Just when I'd decided that the Supreme Court had gotten dangerously--and too publicly--politicized, none other than Chief Justice John Roberts proves me wrong and surprises the world by joining the four liberal members in today's momentous decision that supports Obamacare.
Regardless of what you think of the health care program itself, this is big news. It is crucially important to our American way of life that we have a Supreme Court that bases its decisions not on politics but in their careful reading of the law. Chief Justice Roberts--who I assume would never have voted in favor of the Obamacare plan--joined the decision based on his reading of its legality.
And that's what Justices are supposed to do.
No question, there will be lots of weeping and gnashing of teeth among the conservatives who oppose the plan. Frankly, I still don't pretend to understand it.
But I like whatever sparks healthy conversation and this ruling will be fodder for plenty of it. Well, I'm not so sure about the healthy part if it gets monopolized by the tea party folks, but there will be lots of talk. And if we can take time to listen as well as speak, we might hear that there are lots of folks who felt disenfranchised by their inability to afford health care in America who are happy today.
That's not to say we've fixed our health care system, which is broken with or without Obamacare. But that's basis for another conversation.
At least we're talking.
Author of I is for Intercourse: The ABC's of Conversation, Susan Bird is the visionary behind Wf360, and a sought-after speaker around the world for her views on leadership, the strategic importance of conversation, entrepreneurship, and the role of women business leaders.
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