
Former Republican Majority Leader Dick Armey said in an interview that Republicans would be wise to talk straight about making cuts to Social Security and Medicare if they really want to cut the deficit.
TPMDC interviewed Armey at CPAC yesterday, and we asked him about Rep. Paul Ryan's budget roadmap we've been following that cuts privatizes Social Security and creates a voucher system for Medicare.
Armey (R-TX) was an architect of the Contract with America that helped Republicans win control of Congress in 1994. When we asked, he at first danced around the issue but then agreed "Yes," the Ryan plan is the smart way to go if the GOP is "courageous."
"In the year 2009 mandatory government spending took 100 percent of all federal revenue," Armey said. "If you're not courageous enough to look at mandatory spending the two biggest components being Medicare and Social Security, then don't tell me you're serious about fighting the deficit. You've got to put reforms in there."
Watch:
"The conservatives have always got the better ideas," Armey said. "Yes, what they need to do is they need to get out of politics and into policy."
He said CPAC attendees and tea partiers are more interested in policy.
"When Republicans are investing themselves in policy they are winning elections and serving the nation. When they diminish themselves through politics they do a disservice to the country and to themselves," he said.
I also asked for his take on CPAC, and he pointed to the growing numbers of young conservatives in attendance.
"They can sense where there is great commitment to principles," he said, adding it's the most "attractive" looking CPAC he's attended.
mans_best_friend
February 19, 2010 10:20 AM
I'm with you, Dick. The GOP should get out in front on this and tell everyone what they're for.
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sheerahkahn
February 19, 2010 11:20 AM in reply to mans_best_friend
I agree...Dick Armey is right!
The GOP needs to plant their flag on that hill and take their case before the American people...in fact, I think Sarah Palin would be the best spokes-person for that effort!
In fact, not only should Sarah Palin be the spokes person, but Dick Cheney should be her Vice Presidential contender, and George W. Bush should be seen with her everywhere she speaks...just to remind the American public of how good we had it back 2000-2008...of how great we were at being a Republican nation.
I love it!
It's a great idea!
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mike from Arlington
February 19, 2010 10:21 AM
Well, the Tea Partiers can take their "Take your Hands off my MEDICARE" signs and scratch out "your Hands off" and they're set.
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madmatt
February 19, 2010 10:34 AM
Gee dick, where were these ideas when you scum were in office running up the debt?
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davewtf
February 19, 2010 2:33 PM in reply to madmatt
The GOP has always liked the idea of slashing social security and medicare.
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Frank
February 19, 2010 10:40 AM
The republicans show their true colors.Get government out of everything.No public education,no social security,no medicare,no fire and police.Let Wall street handle social security,let insurance co. handle health care,only private schools and private security companies handling police and fire,let contractors run the military with state malitias.Sounds resonable,HA!
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condew
February 19, 2010 10:40 AM
If only I could believe that Obama would veto a bill ending Social Security. It would be a prime opportunity for Obama to suck up to Republicans and crap on progressives, and I think he would welcome it.
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lousgirl84
February 19, 2010 10:45 AM in reply to condew
Your comment would be amusing if it weren't so stupid and pathetic, Troll much?
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condew
February 19, 2010 10:49 AM in reply to lousgirl84
I voted for the man and contributed to his campaign; but from the passage of the stimulus until now, he's pretty much been an ass.
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DownriverDem
February 19, 2010 11:11 AM in reply to condew
I question whether you know how government works. If you did, you would lay some of the blame with the Repubs too.
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calbearinillinois
February 19, 2010 11:22 AM in reply to condew
I worked on his campaign, actually read his policy statements and have been genuinely impressed with how close to his platforom he's stuck. The man has always been a leader by directed consensus and cooperation rather than unitlateral insistence, and that's not going to change just because some liberal dems want their own version of George W Bush, shoving a pile of idealogically driven programs through Congress.
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DownriverDem
February 19, 2010 11:07 AM in reply to condew
And what do you want the Baby Boomers to do who have worked and paid into the system all our working lives? Just die.
You are a very failed person.
