Bush Signs Sweeping Medicare Bill That Includes Drug Benefit

New York Times via yahoo ^ | December 8, 2003 | CHRISTINE HAUSER The New York Times

[snopercod]

Well, you may have a point. I searched the White House website for any comments by President Bush regarding arming pilots, and found none. So maybe Bush never said what he was reported to have said.

OTOH, President Bush's executive branch has NOT armed a significant number of pilots, although he signed the law two years ago. Do you have any theory on on why he is not carrying out the law he signed?

[Southack]

"OTOH, President Bush's executive branch has NOT armed a significant number of pilots, although he signed the law two years ago. Do you have any theory on on why he is not carrying out the law he signed?"

I think that's a fair criticism, that more pilots should have been armed by now.

On the other hand, hundreds of pilots have already been armed. President Bush really did REPEAL the first gun control law to EVER be killed at the federal level. It's historic, if mostly symbolism. Still, I'd rather have hundreds of pilots armed than none, so this isn't ALL symbolism.

So I find it difficult to cite this as an example AGAINST Bush. It's not like Bush signed a law banning citizens from packing heat. Something like THAT would be worth carping about!

[FITZ]

Supposedly there's something in this Medicare about choice --- maybe choice in plans? I think the bill is so complex we don't know yet all what it involves. I hope there is a choice not to have to pay at all for anyone's drugs if you don't choose to use them.

[snopercod]

If you work for a living, you have NO choice whether or not to pay the Medicare tax. This bill includes an automatic increase in that tax when costs go up, as they are certain to do. I give it until just after the elections before the first increase on the younger generation.

[My2Cents]

Thanks for the list. The fact he's a man of integrity, honor, and courage is enough for me. The rest is gravy

[KantianBurke]

Former Democratic Rep from IL. Was thrown out of the House? Jailed for writing bad checks?

[snopercod]

Rostenkowski had a bunch of stolen government china and crystal in his basement, did he not?

[GodBlessUSA]

The major point is now is not a good time to take that particular stand. Even if it’s justified, it's not worth it. I live in NY. I know of people who lived through that terrorist act and a few who did not make it. I saw the Twin Towers or I should say lack there of, shortly after the attack. The memory is etched in my mind forever.

We are at war with ruthless killers, who will stop at nothing to destroy us. I don't want my children to suffer because I wanted to make a point from principles that will serve no purpose for the present time. Especially, since it will mean putting a man in office that will jeopardize our security. Put a man in office that will kowtow to other world leaders. We have to work with whom we have in order to succeed to win this war. If we fail at this, we will not have to worry about medicare or anything else for that matter. There will be much worse horrible issues to deal with.

[FirstPrinciple]

Kowtowing to other world leaders? I hope you didn't see the recent visit of the Chinese premier in Washington.

[supercat]

If you can't make your point that this law is bad based upon the real numbers, then just what are you really arguing? And why...

When a camel wants to warm its nose inside the tent, should one focus one's opposition on the nose, or on a desire not to have the whole camel inside the tent?

Can you name for me a single government program that was designed to make a good or service cheaper for certain people by subsidizing it, which has not caused the price of that good or service to skyrocket for everyone else as well as (1) having the price the government pays skyrocket as well, (2) ending up with the goods/services costing so much more that the price even for the supposed beneficiaries of the program pay more than they would had the program never existed, or (3) both?

[GodBlessUSA]

Koffee Annan and the UN.

[GodBlessUSA]

oops.. Spelling I meant Kofi

[GetUsOutOfTheUnitedNations]

The best way to reform our medical system is to get the government out of it. I do not understand how anyone can not see this is the beginning of Hitlary Care. Come on, a 400 billion dollar entitlement that is not wanted by the people it is supposed to help?

Give me a break. Bush is a RINO and is leading us down the road to a complete socialist medical system faster than the Dems right now.

Give medicine free market control with no govt intervention and you will see lower costs and better care. That is the nature of our capitalistic society.

Let's see, none of the "incentives" that apply to me will ever be in place. I guess I have to agree with Kennedy about calling for an appeal of this terrible law.

This is the last staw from our RINO President. I am voting 3rd party this time

[nonliberal]

But you'll never convince the centrist RINO's and wishy-washy moderates.

Or the Bushbots.

[Reagan Man]

In some cases, they're one in the same.

[FirstPrinciple]

Last I checked, we are still in the UN.

[onedoug]

I think I'm sorry you feel that way.

For some odd (red inspired?) reason, the American people have gotten it into their craw since the New Deal that those unable to afford it are yet entitled to the same levels of health care.

This has facilitated fraud on a massive scale. But, no matter. Some safety net - particularly for seniors who were incapable of planning for the future - must yet be maintained.

You tell America they're wrong!

Get your ad campaigns going, right away, by all means.

[GodBlessUSA]

I understand that. A Democrat won't change that either. That was not the original discussion. It was regarding voting. You agreed, a libertarian has no chance to win this election. That's why voting out of principles for a Libertarian would be voting for the Rats. It’s not logical to vote for someone out of principles when they have no chance to win. It makes sense to vote for the best person who will do the best job to protect America. This race is between Republicans and Democrats, like it or not. A Democrat in office, at this time of war with ruthless terrorist murders, would be a horrible scenario and dangerous. Take a look at the Dems. actions now. A democrat would not protect our National Security. It’s not a perfect world, and making a point due to principles will only hurt the success of this war and your point would be moot.

[supercat]

It’s not logical to vote for someone out of principles when they have no chance to win.

If a party recognizes that it's losing voters because it's alienating its base, then it may well decide that it's easier to regain those voters by acknowledging its base than to capture voters for whom the other party is actively competing. Especially considering that the voters representing its base are far more likely to provide active support (e.g. campaign contributions) than the swing voters.

[itsahoot]

Where do people get off claiming that Bush is AGAINST bills that he signs into law?

Well Campaign Finance Reform was one, at least that is what he said.