ObamaCare and Mumbo Limbo Tango

Into the limbo large and broad, since called

The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown.

John Milton (1608-1674),  Paradise Lost

The ObamaCare  mumbo limbo tango  dance is on.

Mumbo because of  mumbo jumbo language associated with it, designed to confuse.  And confusing it is.  It’s compassion (61% like the idea of expanding coverage), versus cost and coercion(55% dislike ideas of increased cost, control over choice, and government intrusion).  See “Poll: Obama Health Law Fails to Gain Support,” Real Clear Politics, March 28, 2014.

Limbo because  it’s in phenomonon  suspended  in time with an indefinite outcome between two extremes.  In a poll just released the Associated Press-GfK,  26% support the law, and 43% oppose it, but only 13% think it will be repealed.  See “ A Milestone, and Miles to Go,” National Journal, March 28, 2014.

Tango because it has a rhythmic beat.  It’s back and forth,  parry and thrust, embrace and release, often directed at a Hispanic audience, who stands the most to gain. See “ Why Americans Like or Dislike ObamaCare, “ Washington Post, March 28, 2014.

The tango, full of tension and suspense and drama , will continue, at least until the November midterms,  but beyond that since 6 million have enrolled and will not be disentangled even if the law were to be repealed.   

How it will end, no one knows, and which party and what patients  will remain standing once the music stops is anybody’s guess.   

While we are waiting for the dance to end and while we remain in limbo,  we know the law isn’t working well,  healthcare.gov remains under repair, deadlines are continuing to be delayed, the political sniping goes on, total cost remains unknown, and we fear  government may be overestimating its power to change American culture.

Tweet:   The ObamaCare Mumbo Limbo Tango describes the debate now going on over health reform, the end of which will not end soon.