Think of a balloon with the word "Medicare" on it. The pressure builds and builds until ... Pop goes the weasels! My friends the balloon hasn't reached critical mass yet - But it will!
Paul Ryan’s selection to the Republican ticket has put the issue of Medicare squarely on the 2012 campaign agenda. And the latest Pew Research Center survey continues to find the public is aware of a proposal to gradually shift Medicare to a system of vouchers and is, on balance, more opposed than supportive of the idea.
The survey, conducted August 16-19, 2012 among 1,005 adults nationwide, finds 72% have heard a lot or a little about a proposal to change Medicare into a program that would give future participants a credit toward purchasing private health insurance coverage. And among those who are aware, the idea remains unpopular; by a 49% to 34% margin more oppose than favor the idea. This is virtually unchanged from public reactions a little over a year ago, when Republicans in the House voted in favor of this proposal as part of the “Ryan plan.”
Among older Americans 65+ there is a 55% to 25% margin. Are these not the same voting group Republicans almost always carry?
Interestingly enough 65+ Republicans' favor a voucher 46% to 32%. Talk about voting against your own self interests! Or are all elder Republicans just so rich they don't care? I doubt it.
Republicans to me are an enigma. I heard Pat Schroeder, former Congresswoman from Colorado speaking on CSPAN. Someone asked her what she thought about the Tea Party. She offered this, I really don't know what they stand for but they did press me on one thing, "You've got to keep the government out of my Medicare and Social Security!"
Like I said, to me, Republicans are an enigma.