146 Responses to:
THE ROBERTS DOCTRINE

# 1. 6/29/12 12:02 AM by wh - wx, ut
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Justice Roberts. It is not the job of SCOTUS to save the electorate from the consequences of their bad decisions. Responsibility for success or failure of policy should be borne by those who are accountable in elections. Voters have the power to participate in history or sit on the sidelines and watch. The inaction of the spectators may jepordize society as we know it, but that is an inherent risk of a free society.

# 2. 6/29/12 12:08 AM
I know someone that refused to buy automobile insurance because he thought it was unconstituional. Some people that thought like him demanded the arrest of State police several county sheriffs, Governer, AG Judge.

Thing is Auto insurance is a state issue for those that choose to drive a car and is liability. Health care violates the 9th and 10th amdendment. Maybe it will be overturned some how.

# 3. 6/29/12 12:11 AM by Mike
what I don't understand is that everyone was for Ron Paul and now we've got Romney. Someone explain this to me.

Editor's Note: virtually no one was for ron paul, as primary after primary demonstrated.

# 4. 6/29/12 12:31 AM by BSP
Politics over justice.

Roberts thinks he's something special. I think he likes the attention, likes being on TV, and like to make the headlines, and he'll do anything, no matter how ridiculous, to get there.

My first view of this guy was when he was administering the Oath of Office to Obama in early 2009. He thought he was so smart and decided that he knew the whole oath word for word. WRONG! He flubbed it, therefore, having to do it over behind closed doors, just to make sure it was good enough to stick. It was Obama's biggest day of his life, and Roberts screwed it up. What a boob. I wouldn't even hire this joker to be a school bus monitor.

Editor's Note: messing up the oath was an incredible act of stupidity. you have one job, it's a big day, and you blow it. somebody who lets that happen doesn't impress me.

# 5. 6/29/12 1:15 AM by Al - Hornell,
November can't come fast enough!

# 6. 6/29/12 1:56 AM by jcoene - globe az
And on this day, our founding fathers, rolled collectively in their graves.

# 7. 6/29/12 3:42 AM by Bob H. - Henrietta, NY
So what happened to the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which stated that powers not granted to the United States are reserved to the individual states, which in this case applies to Massachusetts, which has an individual mandate?

Everybody needs to read The Wall Street Journal's article entitled "Pelosi's Pig in a Poke", "We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it" (March 10, 2010, it is still on the Web). That article and Judge Roberts' flip-flop should get more than just a few voters' blood boiling.

So how's Obama's promise of 'transparency' working for you?

FUBO!

# 8. 6/29/12 3:52 AM by Steve - Webster, NY
I was surprised and deeply saddened by the news of what the Supreme Court did yesterday. Having grown up in a country with socialized medicine (England) and thankfully escaped, I find that my adopted country is following down the same destructive path.

A good friend of mine, who happens to be American, emigrated several years ago to New Zealand. When she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, she immediately returned to the US and resumed her residency here in order to receive treatment that she would not receive under the "national healthcare" program in New Zealand. I am grateful that she's doing exceptionally well several years later, but shocked and appalled that, as a self-described Socialist she is a vocal advocate for Obamacare. She ran away from the socialized model when it wouldn't serve her, but now wants to see the same thing implemented here. It just makes no sense.

I can only hope that this mobilizes people to vote for a little sanity this year. Even NYS could fall to the Republicans if only we could overcome the voter apathy that's so rampant here.

Of course, then we would need to hope that Romney would follow through on his word ...

# 9. 6/29/12 4:34 AM by Jeff - Rochester
Chief Justice Roberts is no fool. His court has avoided a massive public backlash and preserved its impartial character in the context of many conservative rulings of late.

ACA was duly passed by Congress under the rules of the Constitution. We will just have to repeal it using those same democratic rules and institutions. If we have the better argument, we should win, no?

Editor's Note: unless of course it is unconstitutional as passed, idiot.

