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Stephen Labate's Statement On The Supreme Court's Healthcare Decision

Stephen A. Labate is a financial planner and army veteran who is running for Congress in New York's Third Congressional District

This morning, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), including the individual mandate, which requires all Americans to buy health insurance, is constitutional. This decision marks the destruction of individual liberty, as for the first time, citizens can be forced by the government to buy a product or service.

In September 2009, President Obama told George Stephanopoulos, “For us to say you have to take responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase.” My opponent, Congressman Israel states on his website, "Your federal income taxes will not go up to pay for this no matter how much you earn." Today, the Supreme Court ruled otherwise, finding that the mandate violates the Commerce Clause, but is constitutional under the taxing power. 

Make no mistake; this decision has broader implications that will fundamentally transform our country in ways never envisioned by our Founding Fathers. Obamacare is the largest middle class tax increase in American history. It does nothing to combat the rising costs of healthcare, cuts nearly $600 billion dollars from Medicare, hurts jobs, and will for the first time ever, allow the government to interfere in the doctor/patient relationship.

The Supreme Court did not repeal Obamacare, but a Republican House and Senate in 2012 can. The American people will decide on Election Day if Obamacare stays. I pledge to the constituents of the 3rd Congressional District that as your Congressman I will vote for the immediate repeal of Obamacare. There is more at stake than just the future of healthcare. Our democratic form of government is at risk of being transformed into an authoritarian state and I’m ready to fight against that transformation.

If you support the repeal of Obamacare, and the massive tax it levies on the American people, than stand with me, and join my team. Donate your time as a “Labate for Congress” volunteer. Donate money if you are able, and most importantly, on November 6th, cast your vote. Together we can put an end to the massive overreach of the federal government into our personal lives, and build a future for our children that they will be proud of.

John Gruber July 2, 2012 at 10:32 pm
we're one of the only industrialized countries without universal health care. That's kind of embarrassing especially when you consider that we also have one of the world's largest disparity in wealth so obviously we need it. stop arguing over whether a democrat or republican came up with it and realize it's a problem that needs to be addressed
Nassau Taxpayer July 2, 2012 at 10:54 pm
I'll ask Steve again for the record.
Since Steve's GOP, would like to eliminate Social Security altogether, which he (and you) have yet to refute, what has he to say about modest cuts to reflect reality? Not to mention the temporary FICA cuts that surely, Republicans like Steve should applaud, right? You're losing it. Or is it "Steve" that's losing it? Or is it one and the same. Keep backpedaling.
Nassau Taxpayer July 2, 2012 at 10:55 pm
My international clients ask me about this. It is an embarrassment.
Chuck July 2, 2012 at 11:35 pm
You've agreed with me that under a Democrat President, and with his party's blessing, they've cut funding to Social Security. Re-read your own words. You've supported my argument. You made that very clear when you wrote, "modest cuts to reflect reality". Maybe you can explain how a program whose life expectancy has been shortened will do better losing billions of dollars?
No need to back pedal. Republicans didn't have the power to make these changes. If they get the power and try to make the changes I'd make the same arguments I'm making now. Would you?
Laura July 3, 2012 at 12:10 am
I have insurance. It went up 25 percent. My medication went $100.00 to $300. For 20 years others used my healthcare. I grew up knowing i control my life. Today parents need to cut the cord. My son works, pays his own bill and has his own place. We give help rarely. When the economy improves he be fine. Laura
Diane Loretto July 3, 2012 at 12:39 am
So Nassau taxpayer , exactly what taxes do you pay? You can’t possibly have a job since you literally post almost 24/7 on the Patch and therefore pay no income tax. If you do have a job it must not be very important since you have so much time to spew your venom all over here. Besides, who would hire a moron like yourself who can’t even articulate a cogent argument? The only job I could envision for you is a paid assassin for Congressman Israel since the minute Labate comes out with a new blog you’re right there to trash him and his supporters. I wonder how quick the Patch would be to ban someone on our side who did this on Israel’s blog. You see Nassau; our side doesn’t need to lob insults because we argue with facts. Maybe if you supplied some facts combined with lucid logic we could have a productive discussion here. It is clear for all to see that you are not interested in that and therefore it is pointless to have a discussion with a simpleton such as yourself.
