A HUGE BLOW TO THE BAGGERS, MARK LEVIN AND OTHER FREAKS

(h/t Stephanie Miller)

The main arguments from these folks against health care reform have now been conclusively debunked thanx to this article in Forbes, a magazine that once advertised itself as a "capitalist tool."

Congress Passes Socialized Medicine and Mandates Health Insurance -In 1798
Rick Ungar
Jan. 17 2011 - 9:08 pm
FORBES

In July of 1798, Congress passed – and President John Adams signed - “An Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen.” The law authorized the creation of a government operated marine hospital service and mandated that privately employed sailors be required to purchase health care insurance.

Keep in mind that the 5th Congress did not really need to struggle over the intentions of the drafters of the Constitutions in creating this Act as many of its members were the drafters of the Constitution.

And when the Bill came to the desk of President John Adams for signature, I think it’s safe to assume that the man in that chair had a pretty good grasp on what the framers had in mind.

As for Congress’ understanding of the limits of the Constitution at the time the Act was passed, it is worth noting that Thomas Jefferson was the President of the Senate during the 5th Congress while Jonathan Dayton, the youngest man to sign the United States Constitution, was the Speaker of the House.