The other day I caught "Hardball" and Michael Smerconish was on filling in for Chris Matthews. The first subject of the day was the GOP's claim that they are very worried/concerned about the debt, but that in fact instead of being worried about the $16 trillion debt, what they REALLY want is to cut the size of the government. Now sure, there probably are some, maybe many Repugs, ( bud I am skeptical) who are genuinely concerned about the debt, just as there are alot, maybe most of the Dems as well, but its clear, this ruse about the debt more than likely is being driven by the Tea Party crockpots, our friends, who will not compromise on anything as we all know to well.
And in order to try to "trim" and cut down the size of our government, what they want to do, is to "reform" SS/Medicare/Medicaid. I use the word reform loosely here because I believe as do many Dems, is that what they REALLY want to do, is to get rid of all 3 social programs and to cut the safety net once and for all.
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Remember our good friend Private Ryans' budget? Its my opinion that Social Security is relatively sound for the forseeable future, but it will need to be tinkered with in the long run to stay working and functional, and therefore, and in my opinion it has no business being throw into the budget/debt talks at all. I am also against the so called "chained cpi" alterations being considered. And I also know that sometime soon, Medicare and Medicaid will need to be tinkered with to make sure both programs are around and solvent for future generations. So, if the Repugs truly want to "reform" these programs WITH the Dems help to make sure all are around and solvent for future generations, then by all means I am for this, BUT, if by reform they really mean to end all 3 programs, then HELL NO, and I will fight them with every fiber of my being to make sure these programs stay sound and solvent!!! I fought to have Medicare for all back when we were dealing with healthcare reform in 2010. My first choice was the public option. But my 2nd choice would have been to open Medicare for all. I am on Medicare and I really like it, esp. now with the Affordable Care Act enhancements.
In glancing the KOS headlines just a minute ago, I see where Sen. Cornyn is now on record saying that SS/Medicare/Medicaid must be addressed or should I say cut or the Repugs. will " shut down government". Hostage taking part trois. Well isn't that special. Here again, is a classic example of how desparate they seem to be to try to "reform" meaning eventually end these programs, and I will be watching and especially listening to every member of Congress and my Representatives to find out their position on the future of these much needed programs. I will also be in contact with them of course.
As someone who is on Medicare I am very concerned about potential cuts that will pass along the costs to those of us who can least afford it. I also belong to AARP, and will be watching and listening as well as chiming in, on where I stand with these issues and the debt/budget talks.......
so I will be hypervigilant over the next coming battles over the debt talks, and you better believe, the Repugs, you are on notice here. I wil fight by tooth and nail if need be!