Kentucky Tea Partiers rally for their healthcare freedom

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Detractors and supporters alike showed up by the hundreds for Tuesday afternoon’s Kentucky Tea Party rally against Obamacare in Frankfort. The 1,500 in attendance was a testament to the controversy surrounding healthcare in the commonwealth, especially since Gov. Beshear has accepted more federal funds for state exchanges than any other state but New York.

Chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A,” “Rand Paul, Rand Paul,” and even “Obama” rang through the steps of the capitol building. One unfortunate spectator in attendance attempted to start a different chant: “United up and ready to go!”

The attempt fell on the blank stares of an utterly divided crowd.

And why shouldn’t the crowd be divided? For those who defend free markets and individual liberty from others willing to sacrifice them for a mirage of security, there is no excuse – no compromise.

Speakers like Sen. Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell railed against the Obamaphiles:“When the government [and Supreme Court] fails to protect freedom, the American people will!” Sen. Paul exclaimed. “The whole damn thing is unconstitutional.”

Even Sen. McConnell joined with the Tea Partiers on this issue: “The Supreme Court let us down and now we have one last chance: the ballot box.”

A speaker from Doc Squads – medical physicians against Obamacare – may have had the most poignant statement of the day: “The President’s efficient healthcare law has all the efficiency of the post office and all the care of the I.R.S.”

After spending a day in Frankfort, no one can claim that Kentuckians are not passionate about the very real changes Obamacare will soon bring to the commonwealth, and our lives.