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condew
February 19, 2010 12:29 PM in reply to DownriverDem
You misunderstand. My complaint is that Obama's support for Social Security is less than I'd like. It seems to be common knowledge that a deficit comission is code for cutting Social Security and Medicare; and when the Senate voted down the creation of such a commission, Obama created one anyway by executive order. My conclusion is that he wants that bipartisan reccomendation to cut Social Security and Medicare so he can pretend to defend Social Security in public while he pushes to cut it in private, much like he did with the public option; always giving it a little less than full support in public while privately sending Rahm to force its removal.
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blkblt
February 19, 2010 12:37 PM in reply to condew
I'm always suspicious when someone claims to know another person's motives. President Obama has always said he was a pragmatist not an idealoge. I don't think you should be surprised that he would not live and die by the public option. Sometimes getting things done means accepting half a loaf.
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condew
February 19, 2010 12:53 PM in reply to blkblt
Or no loaf at all. Was it misfortune? Was it incompetance? Maybe it was the standard kabuki dance politicians do when they don't really want to succeed. Healthcare got Clinton elected, helath care got Obama elected. It would be a shame to let a good issue get solved, because then the next Dem couldn't run on it yet again. Besides the lobbyist money is good.
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blkblt
February 19, 2010 2:13 PM in reply to condew
If your that cynical why pay attention at all?
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sjdowling
February 19, 2010 10:40 AM
By all means, come out for cutting the most popular program for the one demographic group that gets out there and votes.
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Kristin126
February 19, 2010 11:12 AM in reply to sjdowling
Bingo.
They can talk all they want, but the Republicans (and I mean the group as a whole, not some members the fringe, who really are this nutty) are not going to do this. It's all noise and red meat for the base. They have complained about Medicare and SS for years, but they have no intention of actually doing anything about it. They have controlled the White House and/or both houses of congress for a significant chunk of the last 20 years. Plenty of opportunity to enact a budget like this if they wanted to. But they didn't. Because they know that actually doing it would infuriate the public and send them wandering in the wilderness for a long time, possibly permanently.
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DownriverDem
February 19, 2010 11:14 AM in reply to sjdowling
Not to mention the huge group of Baby Boomers who are holding their breaths on this. I bet they are the most jerked around group when it comes to Social Security. We worked, we earned it, we need it, we must have it. Maybe they just want us to die.
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condew
February 19, 2010 12:36 PM in reply to DownriverDem
Yup. I'm the tail end of the baby boom and Im sure do feel jerked around. Can't count on my savings because a big chunk dissapeared in the Bush depression. Can't count on the earnings of my savings because CD rates are about 2.5% and the stock market is, shall we say, volitile. Then I find that health care costs more than everything else I need combined; but health care reform turned into a bailout plan for insurance companies rather than addressing costs, and then it died. Now Obama seems to want to do for Social Security what Clinton did for welfare. Any estimate I make on when I might retire comes out to work as long as I can and hope I have enough saved when I can't anymore.
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AirBoss
February 19, 2010 10:42 AM
All hat, no cattle.
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jsdc007
February 19, 2010 10:46 AM
Armey can say anything he wants because he's the de facto Teabagger leader (and don't tell me he isn't, because the Teabaggers are nothing more than Republicans from the fringe), and isn't responsible for actually legislating on anything. So he can throw all the red meat he wants to the crazies at CPAC. The Congressional Repubs., however, will balk at this because their M.O. is to criticize the Dems for the budget deficit, while continuing to add to it (the Bush Prescription drug $1.2 trillion give-away of 2003, tax cuts, more defense spending, etc.).
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ogliberal
February 19, 2010 10:46 AM
Good for Dick. And good for Paul Ryan. At least they have the balls to actually come out and say what they really want to do. I disagree with them 100% but the country needs to debate the real positions of each side of the aisle. We just had a year of the GOP out there talking about being the brave defenders of Medicare. We all know that's the complete opposite of what they really want but I have to think that many of the older Americans who have moved away from the Dems - and I'm not talking about the white hairs that go to tea bagger events...they'll never vote for the Dems - did so because they saw their GOP rep as the guy/gal who was going to make sure that their Medicare stayed as-is. In reality, the cons want to kill it altogether and replace it with vouchers (or HSAs) that won't cover costs and won't increase fast enough to keep up with rising premiums.