# 10. 6/29/12 5:02 AM by huner - e. bethany, ny
And yet, the court placed lasting limitations on the "dreaded" Commerce Clause. Settle the rest at the ballot box. Also, think Emminent Domain.

# 11. 6/29/12 5:16 AM by albert 1
Very consistant with the Citizens United ruling.

Editor's Note: you don't even know what you're talking about. you're repeating phrases you've heard and never comprehended. vote obama.

# 12. 6/29/12 5:17 AM by Liberty Tom - Rochester, NY
It's official. We are the new Soviet Union, circa 1962. Pardon me if I don't stand up in the 7th inning at Frontier Field when they play "God Bless America".

# 13. 6/29/12 5:26 AM by pp - Rochester
Many conservatives are threatening to leave the country over this, but they can't find another western democracy without universal healthcare.

I suggest Somalia. Small government, open gun laws, no universal health care, and a theocracy. Perfect!

# 14. 6/29/12 5:33 AM by Larry - Greece,NY
Nothing this government(any branch) does surprises me anymore!!

# 15. 6/29/12 5:43 AM
Balderdash Butthead!

Every civilized people in the world come together to provide healthcare for their citizens. The question is how to do it?

You Tea baggers all want to live like a wolves.

I got mine and I may steal yours but I believe in Jesus. What an insult to Christ's teaching.

Editor's Note: another obama/slaughter/hochul voter heard from

# 16. 6/29/12 6:14 AM by Dave B - Elma, NY
What the heck is happening to this country?

# 17. 6/29/12 6:22 AM by Jodi - Wayne County East
The precedent that has been set is astounding.

If soon unchecked the Libtards are literally forcing the hand of national financial suicide and constitutional murder.

If soon unchecked they are forcing the hand of revolution.

# 18. 6/29/12 6:51 AM by rjd
The fix is in Robert, if these guys can do anything they want then what makes you think the will honor an election? Even if somehow Romney wins, they wont let him. This country as we have known it has ended. We waited way too long to wake up and we are too late. The only way it will end is with the red states basically telling the federal government to get stuffed which will start a second civil war. They have flushed the Constitution down the toilet so it will not protect us anymore, that was the cold water in the face you felt yesterday, we are no longer protected.

# 19. 6/29/12 6:51 AM
Yer guns are next. Even what happened yesterday will not motivate some people to vote.

Voting should be a mandatory condition of citizenship. No vote, no stay.

# 20. 6/29/12 6:56 AM
Does Kenya have Obamacare? Just wondering. F**k you Obama!!!

# 21. 6/29/12 7:02 AM
Roberts wasn't worried about the law just the reputation of the court and his legacy so sad he's a young guy we're going to have to live with him for a long time.

# 22. 6/29/12 7:07 AM by rjd
Any truth to the rumor that the new Gay Pride Oreos will be sold with the name "Glory-Holes" or maybe "Gloreos"

# 23. 6/29/12 7:09 AM by Jen - Livonia, NY
Apparently the President can now choose "not to enforce" any law that he chooses. When Congress (and the people) don't agree with him, this is the correct way to "get things done". Now the Supreme Court says that the Federal govt can essentially tax any action or inaction that they choose. Add those 2 things together, and exactly what freedoms do we have left?

And what's even sadder is that although I will vote for Romney in the fall, I'm not all that confident voting in a republican will fix this. It's just handing the power to the next wolf in sheep's clothing.

# 24. 6/29/12 7:17 AM by Mike - Victor, NY
the democrats just want us to be like Europe, unfortunately I feel we soon will be.

# 25. 6/29/12 7:29 AM by Cal - Rochester, NY
Bob,

Another amazing article you just wrote, when most people do not understand, what the hell is going on?

