Death or Taxes

Chief Justice Roberts (who’d have thought?)
Of sturdy right-of-center views,
The choice of whom Obama fought
While senator, which should amuse
Someone whose crowning White House coup
Is health reform for all of you.

The Constitution’s commerce clause
In Roberts’ judgment wouldn’t work.
To circumvent defeat’s close jaws,
He figured out a clever quirk
Whereby those spurning coverage
Are taxed, in legal verbiage

Barack would rather penalized
In this his re-election year.
But good enough, we’re well-advised
To welcome as a win to cheer
Since everyone at last looks toward
Insurance they can all afford.

It happens when you spread the fee
Of uninsured who get their care
In ICUs and ERs free,
And as a consequence outwear
The hospitals, which raise their sums.
Insurers then raise premiums.

John Roberts said his job consists
In helping Congress retain laws.
Let’s hope such sentiment persists
In members whose disturbing flaws
Are qualms in looking past the aisle
And bargaining the extra mile.