This country would be in much better shape if the GOP came out with their own policy prescriptions and their own ideas...an honest debate is needed. And the Dems would be in much better shape because the GOP's real ideas are radical and unpopular.
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calbearinillinois
February 19, 2010 11:13 AM in reply to ogliberal
And disingenuous, as the GOP numbers are based on fantasy assumptions like the idea no one would choose a lower tax rate (Ryan's plan as semi-scored by the CBO) or that anyone's individual Social Security/FICA contributions could cover their own retirement for more than a couple years, no matter how they were invested (Bachmann/Armey/Ryan and everyone else who has argued for privatization).
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stillidealistic
February 19, 2010 11:25 AM in reply to calbearinillinois
It flabbergasts me that a year after the near collapse of our financial system and horrendous losses in the stock market people are seriously revisiting privatizing SS...Wake up! It is supposed to be social "security" not "insecurity."
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condew
February 19, 2010 12:40 PM in reply to stillidealistic
Thankyou.
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Forrest
February 19, 2010 10:51 AM
I realize we have two wars going right now, but even with those costs aside our Defense budget is staggering.
I also know that Republicans have to swing their man parts around so their constituents will think they're man enough to lead, but why does that equate with ridiculously over-inflated spending on 'defense'? Can't they take up rodeo clowning or weightlifting or something?
If we could just stop policing the freaking world and spend only what we need to guarantee the defense of *our* country we might be able to afford to keep helping those who need the help.
Churning out billion dollar vehicles that may never be used for their intended purpose while people starve and die is criminal.
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georgecs
February 19, 2010 10:56 AM
Mandatory government spending took 100 percent of federal revenue, you fucktard because Republicans' one and only idea to cut taxes, then keep cutting them over the last three decades has obliterated the revenue base. When did stupid become a heroic virtue in this country?
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DownriverDem
February 19, 2010 11:18 AM in reply to georgecs
Ask Rush. Many Repubs are very educationally limited. They sorely lack critical thinking skills. They make fun of those who have an education. They are a total embarrassment to me.
The Repub Party has planned it that way. Dumb down their followers so they keep voting for them.
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WaitWut?
February 19, 2010 11:00 AM
Great idea, Dick. You don't mind if thousands of old, homeless people set up tents in your front yard, do you? Don't worry, they won't be there long. Without Medicare they should start dying off pretty quick, you filthy, rich, arrogant, heartless, manipulative teabagging douche.
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Silence
February 19, 2010 11:01 AM
The truth, though painful, is better than a pack of lies.
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NobleCommentDecider
February 19, 2010 11:10 AM in reply to Silence
Yeah, you can always count on Republicans to tell the truth. If you believe that I have a war to sell you, and big tax cuts to pass that the country can afford and that will grow the economy.
Oh, wait. George W. Bush already been there, done that.
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congoman
February 19, 2010 11:14 AM in reply to Silence
Agree - the GOP needs to truthfully tell what they would do in power; not hide behind "low taxes" vote candy. As You said before its been a long time since a true consertive was in power...When was that... anyway?
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DownriverDem
February 19, 2010 11:04 AM
Baby Boomers Alert!!!
Please Repubs talk loud and often about cutting SS and Medicare Benefits. We all know you just want the Baby Boomers to die.
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rawresolve
February 19, 2010 11:06 AM
An Army of Dicks in a fat bastard casing.
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commie atheist
February 19, 2010 11:58 AM in reply to rawresolve
It takes a Dick Armey to lead a nation of teabaggers.
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Steve LaBonne
February 19, 2010 11:08 AM
Please, Bre'r Republican, don't throw me in that briar patch!
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Knothead Jake
February 19, 2010 11:12 AM
Oh yeah this will happen. When Trig is president.And who will make this happen? Your shrimp dick and who's army.
