Medicare and Conservatism?

[arachnyd]

I've seen it discussed a lot in this election, and it was even a major part of paul ryans speech- Medicare. Now the pitch is that we need to NOT cut medicare and preserve it to protect our seniors. Now what conservative principle or basis is that standing on? It seems to me, if we accept that we need to "take care of" one group of people, its not much of a stretch to say we need to "take care of" other groups of people? It just seems like a very liberal idea and I don't understand how its wrapped up as a major component of the GOP?

It just seems like the fundamental problem I see from the democrats- "Lets give someone some sort of incentive to support us even if it goes against our ideals". If it is simply a "concession" to the liberal side, why is it being fronted as a major part of the GOP's platform? I'm just having a hard time understanding what "conservative ideals" support Medicare?

[thundley4]

Seniors have been promised for decades that Medicare would be there for them. Most of them have paid it to it their whole lives.  To take it from them now, would be just another broken promise.  Hasn't the government done that often enough?

The solution to the Medicare funding problem is that we need to wean future generations off of fully depending on it for healthcare.  That same solution is also what is needed for Social Security.

Medicaid is a whole other can of worms, though.

[ExGeeEye]

What he said.

Also:  I want out of Socialist Insecurity.  Meanwhile I want those who were taxed for it their entire working lives, who depend on it to supplement their retirement or (as it was never meant to be) as their WHOLE retirement, to have that promise kept.

Both programs will end.  Whether the end can be managed and the nation continue, or whether it all falls apart in a Gotterdammerung of national bankruptcy that leaves us in pieces, is the only question.

[arachnyd]

So in other words, Medicare wouldnt be supported as an appropriate government program, but since its been promised to a group of people who have already paid for it, while we wean the program down we still need to provide for those who were promised it in the mean time? Is that an appropriate way to interpret the plan?

[docstew]

So in other words, Medicare wouldnt be supported as an appropriate government program, but since its been promised to a group of people who have already paid for it, while we wean the program down we still need to provide for those who were promised it in the mean time? Is that an appropriate way to interpret the plan?

Yes.

Most people my age don't expect SS or Medicare to be around when it comes our time. The R2 plan is to keep those as is for 55+, while offering market based alternatives to everyone else.

[SSG Snuggle Bunny]

So in other words, Medicare wouldnt be supported as an appropriate government program, but since its been promised to a group of people who have already paid for it, while we wean the program down we still need to provide for those who were promised it in the mean time? Is that an appropriate way to interpret the plan?

People have been forced to pay into these shams their entire working careers.

Between the promises made and the money confiscated they weren't exactly left with the ability to provide otherwise.

Nonetheless, the programs are unworkable especially once the pols start using the programs to buy votes/scare constituencies.

I'm prepared to say "tough shit, they lied" but that's not realistic or practical.

But neither do we need to forever pretend the farce is anything other than a farce. We can wein the upcoming generations off this crap, give them back their liberty, their dignity and probably a bigger return for their dollar without ****ing over those previous generations who paid in good faith...

...if we quit dicking around over the inevitable.

[arachnyd]

I feel a lot better about my concerns now. Thanks for your help!

[J P Sousa]

This entitlement problem is why I applaud the nomination of Paul Ryan. He is the only one I have seen who may be able to explain the problems of these programs and reasonable solutions.

Too many republicans seem to want to be no more than a "me to" democrat when it comes to entitlements. 

There was a movement back in the eighties (or there a bout) to make SS voluntary but.......

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