Bush Signs Sweeping Medicare Bill That Includes Drug Benefit

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

[Southack]

"All that does nothing to diminish the trainwreck that is this bill."

And how would *you* have convinced 40+ Democratic Senators to support *your* plan to Privatize Medicare, and how would that have differed from President Bush's successful strategy in this law?

[Southack]

"Killed the liberal ABA's role in vetting federal judges for Congress." Now that's done alot of good, hasn't it."

Prior to Bush's doing that, the radically liberal ABA got the first pass at vetting judges, even before the President or Senate.

Do you honestly think that Pryor or Owen would have made it past their first cut under the old way?!

[NittanyLion]

Talk about a loaded question...

[Southack]

We're going to Privatize Social Security next, and the whining about Privatizing Medicare from shills around here will more than double when that process starts.

[NittanyLion]

We're going to Privatize Social Security next, and the whining about Privatizing Medicare from shills around here will more than double when that process starts.

If the "privatization" includes a 40% budget increase, you're right. I know we've discussed this at length so there's probably little to be gained by going over old territory, the "privatization" piece in this bill is a myth. Six metro areas beginning in 2010? Please.

If Medicare becomes privatized, it'll defy the course of every entitlement program in history.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Bush may know that the Senate needs to ratify any treaty, but perhaps the poster doesn't.

[semiarticulate]

"Prior to Bush's doing that, the radically liberal ABA got the first pass at vetting judges, even before the President or Senate."

I think you and I agree on what or who we'd like to see on the court, but; in reality, what is the difference if a proposed nominee is blocked by the ABA or the the Senate?

[OldFriend]

Heard NJ Congressman Palone bitching that a senior would have to spend $4,000 to get $5,000 worth of prescriptions.

The nerve.......LOLOL.......not fair, whine whine whine.

Too bad most are too shortsighted to see that it is better to spend on prevention than on hospitalization.......having been there it's better to medicate in time rather than hospitalize.

[OldFriend]

But but but.......he's not pure enough....but but but, if he doesn't produce a bill to MY liking then I'm never voting republican again!!! Blah blah blah......

[NittanyLion]

Heard NJ Congressman Palone bitching that a senior would have to spend $4,000 to get $5,000 worth of prescriptions.

And the government will likely need to collect another $5000 just to administer the $1000 benefit to the end user...

[deport]

If I recall correctly .. Kyoto was one of Bill Clinton's late night signings right before he left office ..

---

Naw.... signed by Gore on behalf of the US but never ratified by the Senate..... President Bush stopped any further processes by the US to become compliant and enter the next step of Treaty ratification.... Mar. 28, 2001

[snopercod]

OK, I read your link. Did I miss something?

The only positives mentioned were that "the rich" would have to pay higher premiums, and that "the poor" (me) might be able to use before-tax dollars to pay for health care. Oh yes, there may be "competion" in the future - if approved by the monopolist. Snicker...

[snopercod]

Why bother to ratify Kyoto. It's being implemented with US tax dollars anyway. Ever hear of the World Bank Prototype Carbon Fund?

[what's up]

Did the Medical Savings Accounts become law. Where can I read what is included in that portion of the bill?

[snopercod]

http://thomas.loc.gov

[Reagan Man]

>>>We're going to Privatize Social Security next...

You're getting way ahead of yourself and engaging in wishful thinking.

>>>... the whining about Privatizing Medicare from shills around here will more than double when that process starts.

I'm happy to be a conservative spokesman for less spending, smaller government and tax cuts. It's called being fiscally responsible.

You support the GOP plan to increase spending by the federal government to the tune of $400 billion, in unfunded mandates. Thats gambling with the economic future of America and makes you a BIG GOVERNMENT shill.

This Medicare PDP is a boondoggle for BIG GOVERNMENT, drug companies and financially secure seniors. It will not lead to privatization of Medicare. It will lead to more and more spending by the federal governemnt. PresBush won't have to worry about the fall out either. He'll be long out of office when the bill comes due for this new entitlement program.

[RetiredArmy]

Roger that. I can just feel my taxes going up as I type this. The squeeze is on my pocket book even more.

[PRND21]

Bump

[Gunslingr3]

But but but.......he's not pure enough....but but but, if he doesn't produce a bill to MY liking then I'm never voting republican again!!! Blah blah blah......

Pardon me for asking, but what is the point of electing Republicans to enact entitlements? Isn't that what Democrats are for? Where does this $400 billion (that's the first estimate, we'll see how close it was in 10 years) come from?

[FirstPrinciple]

He could sign whatever you want. The Senate has to approve of it.