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People Applaud Barack Obama for Calling on Congress to Show 'Courage' and Oppose ACA Repeal

The former president spoke about health care while accepting the JFK Profile in Courage Award.

On Sunday, former president Barack Obama was awarded the Profile in Courage Ward by the Kennedy family in Boston. During his speech, Obama not only spoke about what it means to have courage as a person, but he also spoke directly to Congress about having courage when it comes to health care. 

"I hope that current members of Congress recognize it takes little courage to aid those who are already powerful, already comfortable, already influential — but it takes great courage to champion the vulnerable and the sick and the infirm," Obama said in his speech. “I hope they understand that courage means not simply doing what’s politically expedient, but doing what, deep in our hearts, we know is right."

  • Obama advised political officials to do what is best for the people instead of what is best for political gain

    Obama not only spoke to the current debate surrounding health care, but he also called for an end to the division that currently exists in our country. 

    "Everywhere, we see the risk of falling into the refuge of tribe, and anger at those who don't look like us or have the same surnames, or pray like we do," he said. "At such moments, we need courage to stand up to hate, not just in others, but in ourselves. At such moments, we need courage to stand up to dogma, not just in others, but in ourselves."

  • Obama also detailed how his understanding of courage comes from John F. Kennedy

  • Barack Obama's eloquent and elaborate speech made many miss the Obama years

  • The former president did not forget to thank the person who has been by his side all along

  • Barack Obama's full speech can be seen below

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