This chart tells it all. Republicans had no problem with Bush but are determined to continue our recession/depression and health care by by cutting programs that benefit the poor, lower middle class, the sick and infirm the most. It’s letting them eat cake.
The Boehner bill to be voted on today will cut 1.6 trillion from “entitlements” which will include cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Meanwhile his party has vowed there will be no increase in taxes on anyone, including the weathiest individuals and corporations. Just to refresh your memory in the US the distribution of wealth is highly skewed to the wealthiest and has gotton more out of balance the last ten years:
Top 1% own 38.1%
Top 96-99% own 21.3%
Top 90-95% own 11.5%
And it gets much uglier as you proceed downward. Bottom 40% of population has 0.2% of all wealth.
Medicynical note: The cuts proposed by Boehner, the tea party, and the republicans in Medicare and Medicaid will result in much pain, suffering and deaths in the lowest income groups who cannot afford healthcare and rely on publically funded programs. Yes people will die.
We can and should do better by implementing health reform; providing rational coverage to the uninsured; controlling costs by evaluating treatment options and using the most cost effective; negotiating with suppliers on price; cutting the cost of administration.
Medicynic 