DT opens door to cuts in Medicare

[kadee79]

And knowing the GOP...Social Security can't be far behind.

President Trump suggested on Wednesday that he would be willing to consider cuts to social safety-net programs like Medicare to reduce the federal deficit if he wins a second term, an apparent shift from his 2016 campaign promise to protect funding for such entitlements. 

The president made the comments on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Despite promises to reduce the federal budget deficit, it has ballooned under Mr. Trump’s watch as a result of sweeping tax cuts and additional government spending.

Asked in an interview with CNBC if cuts to entitlements would ever be on his plate, Mr. Trump answered yes.

“At some point they will be,” Mr. Trump said, before pointing to United States economic growth. “At the right time, we will take a look at that.”

www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trump-opens-door-to-cuts-to-medicare-and-other-entitlement-programs/ar-BBZdSGU?li=BBnb7Kz

[Tiny]

You beat me to it!

Was this the GOP's plan all along with the run up of the deficit (thru tax cuts for business and the wealthy) ? To use the deficit as an excuse to cut SS, Medicare, and other government "hand outs"?

[weltschmerz]

Jan 22, 2020 17:43:33 GMT -5 kadee79 said:

And knowing the GOP...Social Security can't be far behind.

President Trump suggested on Wednesday that he would be willing to consider cuts to social safety-net programs like Medicare to reduce the federal deficit if he wins a second term, an apparent shift from his 2016 campaign promise to protect funding for such entitlements. 

The president made the comments on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Despite promises to reduce the federal budget deficit, it has ballooned under Mr. Trump’s watch as a result of sweeping tax cuts and additional government spending.

Asked in an interview with CNBC if cuts to entitlements would ever be on his plate, Mr. Trump answered yes.

“At some point they will be,” Mr. Trump said, before pointing to United States economic growth. “At the right time, we will take a look at that.”

www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/trump-opens-door-to-cuts-to-medicare-and-other-entitlement-programs/ar-BBZdSGU?li=BBnb7Kz

OMG!   Attacking the poorest again. Why doesn't he consider making cuts to corporate welfare?

[giramomma]

Inconceivable!

[giramomma]

This is also why I've told DH that we will be keeping health insurance through my work until we die.

1100-1600/month would probably do better to be poured back into the economy, in terms of spending on goods ..but whatevs.

[mary2029]

Jan 22, 2020 20:14:38 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Inconceivable!

"You keep using that word, I don't think you know what it means."

[kadee79]

Jan 22, 2020 17:54:48 GMT -5 Tiny said:

You beat me to it!

Was this the GOP's plan all along with the run up of the deficit (thru tax cuts for business and the wealthy) ? To use the deficit as an excuse to cut SS, Medicare, and other government "hand outs"?

You are exactly correct....this is what Paul Ryan was striving for....for years.  He got his (SS paid for his schooling since his father had passed), screw everyone else.  Congress has taken monies from SS...they need to pay it back with interest!
Tax the wealthy....it's the only way we will ever pay down the deficient.  And close the holes that let corporations end up paying "0" taxes...like Amazon & GE & others.  Cut out the "hand outs" to all corporations like the oil industry!

[countrygirl2]

People can't make it now around here. They go cutting stuff like that, they will have more people on the streets, sick, and starving too.  I hate him.

[countrygirl2]

We can, but will have to cut a lot, be careful and live within a budget. Most are already doing that any cuts will literally kill them. Will his "people" follow him then?

[Tennesseer]

The Democrats should use trump's comments on possible cuts in Medicare as a talking point this election season.  Republican voters age 65 and up are one of his biggest support groups  and most vulnerable to cuts in Medicare. 

[swamp]

Jan 23, 2020 11:59:53 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

The Democrats should use trump's comments on possible cuts in Medicare as a talking point this election season.  Republican voters age 65 and up are one of his biggest support groups  and most vulnerable to cuts in Medicare. 

I'm sure trump will deny it, and his minions will continue to drink the cool-aid.

At this point, fuck 'em.  Let them cut everything they want to cut. 