The handwriting was on the wall when our illustrious congress passed Obamacare, not knowing what was in this stuffed bill..., while Louise was backing it 100%! The libtards win again while the republicans are scratching their heads... Meanwhile AG Eric Holder is just found in contempt of congress and the republican house will probably send him to jail! May this be just the beginning of all the Obama thugs! Meanwhile Roberts must have forgotten to take his meds to make this obviously last minute insane decison! Bet our Founding Fathers would say; let the revolution begin! And my spell check just made Obama, bazaar!

# 26. 6/29/12 7:34 AM
Some people say Roberts outsmarted Obama, because in his written opinion he weakened congress' power to abuse the commerce clause to push people around, and weakened their ability to push states around by withholding funding. He may also have added a big reason for people to get off their butts in November, and remove Obamacare along with Obama, Holder, Chu and this whole sorry administration. But it's not his job to outsmart. It's his simple job to strike down what is unconstitutional. If his action was a ploy, it's a failed one because it has given Congress the power to push people around with the threat of a punitive tax.

# 27. 6/29/12 7:39 AM by OldVietVet - Rochester, NY
Yea! And somewhere in a dark and very hot spot,another Chief Skunk, Earl Warren sits reminiscing, surrounded by former members of French Directorates, Supreme Soviets,Gestapos, banana "republic" Juntas etc. If our Nation is to survive and retain the freedoms spelled out in the Constitution, it must find a way to restrain,restrict, and reform the activities of our Federal Govt.- beginning with the judicial branch.If that is not possible, then its goodbye to all those 18th century "constitutionally" guranteed rights of freedom and liberty, and hello to the tyranny that will surely overtake what Lincoln called the "last, best hope for mankind".But who knows? There is the possibility that Roberts has inadvertantly punched Obamas return ticket to Chicago for November 2012.Romney is looking better and better,at least to those who oppose Obama care.And isnt that number somewhre around 65%?

# 28. 6/29/12 7:39 AM by CLF - Rochester
I hope people are starting to realize that "we, the people" are not in control of the ship. Power resides in the hands of the government, not the public. The time for government to fear the people is at an end, the beginning of people fearing their government is upon us. And probably has been for some time -- but a very obvious example of this was made yesterday. They have just set a precedent wherein the government can order the average citizen to buy something, and punish them financially if they do not. I wonder what else this will extend itself to? Lawmakers can be very creative. Their job, after all, is to create more laws. As most lawmakers see it anyways.

# 29. 6/29/12 7:41 AM
Relax, take a baby aspirin and let nature take its course. Quite honestly, its hard to say if its a good or bad thing as of right now. Just like anything else in life, either it will work or it will fail. The American people will decide in the long run. We the people, for the people. Just relax Bobby boy.....

Editor's Note: we'll relax on inauguration day

# 30. 6/29/12 7:43 AM
I would rather talk about public employee pensions and their healthcare that we the people pay for. F all this other smokescreen bull !*&!@.

# 31. 6/29/12 7:46 AM
Have you seen the filthy Lake Ontario Beach water, you have got to be kidding. When walking on the Charlotte pier the other day I saw these children in green slime. What a disgrace!!!

Editor's Note: it's a lake. fish crap in it. slime grows. nature isn't antiseptic.

# 32. 6/29/12 7:48 AM by Durwood - Canandaigua
After almost four years of this nonsense I'm reminded of theses names from the past: Goring, Himmler, Goebbels, Speer, Hess, etal. What was their boss' name? Listen for the jack boots.

# 33. 6/29/12 7:48 AM
Hey, let's move downtown, better yet, how about buying a house in the City. I think, HELL NO!!!!

# 34. 6/29/12 7:50 AM by dennis - docs
100%

# 35. 6/29/12 8:01 AM by Jim - Fairport
A bible-totting Mormon CRYING about all Americans having access to basic healthcare has got to be the most ridiculous thing I have seen EVER.

What an incredible advertisement to become an atheist.

