As oral arguments over the constitutionality of president Obama’s health care law began in the Supreme Court Monday, protesters from both sides turned out to be heard.
The biggest point of contention within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the individual mandate, requiring all U.S. citizens to buy into a health care plan. “This tramples our Constitution,” said one tea party member.
“I believe this is D-Day for our country … but I wonder what’s next? Are they going to mandate that we have to buy a Chevy Volt tomorrow?” asked another.
But members of the medical community came to support the law with other demonstrators, chanting, “We love Obamacare.”
“There’s a lot of agreement amongst physicians that we need change,” said one doctor. “The issue about the affordable care act is that it’s got many provisions in it that probably are unnecessary … but that’s the history of social legislation.”
“Everybody should be allowed to have health insurance,” another argued. “It’s not a privilege. It’s a right.” (RELATED: Full coverage of the health care law)
The Supreme Court will follow Monday’s hearing with two more days of oral arguments. The high court is expected to reach a decision by the end of June.
Videography by Sarah Muro