot and imbicile within screen sight of each other.

Al Adab| 7.13.12 @ 4:11PM

Its OK Butch:
Good to see Purp crawl out from under his rock. We can rest assured that if he disagrees, we are on the right track. Have a great weekend.

Butch| 7.13.12 @ 5:15PM

You to, Al. Let's both have a shot of Laphroaig.

irish19| 7.14.12 @ 4:57PM

Kissin' the frog!! Love it! Wish I could join you, but my finances won't let me afford that fine Islay libation. Have one for me please.

CJW| 7.13.12 @ 4:07PM

Obamaboy
O is turning us into a third world country.
5 trillion deficit in 3 years

Occam's Tool| 7.13.12 @ 8:01PM

Don't cooperate and let the bitch die.

Katkon7| 7.14.12 @ 12:12AM

I sincerely hope this message goes directly to the hearts of state legislators who truly have hearts for their constituents.

Purp| 7.14.12 @ 8:23AM

They are for themselves, and ONLY for themselves to keep power.

Kwan| 7.14.12 @ 12:53PM

Then the Big Bad Wolf said, "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down". Come-on man get a grip on yourself do you think anybody on this website is going to believe those leftist fairy tales you keep spouting off? Better that you hang-out on a website where you can associate with fellow-travelers. I would suggest Stalinists, Maoists, and Leninists for Obama. Org.

Von Mises Jr| 7.14.12 @ 2:42PM

Kwan, ignore the troll. He has 15 of 69 comments that are about 22% and nobody wants to hear the moron.
Soros and MoveOn cannot disrupt intelligent dialog unless we respond to a Jacka$$ troll that is being paid to be annoying and spew propaganda.

JD| 7.15.12 @ 2:21PM

And all you want is to give them more power.

spike59| 7.16.12 @ 6:01AM

ObaMao:

'nice little state you got there, with all those Medicaid recipients; it'd be a shame if something was to...happen to them...'

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The Spectacle Blog

Elbert Guillory: ‘Why I Am a Republican’

Patrick Ryan | 10:13AM

The One Party State

F.H. Buckley | 9:47AM

Cummings Accused of Subverting IRS Investigation

Jeffrey Lord | 6:20AM

Let Pitchers Throw Complete Games

Aaron Goldstein | 12:10AM

Thoughts on New U.S.-Taliban Peace Talks

Aaron Goldstein | 6.18.13

Thank You, Bobby Jindal

Matt Purple | 6.18.13

Buzzfeed Faces $3.6 Million Lawsuit for Copyright Infringement

Kaylin Bugos | 6.18.13

Democrat Dan Maffei Blames Budget Cuts for Girl’s Rape, Mother’s Murder

Robert Stacy McCain | 6.18.13

FLASHBACK TO: 1995

Pope Culture

By George Sim Johnston

A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck

By P.J. O'Rourke

Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
Dames at Sea

By John Corry
In the Absence of Guns

By Mark Steyn

In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
The Metaphysical Martini

By Werner J. Dannhauser
Counting the Costs of Clintonism

By Robert H. Bork

The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
Chuck McHagel

By George Neumayr

It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted

By Douglas Bartholomew
It’s the Best Time of the Year

By Mark Steyn

The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
The Bush Crack-Up

By Brit Hume

Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?