We moved in the last bit of new furniture that we have been buying over the course of six months. This replaced some very, very old and ratty furniture that we had so desperately wanted to get rid of for a long time. We couldn’t replace the old before because we didn’t feel comfortable spending money.

We didn’t feel comfortable spending money because there were some real potential disasters looming that we had to be prepared for. The ACA addressed the first problem. Like many million other Americans, we were held hostage by medical insurance companies that refused to hold up their end of the bargain. So I spent years avoiding doctors (“looks like we’ll need some tests your insurance won’t cover”) hoping that I wouldn’t be stricken with that fatal disease that was exclude because it was a “pre-existing condition” or that unfortunate accident that

would bankrupt us. Now at least losses due to medical emergency are capped. Thus we have some money we have saved that we have been able to spend.

It was fortuitous that we did save that money. While my body fortunately did not break down over the past many years, I can’t say as much for many of our household appliances and furniture. So the money that had been been saved has been put into circulation for causes such as a new refrigerator and water heater and much else.

I want to say “Thank you Obama” for removing the fear of losing everything to illness or accident. Like others I hope that the ACA is only the first step to joining the rest of the world with some sort of single payer system. But for right now the ACA has eased anxieties for millions upon millions of Americans scared to death of whether or not that funny lump might turn into a bankruptcy. It is literally like having a huge weight lifted off your shoulders.

However, another side effect of the ACA that is seldom discussed is that folks are feeling a little freer with their money. No longer do folks have to save for that catastrophe. Moneys that were set aside for such situations can be used for things like newer cars or furniture or updated appliances. Despite the long and hard winter, America has seen a surge in buying which has led to a surge in hiring. Even the Republican obstacle machine can’t totally dampen the economic pick up that is happening in America.

Republicans have done everything they can to run the American economy even deeper into the hole that they dug for the country in 2008. They have stood in the way of such common sense policies as extending unemployment insurance or fixing a fast deteriorating infrastructure. Now more than ever voting for a Republican is a vote for fiscal insanity.

Getting money back into circulation is the very best way to get an economy moving. Having money hoarded in a few hands is the best way to kill an economy. Putting money into those who will spend it gets the economy moving. That is circulation. Circulation is as important to an economy as it is to a body. Money in circulation creates demand which creates jobs. We have a huge pent up demand in this country. We need more money to start circulating. This can be done in many ways but so far Republicans are blocking every attempt to do anything.

It is odd that Republicans can cause as much hurt to the economy as they have and still be thought of as fiscally sound. Beyond that, they have caused the problem and they blame the President. The 95% Republican owned media in this country reflexively nods its collective head in agreement and reports that it is all the Presidents fault. Fortunately, we still have an open internet that is not as yet controlled by the right. They are working very hard to change that.

So there is my story of how the ACA allowed me to help the economy. Elect a Republican and they will do all they can to stop the ACA and Medicare and Social Security and any kind of unemployment insurance. But for now, I finally have a very comfortable couch after 10 years.

And I can lean back on it and watch the television without worrying anymore what will happen to us if we go bankrupt due to an illness that was caused by a pre-existing condition and I would be liable for millions out of my own pocket.

Sweet Dreams.