In Response to Re: Just how removed are the Republicans in there view of the poor and low middle class in the US? : Renewing your February post, I see.  Well, here is my 2-cents worth. Social Security Republican aren't trying to stop SS, in fact, just the opposite.  Reagan saved SS in the 80's by putting forth changes that helped the system to recover from years of neglect of the program.  He said at that time that it would, based on forcast, have to be tweeked again in another 25 years.   Take a look at some of the proposals that are being investigated by the SS Administration.  These proposals are being put forth by Democrats and Republican because we can't wait til the last minute to fix it.  Bear in mind that there is no proposal to do away with the SS system.  However, you will find that young people who have grown up with investing, might want to consider something in combination with the current SS system.    That might just be a choice that is given along with other tweeks to shore up the whole program for another 50 years or so.  Right now it is the "disability" portion of SS that is in worse shape but we need more money going into to the entire program to shore it up for years to come. There is no proposal to change it for current beneficiaries or even those close to retirement. Medicare Medicare is in bad shape - mainly the Hospital portion (Part A).  It has to be fixed too or we are all going to be paying more.  I assume that you are talking about the voucher program that has been suggested by some of the Republican.  We already have vouchers under the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug programs.  For each beneficiary that chooses these options (Medicare Advantage or a Prescription Drug Plan), the government pays these private insurance companies for a portion of the program - the beneficiary pays the rest either up front, in premiums and/or in higher copays.  Seems both those portions of the Medicare program are working fine and I assume you are pleased with whatever you have chosen in your benefits. Medicaid This program is so large (and will get larger, if Obamacare stands) that it is hard to fix - The part of the program that affect seniors will stay the same and will continue to be a combined effort of state and federal monies however it is gonna be strained financially if all us baby boomers have not done a good job saving through the years and more will have to have that extra help and then further down the road, when we can no longer care for ourselves, there may be more, just based on shear numbers, that will have to have with daily care. States, regardless of their in power political persuasions, are trying to bring their finances under control and many of the programs for the elderly and the disabled are being revamped or even cut to save money.  The poor and low middle class in the U.S. should not look to any political party to solve their societal ills.  We have public education, we have library systems, we have the ability to move around, we have the ability to manage and make decisions for our own lives.  Every citizen should take full advantage of these things and make the most of their lives before it is too late for them to do so. So if you have younger folks in your family, tell them to finish school, expand their mind, discover and learn a meaningful and needed trade or profession; these are the folks that will reap the financial repercussions of our government spending today and that is the biggest reason why I don't want to take from their future.
Posted by GailL1