National Review: If I were president, on Day One I would issue an executive order paving the way for Obamacare waivers to all 50 states. The executive order would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and all relevant federal officials to return the maximum possible authority to the states toinnovate and design health-care solutions that work best for them.
As I have stated time and again, a one-size-fits-all national plan that raises taxes is simply not the answer. Under our federalist system, the states are “laboratories of democracy.” They should be free to experiment. By the way, what works in one state may not be the answer for another. Of course, the ultimate goal is to repeal Obamacare and replace it with free-market reforms that promote competition and lower health-care costs. But since an outright repeal would take time, an executive order is the first step in returning power to the states.Hum, I see two problems with this approach.
First, blue states will no doubt institute mini ObamaCares with their waivers. That's OK, because isn't that is what the Tenth Amendment is all about? But what if you are a conservative or Republican in a blue state? You will be stuck with ObamaCare whether Obama wins or Romney wins. If that is the case, why bother to enthusiastically support Romney?
Second, I can easily see this executive order scheme taking the heat off Republicans to immediately repeal ObamaCare. Red States will no doubt go for free market and pro-individual solutions. As those states remove the specter of ObamaCare, pressure on the Republicans from the right might diminish. Sheepish Republicans who prefer to shy from a fight might just be happy to let things be. In that case, the only thing standing between us and an awful return of ObamaCare will be an executive order.
This idea from Romney seems like an attempt to make himself look less flip floppy and more consistent this time around. First, there is his refusal to admit that RomneyCare was a mistake. Then he offers up the States' Rights excuse to explain away his bad decision. Now he is taking the States' Rights idea one step further with this executive order idea. This maybe a good thing for Mitt Romney's presidential aspirations, but is it really the best way to go for America?
Via: Memeorandum
Via: National Review