I basically agree with your post. Obviously PresBush and many FReepers seem to think that a trillion drug program, subsidized by the federal government is the way to go. Call it liberal socialism or big governemnt Republicanism, either way the taxpayers are being screwed once again. The federal government doesn't exist to supply prescription drugs, medical healthcare or retirement programs for America's seniors. Period. We live in a constitutional republic based on limited government. What we have today is more of the same cradle to grave liberalism, that advances the social engineering of people's lives. Get the federal government out of peoples lives.
I hate this program. But that doesn't mean it is a "bad" program. I think it greatly benefits those it is meant to benefit.
So long as the phrase "Grandma had to give up her {X} to pay for medical treatment" is seen by the majority of americans as a bad thing, there is no incentive possible to keep us from socialized medicine. Because giving up "X" is exactly what would provide incentives for elderly to save for thier own care.