Video: President Obama Signs Health Care Reform Into Law
Photograph of President Obama signing the health care reform in law by J. Scott Applewhite/AP
President Obama put his signature on health care reform today, saying, "The bill I am signing will set in motion reforms that generations of Americans have fought for and marched for and hungered to see.... We are not a nation that scales back its aspirations. We are not a nation that falls prey to doubt or mistrust. We don't fall prey to fear. We are not a nation that does what's easy. It's not who we are. It's not how we got here. We are a nation that faces its challenges and accepts its responsibilities."
The NY Times reports, "Mr. Obama affixed his curlicue signature, almost letter by letter, to the measure, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, surrounded by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and a raft of other lawmakers who spent the past year on a legislative roller-coaster ride trying to pass it. Aides said he would pass out the 20 pens he used as mementoes."
Obama also acknowledged Pelosi and Reid, "We are blessed by leaders in each chamber who not only do their jobs very well, but who never lost sight of the larger mission. They didn't play for the short term. They didn't play to the polls or the politics."
Tucker Carlson's blog is not a reference in the legislation.
Note that it is "Republican lawmakers [who] estimate the legislation will require the hiring of many thousands of new tax enforcement agents."
I like how he says "Consider what happened in Mass." and then goes on to describe how they have to fill out a form. A form! The horror!
The article also supports my assertion that the IRS has bigger fish to fry: "In 2001, the IRS estimated the [tax collection] gap at around $300 billion."
And while the 4 cent collection (which was actually $200 with penalties) was unnecessary, the IRS did not "raid" the car wash. They merely delivered the notice in person.
praise allah for this wonderful legislation - let the gay sex begin!!
fishfryin
hard to believe he was able to get this done when you look at the buffoons surrounding him in this photo
drewo
I hope our elected officials put as much time and effort into legislation that might help keep Americans away from the need for expensive healthcare.
Such as:
- Mandatory daily Physical Education classes for all public school students K-12.
- Remove subsidies to corn growers that keeps the price of corn syrup artificially low.
- An emphasis on building out our nationwide mass transportation system, with high speed rail and regional rail becoming a top priority. Getting Americans out of their automobiles will also help to keep them out of the doctor's office.
These kinds of "pre-emptive" healthcare initiatives are just as important as insurance reform. But they don't generate the same kinds of news headlines - so I don't have great faith in our elected officials to follow through on these kinds of programs.
Jon Claw
...and how do we pay for these nice things (omitting the removal of the corn subsidy)?
Jon Claw
Correction: Removal of the subsidy is a nice thing, but we don't pay for it. :)
EastRiver
An emphasis on building out our nationwide mass transportation system, with high speed rail and regional rail becoming a top priority. Getting Americans out of their automobiles will also help to keep them out of the doctor's office.
Are these trains going to be powered by people on treadmills and exercise bikes? I'd love for there to be more trains but I don't see the connection with health.
drewo
Car culture has contributed to our obese nation. I don't think it's a coincidence that most Americans have expanded their girth into the extra available space in their SUV's. A lifestyle of increasing ease-of-access via the automobile means that Americans are engaged in less and less basic physical activity. Getting Americans to walk the distance from their homes to a train, and then walk the distance from their train stop to their jobs will engage them in more sprightly activity than they are accustomed.
Not to mention the reduction in car-spewed pollutants that will make for a healthier enviroment, nor the unhealthy aspect of the tens of thousands of Americans injured and maimed each year by automobiles.
Our European friends who have enjoyed extensive mass transportation systems for years in their countries, are a bit healthier and less slothful than their American cousins.
EastRiver
Our European friends who have enjoyed extensive mass transportation systems for years in their countries, are a bit healthier and less slothful than their American cousins.
Mainly because they eat smaller portions of higher quality food. (I agree with you on cutting the subsidies to corn lobby). Europeans haven't cut back on their mass transit but they've been getting fatter as well. They're just 10 or so years behind us in terms of fast food options and crappy prepackaged food.
drewo
Mainly because they eat smaller portions of higher quality food.
Another symptom of car culture. Do you think Americans gathering food at the fast food drive-in are ordering smaller portions - or super-sized portions? Carrying that food (and fat) back home in a car is easier and more likely, than if you walked to the market and purchased your evening meal each day.
True, Europeans have begun to pick up some of our bad habits. However, a big part of their daily lifestyle precludes dependence on automobiles, and forces them to engage in more regular physical movement - and for that they are generally healthier and fitter than Americans.
Kojak
Ok Mr President. Well Done.
Now your next task is to reign in Healthcare costs as this Bill doesn't do nearly enough in that effort.
Use an RSS reader to stay up to date with the latest news and posts from Gothamist.
Want Gothamist's suggestions on what shows to check out, where to eat, what to buy, where to go for a quick trip? We'll be bringing you some exclusive tips and ideas via email every day! And don't worry—you'll still get a list of our top stories.
Sign up for Gothamist Daily, which will deliver useful tips—plus Gothamist's most popular stories—to your inbox at 11 a.m. This way, you'll be able to plan your week or month as well as catch up on Gothamist if you've stepped away.
$250 VIP GoogaMooga Tickets: You Would've Gotten More Full Eating The Money
Your Summer 2012 Top 10 Blockbuster Movie Guide!
Photos: Experience "NASA's" Amazing Mission To Mars Inside The Park Ave Armory
7 Best Rooftop Bars In NYC, For Your High-Altitude Drinking Pleasure
White Fence's Tim Presley Talks Recording With Ty Segall, Brooklyn's Blandness, & Peeing With His Cat
24 Magnificent Photos Of Manhattan Peacocks To Take The Edge Off Today
Mike Birbiglia Ate In An Airplane Bathroom, And Other Stories From The Moth Ball
John Hodgman Talks Nick Nolte, His Deranged Mustache, & How Money Buys Happiness
Videos: Mourning And Celebrating Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch
Photos: Police And Protesters Clash By Wall Street After Euphoric May Day March
