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“UNTOUCHABLES”

Dear Editor,

Everything could have been in complete chaos for American Samoa and the territories had the right-wing Republican's new healthcare bill known as the American Healthcare Act (AHCA) passed in Congress (on March 31, 2017) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) repealed. 

We must thank God for his 'remaining Grace', also our churches and people for their prayers. 

I believe that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) a.k.a. Obamacare, is now the law of the land, and has now joined the family of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security as the "Untouchables". To touch the "untouchables" meant political suicide to any politician and they know it. 

As we know, these Democratic Party (governmental) social programs have earned their place in history as significant cornerstones of American prosperity.

This is mere proof that the assimilation of Socialism ideas in America's economy and not Capitalism alone, can make a great nation; and it is only with a successful mix of the two economic ideologies, can make it happened; and again, proven only with the American Experience.

This is why the late Republican president Ronald Reagan, a former democrat, was a strong believer and supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the creator of Social Security in 1933 under his New Deal. (Ronald Reagan really did believe in a mix-economy).

Title X1X of the Social Security Act led to the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 during president Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society. 

Then, the greatest break through in healthcare legislation in American history happened in March 2010 with the historical Congressional passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) a.k.a. Obamacare.

Historically when it comes to healthcare, the right-wing extremist Republicans have failed and had nothing to offer. (Exception Note: president George W. Bush approved Medicare Part D, prescription medication for the elderly).

So let us not forget to thank and appreciate the work of the Reagan moderate Republicans, who stood up with the Democrats, against president Trump and the right-wing Republican's American Healthcare Act (AHCA) bill that failed in the House without a vote.

It is important, in my opinion, for all local people in key governmental and private sector positions; also all Fono members and our representative in Congress, to understand that our Medicaid expansion fund that comes under the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare, is the life-blood of our healthcare system in the territory. 

We are obliged to preserve and fight for the Affordable Care Act whenever there is a political threat.

Tuiasina Dr.Salamo Laumoli