[Tennesseer]

No, Mr. President, a stock market rally does not reduce the national debt

[Deleted]

Nice, we can use the proceeds for more Middle East conquest, I’m looking at you Cyprus.

[Bob Ross]

I should forward this link to my mom.

My folks like to act and vote like they're still well off (they once were, til my dad effed it all up).

Now they rely big-time on SS and Medicare, and worry about my brother who drank himself into early liver failure and without MediCal, would be pretty much screwed.

Yet they are staunch Trump supporters who decry those "demmycrats" as "damn socialists" while completely ignoring the fact that it's our more social programs that allows them to even get by.  I wonder how many other die-hard Trumpists are in a similar situation?  Since he appeals so much to the non-college educated working class white males, my guess is "a sh*t-ton".

[djAdvocate]

Jan 23, 2020 15:37:55 GMT -5 Bob Ross said:

I should forward this link to my mom.

My folks like to act and vote like they're still well off (they once were, til my dad effed it all up).

Now they rely big-time on SS and Medicare, and worry about my brother who drank himself into early liver failure and without MediCal, would be pretty much screwed.

Yet they are staunch Trump supporters who decry those "demmycrats" as "damn socialists" while completely ignoring the fact that it's our more social programs that allows them to even get by.  I wonder how many other die-hard Trumpists are in a similar situation?  Since he appeals so much to the non-college educated working class white males, my guess is "a sh*t-ton".

you remember Romney's 47% comment?

I did a little analysis on it at the time he made it, to combat rhetoric ON THIS BOARD.

over half of the 47% were people who vote Republican.

[kadee79]

Jan 23, 2020 15:37:55 GMT -5 Bob Ross said:

I should forward this link to my mom.

My folks like to act and vote like they're still well off (they once were, til my dad effed it all up).

Now they rely big-time on SS and Medicare, and worry about my brother who drank himself into early liver failure and without MediCal, would be pretty much screwed.

Yet they are staunch Trump supporters who decry those "demmycrats" as "damn socialists" while completely ignoring the fact that it's our more social programs that allows them to even get by.  I wonder how many other die-hard Trumpists are in a similar situation?  Since he appeals so much to the non-college educated working class white males, my guess is "a sh*t-ton".

Please do!  Whether they believe it or not, they NEED to read it.

[countrygirl2]

We could make it I think, but with cuts in SS and medicare, it would likely eat us alive, we could just survive longer then most .  But most people here are barely surviving now that are old. They cut those and they can't, that's what most have to live on.  But his supporters wouldn't realize till after it happened, then somehow would blame it on the dems.  I imagine they would fashion it so the cuts would take place when the next admin would get in, whenever that will be.

[Tennesseer]

Why am I not surprised.

Trump Tries to Walk Back Entitlement Comments as Democrats Pounce

[thyme4change]

Jan 23, 2020 12:17:50 GMT -5 swamp said:

Jan 23, 2020 11:59:53 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

The Democrats should use trump's comments on possible cuts in Medicare as a talking point this election season.  Republican voters age 65 and up are one of his biggest support groups  and most vulnerable to cuts in Medicare. 

I'm sure trump will deny it, and his minions will continue to drink the cool-aid.

At this point, fuck 'em.  Let them cut everything they want to cut. 

I have a hard time determining what anti-social program people really want. I'm sure people want different things.

1. They truly believe that everyone could and would just work hard enough to become self sufficient. Everyone can overcome mental illness, physical limitations, low IQs, childhood (or adult) trauma, etc. etc. These people are idealistic, and probably were raised with advantages that they deny helped them in any way (as well as disadvantages that didn't hurt them nearly as bad as they think they did.)

2. They just don't care about anyone else, as long as they get theirs. These people are fooling themselves that the status of society doesn't effect them. It does.

3. They really want to bring around revolution. The best way to do that is the "let them eat cake" attitude that has brought down countless societies before us.

Any other reasoning behind the thoughts that we should just let the least of us die, cold and hungry, in the streets?

