White House, conservatives split on drugs

Washington Times ^ | June 29, 2003 | Donald Lambro

[sarcasm]

A deepening political split over prescription drug benefits divides the White House and conservative activists, who say the issue provoked the most serious rift of George W. Bush's presidency.

Nearly a dozen conservative think tanks and policy groups inside and outside the Beltway have lined up against the $400 billion Medicare-reform package that Mr. Bush appears ready to sign as soon as a bill reaches his desk.

[sarcasm]

This will not fully kick in until 2006. If you are going to have exploding costs, they are way down the road, probably long after Mr. Bush has left the presidency,"

Bush: Apres moi, le deluge

[Moonman62]

"This will not fully kick in until 2006. If you are going to have exploding costs, they are way down the road, probably long after Mr. Bush has left the presidency," Mr. Josten said.

Isn't that what happened with the New Deal and the Great Society? The Bush administration is using the same tactic. Do what feels good and is irresponsible now in exchange for some votes, and let someone else pay for the mess and clean it up.

[nonliberal]

Agreed. This is nothing more than adding another welfare program onto the backs of taxpayers.

[meenie]

The problem is, it never gets cleaned up. Bush is a liberal wolf in sheep's clothing and for the bulk of Americans, the disguise is working perfectly. His father was capable of destroying the good will and conservatism of the Reagan Presidency in four short years and Junior is determined to follow in his footsteps with practically the same incompetence in his administration.

[RJCogburn]

lead to the largest expansion of government since the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

That's something about which to be really proud.

[jocon307]

I didn't even read this article because I find this subject deathly dull, a real sleeping pill, it makes me want to take a powder, ok that's enough.

But, really, if they want to do this at all, why is NOBODY pushing for means-testing. I don't really want to buy Bill Gate's mom's medicine for her (as Rush puts it). Aiding the impoverished is one thing, but come on! What are we trying to do for our seniors, free up more quarters for the Atlantic City slot machines? All of medicare should be means tested, but I guess it's too late for that now.

Sheesh! You'd think the Republicans could have made some "compassionate conservative" points here, but it looks like there is still to much me-too-ism going on, only it's being supplemented by me-first-ism.

[sarcasm]

Aiding the impoverished is one thing, but come on!

The impoverished already get free drugs from Medicaid.

[jocko12]

Bush veto this taxpayer waste of money bill!!!!

[RJCogburn]

Bush veto this taxpayer waste of money bill!!!!

You must have missed it. Bush (our man, after all) is all for this. Some would call it craven political calculation.

[sarcasm]

Republicans have now embraced the philosophy of the New Deal and the Great Society. Is Karl Marx next?

[jocon307]

"The impoverished already get free drugs from Medicaid."

Yeah, but aren't the elderly poor on medicare too? I thought Medicaid was for those too young to be in medicare, but I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong! I mean people are saying they "can't afford" drugs, are granny and pop-pop lying to the American people?

[sarcasm]

They can be on Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously - Medicaid generally pays the Medicare premium for these dually enrolled individuals.

[stimpyone]

what was that that Bush said about not passing along our problems to future generations?

[sarcasm]

what was that that Bush said about not passing along our problems to future generations?

He lied.

[jocon307]

"Medicaid generally pays the Medicare premium for these dually enrolled individuals"

Aha, you know a lot about this. Then you are right, this is all a lot of BS. I know tho' that even a well-off person could have a serious problem paying for some very expensive drugs, maybe they could tailor the aid more specifically, drugs that cost more than x per month, or something. From the little I've read it seems they are already making such a hash out of it that no one will ever be able to figure out what/who/how much is covered. It'll fill a bookcase and make no sense, like the tax code.

Maybe our generation just needs to get out of the way and put some younger folks in charge, maybe they'll straighten this out. (Who am I trying to kid? They'll put us on the ice floes like the old Eskimos and be done with us!)

[jammer]

He lied.

Ohhh. That's not what I read on the "Day in the Life of President Bush" thread. You should check it sometime, if you can stomach it. Prophylactic anti-emetics recommended.

[ImpotentRage]

"Is Karl Marx next?"

What do you mean next?

[Republican Wildcat]

This makes me ill.

[sarcasm]

You should check it sometime, if you can stomach it.

I did once - never again.

[sarcasm]

I know tho' that even a well-off person could have a serious problem paying for some very expensive drugs, maybe they could tailor the aid more specifically, drugs that cost more than x per month, or something.

Means testing is the way to go, however, Medicaid is a means tested program. Why do we need another one?