Pop, rap and hip hop music blasted. Protesters danced, stomped and chanted. Signs of all shapes, sizes and interests swayed in the chilly winter breeze, but the demonstrators did not bend as they partied with a purpose for nearly four hours outside of the Supreme Court Wednesday.
Dozens of Affordable Care Act supporters and opponents took to the sidewalk outside the high court to voice their opinions on the politically divisive health care law. Meanwhile, inside their august chamber, the nine justices challenged attorneys for the law’s supporters and detractors over a brief phrase that could – depending on how the court rules – sink a good portion of the law.
The question they wrestled with: Are the subsidies for low-income subscribers meant only for those who live in states that set up their own health care exchanges to purchase coverage, as the wording of the law might indicate; or does it show an intent that Americans in all states should benefit?
Outside, beneath a gray winter sky, the activists on the Supreme Court Steps divided into two camps, each armed with its own speechmakers, picket signs, music play lists and battle cries.
The laws’ supporters and opponents thundered from parallel pulpits.
“Obamacare is here to stay!”
“Obamacare needs to go!”
Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” was an anthem for the critics; “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell” energized the supporters.
To Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” pro-ACA picketers attempted a sort of political red rover, but retreated before they could break enemy lines.
Even the weather seemed to shift moods: rain pelted one minute, subsided the next, causing a confusing flurry of umbrella openings and closings.
The demonstrators screamed and speculated, roared and reflected – and prayed – until Wednesday’s opening arguments finished and the Supreme Court doors opened to the cold and the clamor. A ruling is expected in June.