[swamp]

Jan 24, 2020 9:58:33 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Jan 23, 2020 12:17:50 GMT -5 swamp said:

I'm sure trump will deny it, and his minions will continue to drink the cool-aid.

At this point, fuck 'em.  Let them cut everything they want to cut. 

I have a hard time determining what anti-social program people really want. I'm sure people want different things.

1. They truly believe that everyone could and would just work hard enough to become self sufficient. Everyone can overcome mental illness, physical limitations, low IQs, childhood (or adult) trauma, etc. etc. These people are idealistic, and probably were raised with advantages that they deny helped them in any way (as well as disadvantages that didn't hurt them nearly as bad as they think they did.)

2. They just don't care about anyone else, as long as they get theirs. These people are fooling themselves that the status of society doesn't effect them. It does.

3. They really want to bring around revolution. The best way to do that is the "let them eat cake" attitude that has brought down countless societies before us.

Any other reasoning behind the thoughts that we should just let the least of us die, cold and hungry, in the streets?

I think the anti-social program people are usually a combination of 1 and 2.  

I really don't want anyone to die/suffer (OK, there are a few...........).  I'm just fed up with stupid people who really can't see that they are shooting themselves in the foot by supporting Trump.  

[thyme4change]

And, question, is it normal for a President to give a speech to world leaders, on an international stage and discuss domestic policies and programs that don't really involve other countries? Switzerland seems like an odd place to announce cuts to Medicare. I know that we at home are always listening, but do we need to gather leaders and billionaires from other countries to announce that we are going to have even shittier healthcare than we already do?

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Jan 24, 2020 9:58:33 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Jan 23, 2020 12:17:50 GMT -5 swamp said:

I'm sure trump will deny it, and his minions will continue to drink the cool-aid.

At this point, fuck 'em.  Let them cut everything they want to cut. 

I have a hard time determining what anti-social program people really want. I'm sure people want different things.

1. They truly believe that everyone could and would just work hard enough to become self sufficient. Everyone can overcome mental illness, physical limitations, low IQs, childhood (or adult) trauma, etc. etc. These people are idealistic, and probably were raised with advantages that they deny helped them in any way (as well as disadvantages that didn't hurt them nearly as bad as they think they did.)

2. They just don't care about anyone else, as long as they get theirs. These people are fooling themselves that the status of society doesn't effect them. It does.

3. They really want to bring around revolution. The best way to do that is the "let them eat cake" attitude that has brought down countless societies before us.

Any other reasoning behind the thoughts that we should just let the least of us die, cold and hungry, in the streets?

People will do whatever they can to protect the crumbs of power they get from the current status quo.  A poor white male is still way better off in this country than a black poor male simply because he is white.   Trump stands to protect that shred of power and privilege so they will cut off their nose even if it means spiting their faces.

I was reading about this in a book about Jim Crow laws, I wish I could remember the title.   Things were real shitty in the south after the Civil War, including for a lot of white people.  The elite in the South made sure to construct a boogey man in the form of the educated African American.   By keeping black people down the poor white people could at least say they were better than that and would vote whatever way the elite wanted to keep their privilege. 

Look at Trump and his wall.   Your life wouldn't suck nearly as bad if all those brown people were kept out by a giant wall.   Don't look over here at what the left hand is doing, focus on how much better you are than brown people.   Don't examine your own government, it's run by your fellow white dudes, we're here to protect you.

[thyme4change]

I will say that it is hard for me to argue against my BIL whose job wasn't necessarily taken by immigrants (often non-documented/illegal workers) but his value was reduced by their entrance into the free market. He therefore is all-Trump. No one ever ran across the border and started sitting at my desk for half the price, and at least the quality. Although, my job was moved to India, where they could pay someone half of what they paid me. I hated that job and that company, but if I had loved it there, I can imagine some bitterness. So, I can feel for people who actually are experiencing the economic impact of immigration.

That said, my BIL was motivated to finish college and now has a good paying desk job, which his aging body praises. So, in the end, he did benefit from the pressure.

[weltschmerz]

Jan 22, 2020 20:20:38 GMT -5 giramomma said:

This is also why I've told DH that we will be keeping health insurance through my work until we die.