BTW the video of Army of Dick drunk trying to pronounce Rachael Maddows name is True Comedy Gold.
Shut up you old fart.
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acf_ma
February 19, 2010 11:18 AM
It's easy for someone who's a millionaire to talk about cutting SS and Medicare, but for someone who is going to depend on those few hundred dollars he will receive each month, keep your hands off it.
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Shoto
February 19, 2010 11:24 AM
Good idea. Dick Armey and his Dick Army.
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tommyo
February 19, 2010 11:32 AM
I remember when this asshole was caught telling his lie about a Forrest Gump like janitor at some Texas University who lost his job due to an increase in the minimum wage.
He claimed that the college had to fire the poor guy because they just couldn't afford him after the minimum wage increase taxed their finances. To make matters worse noboby would hire the mentally challanged man and so the minimum wage increase was to blame for this tradgedy.
A newspaper reporter thought this story deserved to be reported in detail and started to research it. He discovered it was a lie made up by Armey, who admitted so when he was confronted about it, because he wanted to defeat a proposed minimum wage increase.
So Armey tells lies to fuck over the poorest working people in America. This is the same pig who voted to impeach Clinton for lying about a personal matter. Of course Armey's lie was different. Like all conservatives he enjoys living the hypocrites life.
What a fucking scumbag.
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calbearinillinois
February 19, 2010 11:32 AM
Remember, not four months ago the GOP and the Tea Partiers (Dick's new Dick Army) were saying the Dem's healthcare plan would "gut" Medicare because it cut subsidies to Medicare supplement providers? Recall their call for everyone to pledge not to touch any part of Medicare, including these subsidies? You know, the subsidies to private insurers that were funded by the government with no new source of incomes under Bush and esstentially handed billions of dollars to private insurance companies? The ones that the massive expansion of healthcare under the Dem plan would eliminate the need for? Because apparently Dick here doesn't.
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go2goal
February 19, 2010 11:35 AM
They're finally come out of the proverbial political closet....
CPAC and Tea Party (Cheney, Palin, Armey, Buchanan, Boehner, Romney and the rest) are really followers of the John Birch society.
They're finally coming out and standing up for what they are...John Birchers.
If they take back the House and the Senate - we'll be in even more trouble than the fumbling Obama. Everything is relative and as much as Obama is screwing up, things could be even worse than this. What a country - we're damned if we do and we're damned if we don't.
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timbale
February 19, 2010 11:46 AM
So, this is the GOP's plan to win back the White House?
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calbearinillinois
February 19, 2010 11:46 AM
Remember, not four months ago the GOP and the Tea Partiers (Dick's new Dick Army) were saying the Dem's healthcare plan would "gut" Medicare because it cut subsidies to Medicare supplement providers? Recall their call for everyone to pledge not to touch any part of Medicare, including these subsidies? You know, the subsidies to private insurers that were funded by the government with no new source of incomes under Bush and esstentially handed billions of dollars to private insurance companies? The ones that the massive expansion of healthcare under the Dem plan would eliminate the need for? Because apparently Dick here doesn't.
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mikeyrstx
February 19, 2010 11:50 AM
Dick Armey- always sounds like he's rolling a couple of pigs testicles around in his mouth when he speaks. How about we cut the pensions of lying POS congressman, DICK?!
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CranialRectalLoopback
February 19, 2010 11:53 AM
It's the GOP MO. Tell the people what you plan to do by accusing the Democrats of it, then do it yourself. Hell yes, kill Social Security and Medicare. Kill, baby, Kill! DEATH PANELS NOW! DEATH PANELS TOMORROW! DEATH PANELS FOREVER!
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Persona non grata
February 19, 2010 11:59 AM
Dick Armey To GOP: Be 'Courageous,' Consider Social Security And Medicare Cuts
Be Courageous cut Dick Armey's government pension and benefits along with the rest of the thieves in DC and our state houses.
Be Courageous revolt slaves revolt cast off the yoke that binds you to their debt, revolt.
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shanefish
February 19, 2010 12:00 PM
I am wondering if Dick Armey sends his SSI check back, or just holds onto it, without cashing it. Hmmm...