# 36. 6/29/12 8:03 AM by S J - Rochester, NY
I understand not favoring Obamacare, but anyone who doesn't think that the health care system needs a dramatic kick in the behind either never goes to the doctor or is living under one or more rocks.

Editor's Note: mitt and the gop will fix it just fine

# 37. 6/29/12 8:10 AM by Joe - Albion
Who the hell appointed this guy to the Supreme Court? What a joke he is.

# 38. 6/29/12 8:15 AM by Ryan
The law does not say it is a tax. Roberts used "tax" in his opinion of the ruling. So now the confusion would be is it a tax or a penalty?

# 39. 6/29/12 8:15 AM by Earl
I agree with you, Bob. The individual mandate is clearly unconstitutional. No doubt about it.

And now that the Supremes have declared it the law of the land, they've paved the way for other such abuses, such as the privitazion of Social Security. Which may have been the end game all along.

How long will it be before the money that comes out of my paycheck for Social Security is paid to some private, for-profit company, which will take 20% right off the top for their profit margin?

I disagree with you on one point, however. You said that no one saw this decision coming. Well, sir, that's wrong. I was certain that the individual mandate would be declared constitutional.

A corporate owned Supreme Court just made a decision that will deliver billions to the health insurance industry.

What's so unexpected about that?

# 40. 6/29/12 8:20 AM by Hank - Salt Lake
If I already have health insurance, do I have to pay the tax?

# 41. 6/29/12 8:21 AM by FDR - Hamlin
Krauthammer rationalizes Roberts's decision in his column today. I guess they're both much smarter than me and you because I agree 100% with your take. If there is a bright side, it is to energize the GOP even more come Nov. But unfortunately, the SCOTUS precedent has been set. Welcome to the USSA

# 42. 6/29/12 8:22 AM by Ray - Brockport
If Mitt Romney doesn't get elected to save us from government health insurance, then I'll move to Canada.

# 43. 6/29/12 8:30 AM by Ron
At least Romney has more stuff to campaign on. He's the one who paid off Roberts.

# 44. 6/29/12 8:35 AM by Mary - Henrietta
As an Emergency room worker I am thrilled to know that there will be no more write offs or costs associated with collection efforts. You get sick in the future, the rest of us aren't carrying you any longer. Let's see how many drug seekers will show up with chest pains now looking for those vasodilators like Morphine without the free ride they've always enjoyed in the past. Maybe now we can get back to staffing appropriately and lift the burden of doing the work of 2 or more people every day.

Editor's Note: emergency worker, it's interesting that your computer id is in the batch of computers being used by the obama campaign's internet army.

# 45. 6/29/12 8:41 AM
Hyperbole abounds. Get over it.

# 46. 6/29/12 8:43 AM by Joan - Greece
It's really incredible how steadfastly the whiny crying baby Republicans have continued to rail against this issue. I recall that this law originally was a Republican idea, and enacted in one state by a Republican governor who is will be the Republican nominee for President. Yet, now, they make it sound like the apocalypse itself.

# 47. 6/29/12 8:48 AM by Andrew - Henrietta, NY
Isn't this based on the logical construct that health care is not a "product" but something that everyone eventually receives, and cannot "opt out" of?

Maybe Roberts is a master troll and declaring it a tax means the people will now view it as a tax and change the law as such.

All is not lost; congress can still repeal this bill.

# 48. 6/29/12 8:49 AM by Robert - Pittsford
Romney said it was OK to charge a penalty if you are a irresponsible person with means and don't buy insurance.

# 49. 6/29/12 8:51 AM by Matt - Rochester, NY
Thank you George Bush for Mr. Roberts. You get what you pay the devil for. Mitt Romney won't do a damn thing about it either. Another Republican candidate who could care less about America and Americans, and only care about himself.

# 50. 6/29/12 8:51 AM by Liz - East Rochester
Conservatives already blew their credibility wad with the death panel nonsense. The American people are beginning to tune them out.

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