In 1935, opponents of the Social Security Act argued that the act was unconstitutional, and claimed that the “…Social Security Act went beyond the powers that were granted to the federal government in the Constitution.”   Some opponents also claimed that the Social Security Act would cause job loss.

In 1937, the United States Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the Social Security Act by a 5-4 decision.  

Despite all the initial uproar against the Social Security Act, as of 2010, many of the 44 million retired seniors who receive Social Security income rely on the checks to buy food and other necessities.

Let us fast forward to 2011.  Opponents of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act also argue that this act goes beyond the powers granted to the federal government and will result in the loss of jobs.

Like the Social Security Act, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act promises to help our seniors and others to live a healthier life, while saving on the more costly acute care by improving preventative care.

Remember, we already pay for the acute care of millions of uninsured Americans and others. In addition, universal health care allows for better preventative care and avoids the more expensive acute care (resulting from neglect) that often requires hospitalization.