The GOP Playing The 'Rocky' Theme Before Their ACA Repeal Was Ironic

Yesterday, the House voted on the newest version of the American Health Care Act, but unlike prior attempts, this time, they had the votes . The GOP was so pumped to pass the bill, (a bill that it should be noted removes pre-existing condition protections and essential health benefits coverage, which means if you were ever, or are at some point sexually assaulted, or overly anxious or depressed, or you have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or cancer, or lupus, or asthma, or diabetes, or Crohns, or cerebral palsy, or Parkinsons, or most other chronic health issues, or youre pregnant, you very well may see your premiums propel through the stratosphere. The bill will also succeed in decreasing mental health coverage, maternity coverage, rehab services, and pediatric care to name only a few. Oh, and the last estimate stated the bill will leave an estimated 24 million more people uninsured before the close of the decade).

To get themselves jacked up to ruin the lives of millions of Americans, Paul Ryan and his crew played the Rocky theme (Gonna Fly Now ) as they entered the Capital.

Heroes really, the lot of them. Fists-in-the-sky, grit-dusted warriors who sip daily from cocktails of blood, sweat and tears.

These mostly out-of-shape old white men believe that the legislative verve they displayed over the last month is Rocky-esque.

Whipping votes for a bill this terrible is not too dissimilar to punching meat, or racing Apollo Creed on a beach, or going roundhouse-for-roundhouse with Ivan Drago I suppose.

But heres the thing: Rocky, although fictional, is a 71-year-old man battling cancer.

Under the American Health Care Act, Rocky would be screwed.

According to data from the Center for American Progress , individuals with metastatic cancer could have premium surcharges around $142,650.

The Italian Stallion aint got that kinda loot. Adrians restaurant seems to be doing well, sure, and Adonis Creeds career is undoubtedly on the rise, but he wont reach his prime earning potential for a few years yet, and while he certainly owes Rock quite a bit, dropping six figures is a lot to ask. Im sure Adonis would offer, but Rock wouldnt accept. The old lug has too much pride; it would be a whole thing. And were getting off track.

The point is the Republicans used the theme song of a Philly-bred, working-class boxing hero as they were pushing through legislation that would leave said hero hundreds of thousands in debt, or dead in the streetif he were a real person. And make no mistake, this bill will do that for millions of real people.

Perhaps, the GOP were using the song as a funeral march for the old champ as they signed his potential death warrant.

Previously published on The Overgrown .

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