Tourists, locals react to Supreme Court decision on health care

The news of the Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling to uphold almost all of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul found its way to Fremont Street Thursday afternoon.

For some, the national news crept into their vacations.

Jinny Adams of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was upset. She said a chance to vent might do her some good.

"This morning, it's my birthday," she said. "I woke up to the news that the Supreme Court has betrayed the American people."

Adams said she feels the law is unconstitutional. She said conservative Chief Justice John Roberts let her down by voting for the law.

"We have all been betrayed and our government is in deep, deep trouble," Adams said. "And if we don't do something this November, our country is not our country anymore. It's somebody else's."

Victor Mabin of Los Angeles had a completely opposite view. The self-proclaimed fan of President Obama took a break from walking with his family under the neon lights to say why he was so happy.

"It's for the people who don't have health care that I'm happy for," he said. "Everybody deserves medical. Everybody deserves some kind of medical care. We are not in some foreign country."

Two Las Vegas locals working on Fremont took less-opinionated approaches.

Billy Hersh, a street performer dressed head to toe in silver, said he disapproves of the law.

Hersh said he has been denied health insurance and does not look forward to being punished for not having it.

"If something happens to me, I'm barely getting by as it is to make it, paying rent and stuff like that," he said. "On top of that, having to pay for insurance, it's going to make it even harder."

Nichole Faulkner just recently started working at La Bayou, a casino and bar on Fremont Street. She said everyone should have insurance, but added that she cannot afford it. She approved of the ruling on preexisting conditions, but thinks programs that make insurance more affordable would be more helpful than a mandate.

"I understand medical bills need to be paid," she said. "But we're not rich out here. If nobody has jobs, then nobody has money. It's like a dog chasing its tail. What are you gonna do?"

Contact Ben Frederickson at bfrederickson@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.