Glen Burnie Reacts to Supreme Court's Health Care Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court  in a 5-4 decision Thursday morning. 

Local politicians and residents reacted to the Supreme Court's ruling to uphold President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act—and the reaction is as mixed as it is everywhere else in the country.

Here's a look at what local residents are saying about the controversial ruling. There's also a statewide poll circulating on all Maryland Patch sites that is currently in a dead heat. .

Anne Arundel County Councilman John Grasso (R-2nd District) of Glen Burnie:

This is perfect proof that this is country is going downhill fast. They're going to tell you next who you're going to marry. What's next? The Democrats are going to ruin this country, you can see it now. I'm so blown away. It's more proof of why Obama has to go. I'm going to have to denounce my citizenship and move to another country. I can see it already.

Maryland Delegate Ted Sophocleus (D-Linthicum):

I don't agree with all of it. The feeling I get out there in the public is that they knew we needed some type of health care [reform]. ... I agree with most of it but I think a lot of people don't understand it. I mean it was, what? 2,000 pages? I admit I haven't read the entire thing.

But there were a lot of scare tactics being used especially with older people and death panels. ... I've been in the health care profession for a long time as a pharmacist. I don't think any doctor withholds treatment or medicine [because of a patient's age]. ... Everyone's got to digest this. We'll see where it goes.

On Facebook, Glen Burnie Patch readers are joining the discussion, as well:

As an older Adult they will be perparing me for the end of life Did anyone think about that ? The Meds your thinking with this health care bill your be able to afford , you may not be able to get at all because they will be perparing you for the end of life. there will be treatments you won't get because of your age. From what I am understanding Just saying—Christina L. King

For me, it means that if my kids come home after college and have a rough patch, I can still carry them on my insurance. It means that if I switch jobs, I can't be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. It means that when I go on Medicare, I'll have free preventative care visits, and my doctor (not the government) will provide end of life counseling to discuss options for preparedness when the time comes. And it will save money as people stop using emergency rooms for primary care, a cost we all have to absorb because the hospitals pass that liability onto the insured.—Chris Moore

For me it means that I will be able to PURCHASE health coverage since I have a pre-existing condition. No one is giving me coverage, I just now have the opportunity to pay for it like everyone else. Is the government giving me a free ride at the expence of the taxpayers? Not at $450 a month with a large deductible. I'm just thankful to get that! It seems a lot of the people opposed to this program are people already on Medicare. That is subsidized by taxpayers!—Nancy Spence Burg

our only hope is voting obama out in November—Greg Hall

the correct decision indeed! Oh and I plan to vote to keep Obama in November :)—Sara Holt

What are your thoughts on the decision? How will it impact you? Tell us in the comments.

Broadneck Patch Editor D. Frank Smith contributed to this report.