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"In my opinion, chances are slim to none of any fiscally responsible entitlement reform becoming law in the next couple of years, although they might pass something that claims to be such. And politicians who propose entitlement reform are a great risk of giving their opponents a terrible political weapon (that's why Obama's COMMISSION ON FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND REFORM used retired politicians like Simpson)."
DITTOS. And few are prepared to actually enact the crossing of the Rubicon.

RE :””In my opinion, chances are slim to none of any fiscally responsible entitlement reform becoming law in the next couple of years, although they might pass something that claims to be such. And politicians who propose entitlement reform are a great risk of giving their opponents a terrible political weapon (that's why Obama’s COMMISSION ON FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND REFORM used retired politicians like Simpson).”
DITTOS. And few are prepared to actually enact the crossing of the Rubicon.”

True but they didn't have to pitch then vote on a plan that was guaranteed to fail, unless that is what they wanted. The specifics of this plan don't even make any sense, let alone being politically acceptable. Imagine 2021 and the first seniors retire that are affected, so those born in 1956 or 1957 get to go out there and buy insurance competing with those born before that age that are part of a huge medicare negotiating pool. What did the plan pitch that changes things (market wise) so this first year retirees are any better off than the uninsured at 64?

It is not a rational phased in approach to privatization that should start now for all new retires (born after 1946 not after 1956) , It is just throwing some off the ship because of the year they are born to get the others support 10 years from now when they are no longer in office , justifying it by repeating "we are broke".

I cant imagine what they were thinking. Maybe they like being out of power and responsibility, it is more fun for them I will admit. Then in the minority in 2014 they can try to say "I told you so".