Jesse Graston has traveled the state and has really lead the grassroots efforts on H 3101. We thank him and everyone that worked to help push this Bill through the State House. We got sidetracked Wednesday and Thursday but are not giving up. Below are some comments from Jesse.
“What a crazy week! I have been down to the Statehouse quite a bit and have watched a lot of what happened first hand, and also learned a bit of what was going on behind the curtain. I don’t have time to do a lengthy explanation right now of how everything transpired, but I want to make one thing perfectly clear…
H.3101 OBAMACARE NULLIFICATION IS NOT DEAD!!!
Myself and many others prayed for God’s will to be done today, and I believe that’s exactly what we got. It isn’t always what I want, when I want, but there are several MAJOR High points to everything that we need to consider.
First of all, as much as I wanted the bill passed before January 1, 2014, I agree with Senator Tom Davis who mentioned today that he does not believe that the first of January is the threshold of it being too late to nullify Obamacare. The administration has already declared that it is likely delaying the implementation of the exchanges till 2015 due to lack of funding and resources.
The fact that we have 6 more months before the next chance to vote, is beneficial in several ways. We now have time to grow our base in the movement, and get more organized and efficient with our lobbying efforts. Also the lack of understanding about the principle of State Sovereignty and Nullification was our biggest obstacle, not only with the legislators, but the general public. This gives us more time to educate people.
It was somewhat of a difficulty for me holding my nose fighting for a much weaker bill than was originally introduced, but it was certainly better than nothing, and we wanted to pass it as it was written so that we had time to pass it this year. Now that we won’t be up against the clock when we return next session, we can add whatever amendments we want into the bill. One of our biggest allies, Senator Tom Davis spent all day yesterday rewriting portions of the bill as an amendment which will hopefully add many more teeth back into the legislation. H.3101 can be fully debated now on the floor for days, which will be an amazing triumph in itself to have shifted the debate on the floor of the SC Senate, to the Foundational principles of Federalism and the State’s/Federal government relationship. We can absolutely win that debate! We have the historical high ground!
Last night I was furious, and outraged at the very obvious and blatant betrayal of South Carolinian’s. Those that are responsible for delaying the victory need to be, and will be held accountable. But now is the time we must quickly regroup and refocus on the next steps.that are necessary for us to take on the path to victory. Last night we suffered a blow, and lost a battle. But we can still win the War!
The only down side to the 6 month hiatus, is that Blue Cross Blue shield and other opponents will also have time to regroup. They knocked us to the ground last night, and are quickly mobilizing to grind their boots into our necks. WE MUST quickly get up, shake the dust off and get back on the offense. Let’s rejoice that we are still alive, and that we made nullifying Obamacare THE ISSUE in the SC Legislature from the very first day of the session ALL the way to the last! I salute all of you for your tireless hard work on getting us this far.
Now is the time to regroup, and refocus. Don’t let the pessimist keep you down. We are guaranteed a vote on this bill early next year. Overall, the pesky nullifiers won this session by staying alive. Let’s resolve to be more dedicated and serious about recruiting others and educating ourselves, not only on the principles, but also the political process, so we will not ever be one step behind. Let’s get back to work!”
