Chief Justice John Roberts' decision on Obamacare has created much consternation.

Conservatives consider him a left-appeasing turncoat. Others consider him a genius who limited legislative power over the Constitution's Commerce Clause, while hanging a tax millstone around President Barack Obama's neck. Liberals celebrate more government overreach. Regardless, Obamacare is the law.

Ruling the individual mandate a tax allows governmental control on what we choose not to buy. Job creation is stifled as businesses still can't predict what impact the law will have on their bottom lines. The nearly $2 trillion shortfall the Congressional Budget Office estimates Obamacare will create hastens America's insolvency.

Businesses will choose the $2,500 fine per employee for refusing to provide health insurance in lieu of providing more costly coverage, forcing workers into health care exchanges created under the law. Reducing $500 million in new spending for Medicare will greatly affect seniors' access to health care. Expanded Medicaid will further burden states' budgets.

Fortunately, Roberts' ruling forces Democrats to shoulder the blame for this massive tax increase. Re-energized conservatives should relentlessly remind the electorate of this. A complete Republican sweep in November is necessary to repeal Obamacare, but Republicans must offer a cost-effective, fair and manageable alternative to keep the world's premier medical system intact. Americans must educate themselves on Obamacare before they vote. This debacle is another step in Obama's dream to end the American dream.

Don Maresca

Bluffton