[Miss Marple]

In theory, no, I believe we are all responsible for our own medical care.

However, it doesn't matter what I think as an individual. You need to realize that there are millions who think they are not, that medical care is a right, and that those people have a vote equal to yours.

Now, the President could use his bully pulpit to push this position and make a stand. Opposite him would be all the senior citizen organizations, the entire Rat organization, the media, and cluless people (of which there are a lot).

So, he would make a stand, lose a lot of votes, and probably lose the election. In which case you would get Dean and socialized medicine.

OR, he could give seniors a little bit of what they are asking for, get a bill passed, and probably win the election.

Now, which do you want, because those are your only two choices?

[NittanyLion]

So, he would make a stand, lose a lot of votes, and probably lose the election. In which case you would get Dean and socialized medicine. OR, he could give seniors a little bit of what they are asking for, get a bill passed, and probably win the election. Now, which do you want, because those are your only two choices?

False dilemma. There's a third option: Bush could offer to reform Medicare without adding the prescription drug benefit, put his reputation for integrity to good use in explaining why he chose this action, and still get reelected.

[Mudboy Slim]

<i>"Do you believe that the individuals of this country are responsible for paying for prescription medicine of others?"</i>

<b>"In theory, no, I believe we are all responsible for our own medical care."</b>

Thank you fer yer honesty, Miss Marple...it's refreshing to know that you are making this argument on terms of political expediency and not principle, because I fail to see where this legislation holds up under any principled scrutiny.

FReegards...MUD

BTW...I agree with jla's admiration of "your intelligent, calm & ladylike demeanor here."

[jla]

You need to realize that there are millions who think they are not, that medical care is a right...

Oh, I'm acutely aware of this.
I just don't regard it as a fait accompli.