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shanefish
February 19, 2010 12:01 PM
I am wondering if Dick Armey sends his SSI check back, or just holds onto it, without cashing it. Hmmm...
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shanefish
February 19, 2010 12:02 PM in reply to shanefish
oops, can you tell i'm new?
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xargaw
February 19, 2010 12:18 PM
I hope the GOP embraces the Ryan budget and Armey advocacy to cut SS and Medicare. They will loose the votes and support of every senior citizen and person near retirement in America, even those that have voted GOP all their lives. Many of these people have no idea why they are Republicans other than they have always been. Older people are the most loyal voting block. It would probably be the greatest voter pick up in history for the Democratic Party.
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blkblt
February 19, 2010 12:43 PM
let's hope they keep talking
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Rakkasan
February 19, 2010 12:47 PM
Why won't the democrats seize on this and start listing the services republicans want to cut. Sure everyone is for tax cuts but cutting services are another thing to the ignorant masses.
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lousgirl84
February 19, 2010 1:03 PM
He's a pig of a man, and I am sorry to insult a pig by the reference.
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shanefish
February 19, 2010 1:12 PM
Again, "Thank You" to Texas for all you do for our nation.
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condew
February 19, 2010 2:22 PM in reply to shanefish
Molly Ivans: Texas, America's laboratory for bad government.
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shanefish
February 19, 2010 1:15 PM
Does anyone recall the push a few years ago to gamble everyone's SSI and Medicare in the stock market? Oh my, what a calamity that would have been!
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lapdogs
February 19, 2010 1:46 PM in reply to shanefish
Didn't you hear? The Stock Market NEVER goes down!!
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lapdogs
February 19, 2010 1:44 PM
Is there any website showing the Wealth of these clowns like Armey, who have no problem with NO Healthcare Legislation getting passed or doing away with Social Security and Medicare?
Sure, they would have no problem with those programs being done away with, because money is like water to them, when it comes to paying their bills or getting anything related to health.
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shanefish
February 19, 2010 3:26 PM in reply to lapdogs
I am unaware of what Armey makes, but I do know that the national debt nearly doubled in Bush Jr.'s 8 years in office.
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jacks45
February 19, 2010 2:57 PM
Would you like to swing on a star,
carry moonbeams home in a jar
and be better off than you are
or would you rather be a Republican?
He’ll rant against the Liberal, the Commie, the Queer
he’s happiest when wallowing in fear.
His mind is narrow but his back is broad
He’s quite, quite certain that Barack’s a fraud
and by the way if you hate majority rule
You may grow up to be a Republican.
Oh would you like to swing on a star,
carry moonbeams home in a jar
and be better off than you are
or would you rather be a Conservative?
A Conservative’s a fella who believes in hard work
he thinks that Pelosi’s just a jerk.
He’s for smaller government and prayer in school
but no new taxes – that’s his Golden Rule
But if you love guns and several foreign wars
You may grow up to be a Conservative.
Oh would you like to swing on a star,
carry moonbeams home in a jar
and be better off than you are
or would you rather follow Rush?
Now Rush he’s a fan of small d-mocracy
with just a touch of jingo and hypocrisy.
He’s got all the answers to our nation’s ills
and he’ll sure explain ‘em as he’s poppin’ those pills.
So if your brain has been lately turned to mush
You maybe oughta follow Rush.
Not all your Fascists step like a goose
There are more and more on the loose
Spreading lies and heaping abuse.
They’re so much better than you are
That’s why they’re shootin’ down your star.
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Patriot
February 20, 2010 10:59 AM
Dick is right on the money! I'll add: ANY savings from Medicare in "Healthcare Reform" should be used to sure up Medicare. What people can expect is savings from Medicare allocated to a "Healthcare Reform Bill", and then in a year or two Medicare taxes will be increased, and/or Medicare benefit cuts causing medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance premiums to increase. Either way, this is just more slight-of-hand Washington accounting, and not revenue neutral. It's a Joke on Americans. Throw All the BUMS out.
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