For ONCE, I'd love to see Democrats "get out in front of" an Issue.
The Republicans have given us Talking Points, but will Dems be smart enough to use them?
McConnell: I Won’t Agree To Raise The Debt Limit Without Medicare Cuts
Brian Beutler, talkingpointsmemo -- May 27, 2011
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says substantial Medicare cuts must be part of a spending and deficit cut package to get his support to raise the debt limit.
[...]
That's not a filibuster threat, but it is a clear indication of what the GOP is demanding in private deliberations. McConnell repeatedly cited Bill Clinton and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, who this week acknowledged -- as have many Democrats -- that resolving the long-term deficit problem will require addressing Medicare. Hoyer in particular said that Medicare will be on the table in current debt negotiations, and with revenues off the table -- that means they're talking politically dangerous cuts. And for Republicans, that's the point.
That was then ...
This is now ... Is Steny Hoyer actually coming around?
Maybe we can nudge him along ...
Hoyer cites New York victory at Democratic dinner
Howard Democrats rally for 2012 campaign
by Larry Carson, The Baltimore Sun -- May 26, 2011
[Steny] Hoyer threw out his prepared remarks attacking Republicans in favor of holding up Hochul's success like a torch for Democrats still reeling from the drubbing the party took in last year's congressional elections.
"I'm going to fight if you're going to eliminate Medicare in this country," Hoyer told the crowd was Hochul's battle cry. "Let Americans see who they elected. Let them see where they want to take this country," Hoyer said. "In the 26th District of New York, the people saw. Independents we lost 2-1 in the last election voted 2-1 for Kathy Hochul. There are 26,000 more Republicans in that district than Democrats. They have seen the agenda of the Republican party."
I hope that was more than just Election Win bluster, Steny. You're gonna "fight" right?
But Rep Hoyer are you ready to draw the Dem's own Medicare Line in the Sand --
one that says Democrats will NOT throw Seniors under the Bus. Not now. Not Later.
Pelosi steps back into limelight
By Mike Lillis, thehill -- 05/27/11
“I fundamentally believe that the House of Representatives is in play,” Rep. Steve Israel (N.Y.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told reporters at a briefing Thursday. “The Democrats can win a majority in November 2012.”
That is what is at stake Steny.
Stand tough, Dems win big. Weasel out, and the Dems will permanently lose our grasp on the American Dream.
Paul Ryan is doubling down.
It's time for Hoyer to TAKE Medicare BACK OFF the Table ... It's time for Dems to triple-down.
Ryan stands firm on Medicare after N.Y. vote
by Seth McLaughlin, The Washington Times -- May 25, 2011
“The American people will continue to hold House Republicans accountable for their plan to end Medicare from now until election day 2012,” he said.
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer echoed that sentiment in an email blast to supporters, saying the GOP plan would force millions of seniors to pay more for prescription drugs.
“Democrats understand that we have to do more to get our debt under control, but the responsible answer is not to use the threat of debt to radically change programs like Medicare,” the Maryland Democrat said.
Well here is a brand NEW Press Release this week, from the Desk of:
Democratic Whip -- Steny H. Hoyer
2011 Press Releases
Hoyer Statement on Senate Vote on Republican Budget
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Senate voted on the Republican budget that ends Medicare as we know it and raises costs for seniors:
“Last night, voters in Western New York sent a clear message that the Republican plan to end Medicare as we know it is the wrong choice. But today, Senate Republicans chose to ignore that message and instead voted for the Republican budget that does not balance and puts insurance company bureaucrats in charge of seniors’ health care -- a move that will more than double seniors’ health care costs.
“By voting for this budget, Senate Republicans have made their priorities clear: financing tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and taxpayer handouts for big oil companies on the backs of seniors and middle class families.
“We all agree we must address the deficit, but the Republican budget that ends Medicare as we know it is clearly not the answer. Democrats continue to stand ready to work together on a balanced path forward. Now that this misguided plan has been defeated, I hope we can turn the page and work towards a bipartisan solution to reduce our deficit, create jobs and help more families Make it in America.”
Well it's a start. But WHY the focus on even more "bipartisan solutions" ???
They Lost. They LOST BIG. Now is NOT the Time to meet them half-way -- as the Line in the Sand statements today from Mitch McConnell, clearly show.
How about something similar ... a bit more of a definitive statement Steny? Something along the lines of:
"Hands Off -- OUR Medicare!"
We know you can do it Steny -- you know, take the fight to the Republicans, like you said election night.
Take advantage of their constant tone-deafness to hear What the People REALLY want.
For ONCE, I'd love to see Democrats "get out in front of" an Issue.
Take Medicare Cuts OFF the Table -- Mr. Hoyer. Please.
It's the only choice McConnel has left you. The American People will back you up.
Don't be pitch-clueless, like them. Just Listen the People, like those of upstate New York.
It's not hard to see -- WE are trying to tell you something.
LET Steny know what YOU think too:
Email Steny-- MD residents.
Email Steny -- from other states.
Thank you.
It's long past time to put the GOP fairy tales, back on the shelf.