John Rennhack July 3, 2012 at 12:58 am
Ladies and Gentleman, the logic of Diane Loretto!
"You can’t possibly have a job since you literally post almost 24/7 on the Patch and therefore pay no income tax." "If you do have a job it must not be very important." "who would hire a moron like yourself who can’t even articulate a cogent argument?" "The only job I could envision for you is a paid assassin" "t is pointless to have a discussion with a simpleton such as yourself." And finally: "our side doesn’t need to lob insults because we argue with facts"
Nassau Taxpayer July 3, 2012 at 01:08 am
Recent changes were modest and necessary in light of fallout from economic realities created by the Bush recession and Bush jobless decade.
By contrast, explain how you and the candidate plan to walk these drastic cuts to social programs: "Romney Tells The GOP He Is The Hero Who Will Destroy Social Security" http://www.politicususa.com/social-security-romney.html "House GOP: Eliminate Medicare, Disembowel Medicaid. Next: Social Security" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-mcmahon/house-gop-eliminate-medicare_b_875128.html "Republican Privatization to Eliminate Medicare and Social Security" http://www.americaforpurchase.com/republicans/republican-privatization-to-eliminate-medicare-and-social-security/ "FACT CHECK: Cantor Doubles Down on Plan to Privatize Social Security and Eliminate Medicare" http://dccc.org/blog/entry/fact_check_cantor_doubles_down_on_plan_to_privatize_social_security_and_eli/ "GOP Rallies Behind Perry In Push to Eliminate Social Security, Medicare" http://wonkronk.blogspot.com/2011/08/gop-rallies-behind-perry-in-push-to.html Got it, skippy? Or the planned GOP GUT JOB still over your/Steve's dimwitted head?
Nassau Taxpayer July 3, 2012 at 01:10 am
Federal, state, local, excise, sales, use, etc.
Paraphrasing Bill Murray, "Diane you ignorant ...."
Chuck July 3, 2012 at 01:42 am
Keeping billions of dollars from a social safety net program heading for the red is modest and necessary? So billions of dollars, by your figuring is "modest". And preventing monies previously paid to an underfunded program is "necessary".
Wow. I'd go light on the name calling if that was the most reasoned argument I could come up with. Here's a link to President Obama's real time, real world, relevant, announcement on reducing the funding of Social Security. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/12/23/president-obama-extending-payroll-tax-cut-boost-we-need-right-now
Rich July 3, 2012 at 01:45 am
That was excellent. I especially loved how she called him a moron with no job, and follows that up saying she doesn't hurl insults. Priceless.
I also enjoyed how she seems to think the most important job skil to havel is the ability to argue.
Nassau Taxpayer July 3, 2012 at 01:46 am
Steve, in case you missed the comparison and pending question, care to explain how you and the candidate plan to walk these drastic cuts to social programs?
"Romney Tells The GOP He Is The Hero Who Will Destroy Social Security" http://www.politicususa.com/social-security-romney.html "House GOP: Eliminate Medicare, Disembowel Medicaid. Next: Social Security" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-mcmahon/house-gop-eliminate-medicare_b_875128.html "Republican Privatization to Eliminate Medicare and Social Security" http://www.americaforpurchase.com/republicans/republican-privatization-to-eliminate-medicare-and-social-security/ "FACT CHECK: Cantor Doubles Down on Plan to Privatize Social Security and Eliminate Medicare" http://dccc.org/blog/entry/fact_check_cantor_doubles_down_on_plan_to_privatize_social_security_and_eli/ "GOP Rallies Behind Perry In Push to Eliminate Social Security, Medicare" http://wonkronk.blogspot.com/2011/08/gop-rallies-behind-perry-in-push-to.html So, got it this time, skippy? Or is "I'm fine with the planned GOP social safety net GUT JOB" your final answer?
Chuck July 3, 2012 at 02:17 am
There is no comparison in spite of the fact you keep trying to make one. Supposed GOP plans haven't a thing to do with the laws and policies that have damaged Medicare and Social Security over the last three years. Didn't you watch the link to the president's speech?
