(This is my first post attempt with the new system, so wish me luck…)
The NY Times has an article on how some GOP lawmakers are taking a bit of heat at town hall-type meetings during their break (House G.O.P. Members Face Voter Anger Over Budget). There is the expected whining that the people complaining are all liberal plants. I don’t know if there is any truth to that, but I have a two-word response: Tea Party. Funny how Republicans scream the loudest when their own tactics are used against them.
But the most egregious part of the whole thing is how these lawmakers are telling their constituents not to worry.
[Paul] Ryan said he stressed with his constituents that those over 55 or currently on Medicare would still be covered under the existing program.
When I explain that people over 55 are not affected there is almost a sigh of relief.” [Representative Lou Barletta (PA)] added, “I am not going to do anything different.”
Since there are no gays or Muslims or darker skinned people to go after in this debate, they break it down on an age basis. If you get yours, don’t worry about throwing your 54-year-old friend under the bus. She’ll get a voucher which will not cover the cost of the coverage she’ll have to buy from a private insurance company – coverage that the company would not even have to offer if the GOP had their way.
I think it would be wise for us to stress this point.
