Scott: Obamacare Debate About Freedom vs. Equality

Both political parties will be encouraging the party faithful to hit the polls in November and use the results as either an endorsement or admonishment of healthcare reform.

Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) told Lowcountry conservatives that it may go much further than policy questions, reaching a philosophical debate.

"It's going to be part of the ballot test this year," he said. "You see, some of us believe in freedom. Others want equality."

For Scott, the two words don't go together, particularly in regards to healthcare. He challenged the logic of a recent 5-4  that preserved the healhcare reform law that many conservatives had thought would be rejected.

"We're faced with a president who believes that men and women … no matter their effort, should all be equal," Scott said. "The clearest demonstration of that concept of equality is our Supreme Court ruling on Obamacare."

Don't miss a headline. Like Goose Creek Patch on Facebook!

At the meeting of the Goose Creek "We The People" 9/12, the congressman addressed a crowd of more than 100 area residents representing 9/12 groups from across the region. 

"I'm typically a very excited, optimistic person," Scott said. "I'm not as excited and optimistic as I was a few days ago."

Republicans appear ready to press healthcare opposition in front of moderate swing voters by stressing the court's focus on a "tax" for those who ignore the insurance mandate. But the freedom vs. equality argument is well suited for conservative 9/12 groups.

"If you think equality is what you're looking for, what you're really saying is that everybody gets exactly the same thing, no matter your effort," Scott said.

More

• Read: 
• Sign up for our daily newsletter