Quote:
Originally Posted by fbov
Next time you want to blame someone, look in the mirror, and remember Pogo's sage observation:
"We have met the enemy and he is us."
We get the government we elect, and we elected this deficit. Be careful what you ask for...
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Spot on.
I fear that a revolution in thinking will only come on the heels of collapse.
Politicians promise everything to everyone, and someone has to pay for it eventually. I don't foresee many successful politicians being elected to office with a campaign that promises scaling back and reforming spending on Defense, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Insecurity.
Regarding Medicare; what about age 65 is special that demands those people have nearly completely subsidized healthcare, but not the other ages? 65 being retirement age, health is less important to the economic engine. Also, generally speaking, the older one is, the more money they have...
Source: Forbes.com
Median family net worth
Age 45 to 54: $117,900
Age 55 to 64: $179,400
Age 65 to 74: $206,700
Median value of credit card balances
Age 45 to 54: $3,500
Age 55 to 64: $2,800
Age 65 to 74: $2,200
Percentage of families with debt payments past due 60 days or more
Age 45 to 54: 13%
Age 55 to 64: 8%
Age 65 to 74: 6%
My point is not that the elderly are worthless and should be ignored; only that it makes no sense to start subsidized healthcare with those most able to afford it, with the fewest dependent children, and the least level of employment.