Your take is obviously "I'm fine with the Democrats ACTUAL (as opposed to planned), real time, gutting of the social safety net." Still waiting for you to manage an explanation for billions of dollars being considered "modest" and cutting revenues into a program going bankrupt being "necessary".
Nassau Taxpayer July 3, 2012 at 02:17 am
Steve-o wants to be like Rick Scott and the Teabagger governators, right "Chuck"?
"Tea Party Govs Say 'No' to Medicaid Expansion Nearly 1 million Floridians will be denied access to Medicaid they would have otherwise received under the Affordable Care Act if Governor Rick Scott gets his way. The Supreme Court ruling last week on the law made it easier for states to opt out of an expansion, and Sunday night the governor’s office e-mailed a statement from Scott that “since Florida is legally allowed to opt out, that’s the right decision for our citizens.” According to the Kaiser Family Foundation the Medicaid expansion in Florida would have covered 951,622 people that currently don’t have insurance. The federal government would have picked up the entire tab for the first three years, and by 2020 would still be paying 90 percent. But Scott—a former CEO of a large hospital chain who rode to Tea Party stardom and the governor’s mansion by being a rabid opponent of “Obamacare”—apparently finds the political posturing more important. Similarly in South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley—another Tea Party darling elected along with Scott in 2010—said her state would opt out as well. “We’re not going to shove more South Carolinians into a broken system,” said a Haley spokesman. The expansion there would have provided coverage to 330,932 people." http://www.thenation.com/blog/168693/florida-and-south-carolina-tea-party-govs-say-no-medicaid-expansion
Nassau Taxpayer July 3, 2012 at 02:31 am
I'm fine with modestly and temporarily relaxing taxation as a stimulus to create jobs, concepts that must really tick off the Koch brothers, Mitch McConnell, the GOP, the Teabaggers -- and Steve, right?
By contrast (or comparison, if you prefer) there is the long-term, well articulated and draconian GOP plan to GUT THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET -- see cites below. Math and concepts like smaller vs. larger, and temporary vs. permanent, isn't your strong suit, is it Chuck? Maybe you don't believe any of the GOP's plans to GUT the social safety net that has functioned -- and will function -- effectively for decades into the future? Just say so. But you do love to trot out GOP talking points and red herrings. Do you fish, Steve/Chuck? Next time use a hook. Still waiting for your/Steve-o's response to these GOP PLANS TO PERMANENTLY GUT "ENTITLEMENT PROGRAMS":
Nassau Taxpayer July 3, 2012 at 02:32 am
Those cites, Chuck/Steve...
"Romney Tells The GOP He Is The Hero Who Will Destroy Social Security" http://www.politicususa.com/social-security-romney.html "House GOP: Eliminate Medicare, Disembowel Medicaid. Next: Social Security" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-mcmahon/house-gop-eliminate-medicare_b_875128.html "Republican Privatization to Eliminate Medicare and Social Security" http://www.americaforpurchase.com/republicans/republican-privatization-to-eliminate-medicare-and-social-security/ "FACT CHECK: Cantor Doubles Down on Plan to Privatize Social Security and Eliminate Medicare" http://dccc.org/blog/entry/fact_check_cantor_doubles_down_on_plan_to_privatize_social_security_and_eli/ "GOP Rallies Behind Perry In Push to Eliminate Social Security, Medicare" http://wonkronk.blogspot.com/2011/08/gop-rallies-behind-perry-in-push-to.html Also, remember to answer back on whether Steve-the-candidate is a Rick Scott/Nikki Haley ACA-denier in disguise. I'm guessing that's a big DITTO, right Steve/Chuck?
Chuck July 3, 2012 at 04:44 am
So how's all that stimulus working out? They wasted billions on crony capitalist projects and wound up spending 79% of $2 BILLION earmarked for wind energy....overseas. 6,000 Chinese workers were grateful. Only a couple hundred here felt the same. BRAVO! Further proof of the great success of this policy is, recently the percentage of Americans working was at it's lowest level in 30 years. That's really filling up those "Trust Funds". Apparently economics isn't your strong suit.
