Obamacare is not perfect. It does not provide everyone access to basic healthcare. It does not control costs. And it has had negative impacts on some. Even its most staunch proponents know there is work to be done. But the debate rages over whether what is needed is an improvement to Obamacare or a “repeal and replace.” In that context there is a highly disputed statistic; namely that “20 million people have health insurance coverage as a result of Obamacare.” Many on the right call it an outright lie. But what is the evidence for either side’s view? That is a statement of fact rather than opinion, so it should be objectively verifiable. So as part of my effort to cut through partisan rhetoric to find the reality, I looked. It is surprisingly difficult to arrive at an objective conclusion, which I suppose is not surprising at all in light of the competing rhetoric. But my conclusion: True. Continue reading “Fact checking the “20 million insured under Obamacare” claim”
What are you doing, Patrick?
Let’s just put it out there. I am a bit of an enigma where politics are concerned. To some people, I am a mirror. They simply assume I agree with them. To others I seem to project a reverse image. For those, my more conservative friends see me as liberal, and my liberal friends see me as conservative. In truth, I am largely a contrarian with a strong libertarian streak. I don’t like to be told what to do and, often, will instinctively react as might the loyal opposition. But I am also basically conservative, which is not a surprise given my Texas roots. However, I also live in the heart of a large urban center (not being coy, it is commonly known as H-Town) that routinely votes Democrat. Continue reading “What are you doing, Patrick?”