which took place 20 years prior to 1980 pretty much take for granted the advances that were hard fought in the 1960's and took an enormously long amount of time to achieve (pretty much since the beginning of the US). For them, it's like if it's not instantaneously produced to their exact liking, it's a failure. That pretty much amounts to a temper tantrum, IMO. Most of the Dems/Progressives who sat out the 2010 elections were having tempter tantrums. They did not have as their history and memory the hard struggle it takes to swell "critical mass" to the point where it overtakes the obstacle and washes it away with the force of its tide.
The ACA is in no way a failure. Failure would have been a repeat of Clinton and his attempt at reforming it. Is it what folks wanted? No. Is it the best that could have been moved through which could withstand a visit to the supreme court? It appears that it is, since that is exactly what happened. What I take from it is that now, I don't have to remain chained to a job I don't like just because they offer good benefits and I need those benefits for the quality of my life. Were babygirl under the age of 26, she could have been put on my insurance. My wellness check ups are free now. The insurance company has to put 80% of what I and my employer pay it towards health care and not towards a 3rd summer home for the CEO's overindulged wife. I can't be turned out to shift for myself because I have a pre existing condition. My sister now can get insurance because she does have a serious pre existing condition; her daughter can now be covered; my mom doesn't have to shell out $$ to make up the donut hole.
I'm sorry, but I don't call all of that a failure. I call that a huge step forward... but because I'm 52 and not 30, I can appreciate the fight that took place to get this in place.
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