I'll believe the loss FICA money into Social Security is temporary when they reinstitute the 2% tax. Are you still defining billions of dollars as "modest"? You go on about GOP talking points and then site The Nation. Clever. The whole Medicaid thing you've raised is interesting. You're upset people will be kept out of a program into which they have not directly contributed, but you're OK with cutting funding to safety net programs financed by dollars taken directly from worker's paychecks. Of course the dirty little secret in the new law was it exploded the growth of Medicaid. The actuaries predicted it after the bill passed but the politicians kept it on the down low. Wonder why? Those folks in Fla. and S.C. still have to be covered under the statute, right? They'll have to go to government exchanges. Isn't that a good thing? Wasn't that what you were shooting for? Aren't they going to get great care there?
Chuck July 3, 2012 at 04:55 am
Unlike the president and our federal government states cannot print their own money, so they have to balance a budget every year. So if a state's chief executive feels it's not in their citizen's best interest to climb on board with the Medicaid they won't. If the voters think they're wrong they can send them home.
You've done a real service bringing up the whole Medicaid explosion that was pretty much a secret part of the law. Nice job.
Nassau Taxpayer July 3, 2012 at 10:45 am
Steve and his alter ego Chuck keep ducking the elephant in the room: GOP PLANS TO GUT THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET.
Romney Tells The GOP He Is The Hero Who Will Destroy Social Security" http://www.politicususa.com/social-security-romney.html "House GOP: Eliminate Medicare, Disembowel Medicaid. Next: Social Security" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-mcmahon/house-gop-eliminate-medicare_b_875128.html "Republican Privatization to Eliminate Medicare and Social Security" http://www.americaforpurchase.com/republicans/republican-privatization-to-eliminate-medicare-and-social-security/ "FACT CHECK: Cantor Doubles Down on Plan to Privatize Social Security and Eliminate Medicare" http://dccc.org/blog/entry/fact_check_cantor_doubles_down_on_plan_to_privatize_social_security_and_eli/ "GOP Rallies Behind Perry In Push to Eliminate Social Security, Medicare" http://wonkronk.blogspot.com/2011/08/gop-rallies-behind-perry-in-push-to.html Is Steve-the-candidate (aka "Chuck") a Rick Scott/Nikki Haley ACA-denier in disguise, too? That's a big "DITTOS", right? Modest and temporary relaxation of taxation as a stimulus to create jobs, following the Bush recession and jobless decade was necessary. Contrast that approach with the long-term, well articulated, unabashed and draconian GOP plan to GUT THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET. Math and concepts like smaller vs. larger, and temporary vs. permanent are beyond you, Chuck/Steve? Come out of the Patch closet, Steve/Chuck.
John Rennhack July 3, 2012 at 03:57 pm
Oh, those are just silly facts.
Chuck July 3, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Silly "facts" reported on Democrat and left leaning websites. The whole premise of arguing over damage someone is PLANNING to do when the people in power are CURRENTLY doing damage is laughable. Hey, you know, I'm robbing you, but don't try to escape, because the guy hiding around the corner will be worse.
Not a single specific point on the explosion in Medicaid, wasted stimulus money, the desirability of the "health care exchanges", states not printing $, and advocating for Medicaid recipients over Medicare and Social Security beneficiaries was refuted. Actually, given some of the news of the day, it would seem thanks to yesterday's post, we're ahead of the curve on all this Medicaid and Health Care Exchanges business. No wonder why the politicians wanted to keep it all hidden from view.
Nassau Taxpayer July 4, 2012 at 12:48 am
Steve must be familiar with fragging. He rolls a grenade into the Patch and sneaks away leaving "Chuck" on the point, exposed. How's that for leadership?
Meanwhile, Steve and his alter ego keep ducking the elephant in the room -- GOP VOWS TO GUT THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET "Romney Tells The GOP He Is The Hero Who Will Destroy Social Security" http://www.politicususa.com/social-security-romney.html "House GOP: Eliminate Medicare, Disembowel Medicaid. Next: Social Security" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-mcmahon/house-gop-eliminate-medicare_b_875128.html "Republican Privatization to Eliminate Medicare and Social Security" http://www.americaforpurchase.com/republicans/republican-privatization-to-eliminate-medicare-and-social-security/ "FACT CHECK: Cantor Doubles Down on Plan to Privatize Social Security and Eliminate Medicare" http://dccc.org/blog/entry/fact_check_cantor_doubles_down_on_plan_to_privatize_social_security_and_eli/ "GOP Rallies Behind Perry In Push to Eliminate Social Security, Medicare" http://wonkronk.blogspot.com/2011/08/gop-rallies-behind-perry-in-push-to.html Steve's alter ego is a Rick Scott/Nikki Haley ACA-denier, too. Modest, temporary relaxation of taxes as stimulus to create jobs vs. permanent, unabashed and draconian GOP VOW TO GUT THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET Concepts like smaller vs. larger, and temporary vs. permanent are way over the candidate's and alter ego's heads.
