Obamacare Survives

The media, the entire left-wing political establishment and three renegade Republican senators -- McCain, Murkowski and Collins -- once again demonstrated why it is virtually impossible to get rid of entitlement programs.

The debate over repealing Obamacare has been dominated by talk about those potentially uninsured and those with pre-existing conditions. Forgotten in all the sturm und drang were the millions of Americans whose lives were turned upside down by Obama's quasi-socialized healthcare scheme. The entire law was built on lies.

Obama said you could keep your insurance. That was the "Lie of the Year."

Obama said you could keep your doctor. Millions couldn't.

Obama said premiums would go down. They skyrocketed.

Countless small business owners, hanging by a thread after the Great Recession, were pushed over the edge. One reason Obama never achieved 3% economic growth during his presidency was because of the crushing weight of Obamacare's taxes and regulations on job creators.

I know many conservatives are frustrated right now. But here's some perspective: Forty-nine Republican senators -- 94% of the GOP Senate caucus -- voted to begin the process of undoing Obamacare. All of the Democrats voted to preserve Obamacare, and three GOP renegades gave them the majority.

McCain's Legacy

Senator John McCain said that the worst thing about Obamacare was the way it was passed -- "rammed through Congress . . . on a strict-party line basis." He's wrong. The worst thing about Obamacare is the way it hurt so many people.

McCain went on to say that Obamacare should not be repealed in the same way it was passed -- on a strict-party line basis. He added that the Senate must return to "regular order."

This is why conservatives have not been able to stop the constant drift toward bigger government. The left changes the rules to accomplish its goals, while Republicans hung up on the process.

It is doubtful if any Republican could have won in 2008. But John McCain surrendered any chance he had when he decided it would be too divisive to make an issue out of Barack Obama's attendance at a church led by an America-hating, bigoted pastor. That decision guaranteed Obama's election and the senator has now guaranteed that Obama's legacy will survive.

I will continue to pray for Senator McCain's victory over brain cancer, but his illness does not change the reality that his vote last night was a major victory for the big government left.

Is Top FBI Lawyer A Leaker?

Circa reports that the FBI's general counsel, James Baker, is the subject of a criminal investigation for leaking classified information to the media. Baker is reportedly a "close confidant" of James Comey.

We will see where this investigation goes. But I was amused by the fact that not one of the major left-wing media outlets reported this news. I guess they were too busy obsessing over Russia and reporting fake news.

Another Hero Falls

Lt. Aaron Allen responded to a car crash yesterday afternoon. As he approached the vehicle, which had flipped over, someone inside the car opened fire. Allen, 38, was hit multiple times and killed.

Nicknamed "Teddy Bear," Allen was a beloved figure in the community. He had 20 years of law enforcement experience and had wanted to be a police officer since he was five years old. In 2015, Allen was recognized as the "Officer of the Year" by the Southport Indiana Police Department.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett praised Lt. Allen, saying he "was doing what officers do each day: responding to the scene of an accident to help someone in their time of need."

Once again, a community has lost a dedicated public servant and a family has lost a loved one who devoted his life to protecting us. This is what the sick, anti-law enforcement atmosphere generated by left-wing academics, organizations and politicians has led to. Our police officers deserve so much better.

Please join Carol and me in praying for the family of Lt. Aaron Allen.

Trump Honors First Responders

At a White House ceremony yesterday, President Trump honored the first responders who saved the life of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, as well as the lives of other members of Congress, during last month's assassination attempt at a northern Virginia baseball field. I am pleased to report that Rep. Scalise was released from the hospital this week.

President Trump presented the Medal of Valor -- the nation's highest award for a public safety officer -- to Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey, and to Alexandria Police Department Officers Nicole Battaglia, Kevin Jobe and Alex Jensen.

Here are some of the president's remarks:
 

"These officers saved the lives of every innocent person on the field that day -- many of them friends of [Vice President Pence] and myself. They are American heroes and we salute them. . .

"The assault on June 14th reminded us that evil exists in this world. But it also reminded us that heroes walk in our midst, that love triumphs over tragedy, and that our resolve is stronger than ever.

"We praise America's law enforcement . . . for doing the tough jobs, the dangerous jobs, and sometimes [a] thankless job with tremendous integrity, devotion, and courage. So I just want to thank law enforcement generally. Thank you. . .

"When our human instincts tell us to run -- there's danger -- our police and first responders run straight at it, standing in the breach, protecting the innocent, and keeping our loved ones safe. . . Congratulations to all of you. We are forever in your debt. Thank you. . . God bless our truly amazing law enforcement."