Tea Party activists to hold Idaho state leaders accountable for Obamacare
January 19, 2013 at 12:50 pm in News by Tea Party Patriots 3 Comments
In December 2012, Idaho’s governor announced he would implement a state-based insurance exchange as part of the Affordable Care Act. Since this decision empowers the Affordable Care Act, Tea Party Activists in the region are making their opposition to Obamacare known.
Dianne Capps and Idaho State Coordinator Pam Stout are working with Gem State Tea Party in this effort. Their coordination includes eastern Washington State activists and activists across Idaho. Taking place on January 20 and 21, activists will protest, have a discussion and debate seminar, and meet with legislators.
According to a press release from Governor C.L. Otter’s office on December 11, his decision (which requires legislative approval) is based upon political reality:
Our options have come down to this: Do nothing and be at the federal government’s mercy in how that exchange is designed and run, or take a seat at the table and play the cards we’ve been dealt. I cannot willingly surrender a role for Idaho in determining the impact on our own citizens and businesses.
While we at Tea Party Patriots have sympathy for the tough position Governor Otter was put in by the federal government, if he had listened to Tea Party activists he would know he had a third, and better, option: let the federal government control the exchanges, as over half of states decided. This would put great pressure on our unprepared federal government, and possibly help cause an implosion of the Affordable Care Act. It is important to remind officials like Governor Otter that state-based does not mean state-controlled. Working with the federal government means more costs to his state and more federal intrusion into state policy-making. While we believe the Governor’s intentions are honorable, his decision was based upon a flawed decision-making process.
Too many Americans have now accepted that the Affordable Care Act is law. It is once again up to the Tea Party to remind both parties that our federal government is far too large and too intertwined with the lives of the people.
Activists interested in participating in the protests can contact Pam Stout at pamwbst@aol.com. We at Tea Party Patriots wish her and the rest of grassroots activists the best of luck with this effort, and as always thank them for taking the lead on holding their elected officials accountable.
Where is protest going to be held? Time? Also, Butch Otter can expect NOT to get my vote the next time. His decision was like all the other “sheep” in this country!
Please let all of the TPP members know how to contribute to your efforts by PayPal or debit or credit card.
Apparently you are unaware that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) IS law. In fact, it has been challenged and found to be Constitutional.
Wheter you like it or don’t; whether you accept it or don’t; and whether the state or the feds set it up or not, it’s her for the next 4 years (minimum) and will be implemented dispite your efforts. It seems to me to be inconsistent to advocate fiscal responsibility and, at the same time, advocate action designed to make implementation of Obamacare more expensive. Could it be that the TP is selective in what it considers “fiscal responsibility” and fiscal irresponsibility? It seems to me that if spending is for a program with which they agree, it is responsible to spend that money. If spending is for a program with which they disagree, it is irresponsible! That apparent “self-interest”, partisanship is one of the many reasons why the TP declines in popularity and influence.