The bill passes 219-212.  Very close.  Wow.  I’ve got some thoughts on what the bill does below, promises and statements from Obama, and a few things from Pelosi.  Also,  Jim predicted that this would happen.  Let’s see if the other half of Jim’s prediction comes true.  (Read his blog of predictions)

“The health-care bill passes but is disrupted by countless court cases.  It is eventually found to be unconstitutional.” - Jim Beach’s Prediction from Dec 30, 2009

Bill does the following (my thoughts in italics):

• No more rejections for pre-exisiting conditions (Isn’t there a reason for these restrictions – ie risk actuary tables that drive costs…meaning the cost to insure these folks makes it impossible to effectively manage health cost…just a thought)
• New regs on insurance companies to limit increasing premiums (ok – I hope it is effective)
• Greater access to preventive care (This sounds good)
• Kids can stay on till 26 (This just reflects very BADLY on my generation…we are too lazy to get out of our parents house…not only did they buy us everything, paid for college but now we can mooch off our parents health care….I”m glad I can count myself among this younger generation)
• Everyone has to have insurance (Great let’s see how that’s implemented, managed, and paid for…what is the penalty for not having insurance)

Things Obama Said:

• Obama just promised that small business was going to benefit from this bill. He also said that this bill will allow a small business owners to employ someone verses having to pay for health care.
• “Long after the debate, analysis, etc… fades away what is left standing is a health care system that incorporates both parties”
• Very interesting – health care tax cut for new business owners or those who lose their job.
• Medicare stronger and more solvent
• Reduce deficit by 100 bil in next decade and 1 Trillion the following decade
• “This is what change looks like”
• Bring debate to a close and start implementation of the bill.
• Another stone firmly laid in the foundation of the American Dream.  When faced with crisis we did not shrink we overcame it.  We did not fear our future we shaped it.

Well, I just jotted down some things Obama said.  The questions I have are still there – How is it going to be paid for? How will it be implemented?  Will these promises ever be fulfilled or are they just vacuous political statements?

A few things from Pelosi:

• The bill will release tremendous entrepreneurial power in our country  (what!?!@?!)
• It will allow people to follow their passions and interests without having to worry about health care
• Under this bill their entrepreneurial spirit will be released
• This bill will save the tax payer 1.3 trillion dollars
• It’s personal for women….under this bill being a woman will not be a preexisting condition (???)

She’s just crazy.

Well small business and entrepreneurs stand strong and continue to remain flexible.

I end with two quotes  from a good friend:

1. “What good is a more perfect union when that more perfect union is bankrupt and defunct!” (This was after Rep Jim Clyburn said that this bill was a step to a more perfect union)
2. “One more stone laid at the grave site of America…” (Obviously a play on Obama’s statement)