Congratulations! For the next three months or so, you will be the most powerful person in America. That's pretty cool! While the Supreme Court is deciding on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, you will likely be the fifth vote in a 5-4 decision. How does it feel to be more important than President Obama, Mitt Romney or even Jeremy Lin? Pretty awesome, I'll bet.
But with your power comes responsibility. Bummer. And you will hold in your hands the fate of 30 million Americans and their access to affordable health care (something everyone else in the developed world takes for granted). If the ACA is overturned, health care costs will continue their inexorable rise and more and more businesses will likely end coverage for their employees. In addition, insurance companies will be able to resume denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions, drop clients when they get sick, and, well, do just about anything else they feel like doing.
Now, I noticed from Wikipedia that you're 75 years old. And still working? Didn't you have a 401(k)? So I assume that you and your wife Mary are on Medicare (a government-run insurance plan). Also, I'm sure that you rarely come in contact with any of the 30 million uninsured. (I picture you being driven to work by one of your clerks, eating lunch at your desk from a brown paper bag, and getting dropped off at home at the end of the day.)
So whether the Affordable Care Act is overturned, or not, won't really affect you.
But I also noticed in Wikipedia that you have three kids. (No mention of any grandchildren.) And, although I can't be sure, I'd guess that -- like the rest of us -- they're all just a pink slip away from losing their health insurance. And if they (or any of their kids) have any pre-existing conditions, it could be really difficult (or impossible) to get another policy.
So I guess my bottom line here, Mr. Kennedy, is that even though the 5-4 decision won't affect you personally, it could affect your kids and grandchildren. (Not to mention that pesky 30 million uninsured.)
But don't consider America's future when casting your vote. Just consider your family's future. Don't you want them to have access to affordable health care?
In closing, I wish you good luck, sir, especially with that Scalia guy (he has nine kids). And enjoy your status -- until June, at least -- as the Most Powerful Man in America.
Sincerely,
Boring Old White Guy
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