Chuck July 4, 2012 at 02:20 am
Now you're just perseverating. The only things that have been blown up are your arguments. Rather systematically actually.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Nassau Taxpayer July 4, 2012 at 02:37 am
Repeatedly ducking the issue isn't going to cut it -- now or at election time.
The candidate has repeatedly refused to engage on or to refute the WELL DOCUMENTED PERMANENT DIS-ENTITLEMENT his GOP party platform intends to inflict on the most vulnerable in our society. If the candidate wishes to distance himself, that's easily done here. So far, however, it's been all dissembling, all the time, and it's obvious he's in full enfilade. Best wishes and luck to you, too.
Phil B. Liberty II July 4, 2012 at 03:43 am
@ Marlene - the 1% pay 45% of the taxes and the bottom 45% pay nothing. You do the math. We need to lower taxes to draw more capital here and prime the pump of the private economy while cutting public spending. 0bamaCare is a fraud that will bankrupt the economy and ruin health care in America. Justice Roberts' error will be corrected by a new President and Congress.
Phil B. Liberty II July 4, 2012 at 03:48 am
@ GiGI - Steve Israel is not only running against a strong opponent, but he is running against himself - he has a lot of explaining to do. He has been in lockstep with everything 0bama has done to wreck the economy and weaken our foreign and military standing. He has supported a President that has thrown the State of Israel under the bus. Steve Israel also spends a lot of time out of town at one of the heads of the Democrat Party. He is also suppressing some interesting info, but I let him tell the new district where he lives and what follies he's committed.
Support & Defend July 4, 2012 at 04:19 am
There was a great quote used in the Financial Times the other day, and it was originally given by Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the free West Germany, following WW2. Adenauer said:
"In view of the fact that God limited the intelligence of man, it seems unfair that he did not also limit his stupidity." To that very point, I don't know whether to be amused, or appalled, by the ignorant Tea Party supporters posting here, but I'm fairly certain that Adenauer would be amazed at the level of ignorance displayed, and their inability to employ undistorted information. It really is sad.
Nassau Taxpayer July 4, 2012 at 12:52 pm
"Trickle-Down Economics" is one of the Reagan frauds that has resulted in the most polarized income and wealth levels of any developed nation.
How much more of that do you want, Teabagger?
Tom Natoli July 13, 2012 at 04:55 pm
My life experience of over 70 years tells me that voting for someone who serves his country faithfully through years of military service is better than one who has only served himself and his cronies. Israel is a purely political animal who does nothing for anyone unless it serves HIM or his family politically !
Nassau Taxpayer July 13, 2012 at 05:02 pm
What's Labate's view on this GOP hyocrisy? I can guess...
But we'll never know because he uses Patch as a one-way drive-by fragging opportunity. --- It's a fact: GOP can't deal with its own $7 Trillion hypocrisy. But what's $7 Trillion in unfunded mandates to the GOP? Nothing -- when the GOP proposes it! Vetted by Fox News, no less! "GOP 2012 Candidates Opposed to Repealing Bush-Era Medicare Drug Benefit" GOP defends costly Bush-era prescription program Sunday, September 18, 2011 BY RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR/The Associated Press WASHINGTON — It's a massive health care entitlement with unfunded future costs of more than $7 trillion. Many conservatives are still upset at the way it was rammed through Congress. But when the Republican presidential candidates were asked last week if they would repeal the Medicare drug benefit, they said no way. After all, Republicans created it." http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/09/18/gop-2012-candidates-opposed-to-repealing-unfunded-medicare-drug-benefit/

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