(ThyBlackMan.com) “And now, the end is here/And so I face the final curtain/My friend, I’ll say it clear/I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain/I’ve lived a life that’s full/I traveled each and ev’ry highway/And more, much more than this/I did it my way.” Those lyrics were famously sung by one of my very favorite singers – the iconic Frank Sinatra. Those lyrics come from one of my very favorite songs – “My Way”. Those words also apply to President Obama. In support of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), he traveled highways and flight paths throughout this great nation. Mr. Obama stated his case. And like Francis Albert “Frank” Sinatra; a.k.a. Ol’ Blue Eyes; a.k.a. The Chairman of the Board himself, Mr. Obama did Obamacare his way.
I’m writing this column at 10:14pm ET on Monday, March 31st. On this – Obamacare’s deadline day – there are people standing in lines this very moment in San Antonio, TX. There are people waiting in lines this very moment in Miami, FL. There are people sitting in buildings this very moment in Los Angeles, CA. There are Americans in many states currently on the phone. They’re all working/speaking with Navigators specially trained to help them sign up for healthcare coverage for themselves and their families. There is no hocus pocus going on. There are no smoke and mirrors; and no sleight of hand. These are real people
with real families who in real lines at real facilities to gain access to real healthcare coverage in cases of real illness. These folks aren’t just poor people. These folks aren’t relegated to people of color. These folks aren’t just members of the middle class. And believe it or not, these folks aren’t just progressives. Conservatives are signing up. People in the middle are signing up, too.
I’m not one to gloat. I don’t have to say “I told you so.” The Obama administration publicly declared nearly one year ago its forecast that seven million Americans would sign up under the Affordable Care Act. That milestone was passed before last weekend. The President staked everything on this: his reputation, his credibility, even his legacy. He was in the most treacherous of high stakes, political poker games; and he knew when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em, and refused to walk away. He stated what he wanted to do; and found a way to do it. The President was right. The numbers speak for themselves. The surging interest speaks for itself.
Over on the Fox News Channel, you would think that someone just stole Christmas. Already, they’re crying “cooked books.” They are beside themselves with anger, disappointment, and confusion. Where is the imminent death spiral of Obamacare? Where is the utter collapse of healthcare.gov? Where is America’s complete refusal to sign up for ACA benefits? Apparently, you can find those things the same place as Bigfoot, the Lochness monster, and Chupacabras – in a parallel, pocket universe.
Friends, this is the beginning of the end. Oh, I don’t mean the beginning of the end for Obamacare. This is the beginning of the end of the conservative war against Obamacare. They had 54 turns at-bat to repeal it – and they struck out every single time. They had 54 shots to replace it – and they missed every single one. The failure of the Obama administration’s goal of 7 million signees was their last, best hope to continue their totally futile mission to oppose healthcare reform.
There is speculation that the final number of brand new ACA enrollees could be 8 million, 9 million, or even 10 million people. We’ll find out in the next few weeks. What we do know is this: the new ACA enrollees are happy. The President is happy. The Obama administration is happy. Progressives are happy. Pretty much everyone is happy except for those who live in the conservative media bubble. To them, this is just cause for gloom and doom.
Bad news, conservatives. You can cancel any plans for progressives to run away from Obamacare in 2014 primaries and elections. Smart progressives will run hard on Obamacare because it is, in fact, a winner. For the first time ever, recent polls indicate that more Americans favor the ACA than oppose it. Even that worm has turned.
I’ll admit that I was very concerned last October and November when all the healthcare.gov technical glitches were revealed. It looked really bad for a bit. But as usual, the President stood up, spoke up, and got things done.
And here we are! The media pundits can finally move on. Obamacare is the law of the land. It’s not going anywhere – period. Smart conservatives should turn the page and start thinking about how to make it better. It’s like the signage at every McDonald’s location: over 7 million served.
Staff Writer; Arthur L. Jones, III
This talented brother is a local Minister, weekly featured Democratic Op-Ed columnist, non-profit advisor, and sees the Braves winning it all this fall. Rev. Jones welcomes your comments! Please email him directly at: tcdppress@gmail.com.
