Scott Brown Rebukes Paul Ryan
After first saying that he would vote “for” Medicare privitization, than backtracking and saying he meant to say vote “on” the plan, Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) has finally made up his mind and made his pledge to full-fledged RINO-hood. Good for him. His full op-ed at Politico:
As part of the 2012 budget discussions, Congress is dealing with Medicare reform. This debate is long overdue, since its increasing cost must be addressed if we are serious about the nation’s growing $14 trillion debt and $1.6 trillion annual deficit.
President Barack Obama unfortunately missed an opportunity to deal with this when he filed his budget. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) offered a plan that at least finally jumpstarted the debate. For those under 55, Ryan proposes transforming Medicare into a premium support plan over the long term. You’d get federal dollars to supplement the purchase of health insurance in a regulated private market.
While I applaud Ryan for getting the conversation started, I cannot support his specific plan — and therefore will vote “no” on his budget.
Why can’t I go along with the Ryan Medicare plan?
First, I fear that as health inflation rises, the cost of private plans will outgrow the government premium support— and the elderly will be forced to pay ever higher deductibles and co-pays. Protecting those who have been counting on the current system their entire adult lives should be the key principle of reform.
Second, Medicare has already taken significant cuts to help pay for Obama’s health care plan. The president and Congress cut a half trillion dollars to the private side of Medicare — meaning seniors are at risk of losing their Medicare Advantage coverage.
Cue wingnut head explosion in 3… 2… 1… This really wouldn’t be the first time the far-right have been furious with him, though. Brown was against defunding Planned Parenthood because he supports vital women’s services. Redstate Hooplah here. My comments on that article got me banned. Tee hee.