1100-1600/month would probably do better to be poured back into the economy, in terms of spending on goods ..but whatevs.

I can't imagine being tethered to a job for life, especially a job you don't like, just for the health care.

[hurley1980]

Jan 24, 2020 10:04:45 GMT -5 swamp said:

Jan 24, 2020 9:58:33 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

I have a hard time determining what anti-social program people really want. I'm sure people want different things.

1. They truly believe that everyone could and would just work hard enough to become self sufficient. Everyone can overcome mental illness, physical limitations, low IQs, childhood (or adult) trauma, etc. etc. These people are idealistic, and probably were raised with advantages that they deny helped them in any way (as well as disadvantages that didn't hurt them nearly as bad as they think they did.)

2. They just don't care about anyone else, as long as they get theirs. These people are fooling themselves that the status of society doesn't effect them. It does.

3. They really want to bring around revolution. The best way to do that is the "let them eat cake" attitude that has brought down countless societies before us.

Any other reasoning behind the thoughts that we should just let the least of us die, cold and hungry, in the streets?

I think the anti-social program people are usually a combination of 1 and 2.  

I really don't want anyone to die/suffer (OK, there are a few...........).  I'm just fed up with stupid people who really can't see that they are shooting themselves in the foot by supporting Trump.  

This is a large chunk of my Aunts family.  They are all poor and have taken just about every handout available between the lot of them.  Section 8, food stamps, SSDI, free medical, etc.  My Aunt lives on SS alone.  They are also all dumb as a box of rocks....most didn't even graduate high school and never bothered to get their GED.  Most don't work at all.  My one cousin had 5 kids, by 5 different dads, all born while she was in prison.  Total redneck white trash family.  They all love Trump though, because they are as racists as he is, if not more!  My aunt is the only one of them I actually like!

I hope they are starve on the streets to be honest!  Not one of them is a decent person, they are all just wastes of oxygen.  I'll take care of my aunt, but screw the rest of them!

[happyhoix]

Jan 23, 2020 15:37:55 GMT -5 Bob Ross said:

I should forward this link to my mom.

My folks like to act and vote like they're still well off (they once were, til my dad effed it all up).

Now they rely big-time on SS and Medicare, and worry about my brother who drank himself into early liver failure and without MediCal, would be pretty much screwed.

Yet they are staunch Trump supporters who decry those "demmycrats" as "damn socialists" while completely ignoring the fact that it's our more social programs that allows them to even get by.  I wonder how many other die-hard Trumpists are in a similar situation?  Since he appeals so much to the non-college educated working class white males, my guess is "a sh*t-ton".

There are a lot of Trumpets who will be sorely disappointed if Trump gets a second term. As soon as he has a lock on 4 more years and doesn't need to pretend to give a shit about the evangelicals and the blue collar middle americans,  he'll abandon any attempts at healthcare reform, a middle class tax cut, etc. 

Remember how his first piece of legislation after election the first time was that plum tax break for the wealthy and big corporations? It will be like that, only 24/7 - and it will be an attack on Obamacare and the whole social network. And the poor little disappointed Trumpets will be standing around, helpless, as their support systems fall away. 

[thyme4change]

Jan 26, 2020 11:42:05 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

Jan 23, 2020 15:37:55 GMT -5 Bob Ross said:

I should forward this link to my mom.

My folks like to act and vote like they're still well off (they once were, til my dad effed it all up).

Now they rely big-time on SS and Medicare, and worry about my brother who drank himself into early liver failure and without MediCal, would be pretty much screwed.

Yet they are staunch Trump supporters who decry those "demmycrats" as "damn socialists" while completely ignoring the fact that it's our more social programs that allows them to even get by.  I wonder how many other die-hard Trumpists are in a similar situation?  Since he appeals so much to the non-college educated working class white males, my guess is "a sh*t-ton".

There are a lot of Trumpets who will be sorely disappointed if Trump gets a second term. As soon as he has a lock on 4 more years and doesn't need to pretend to give a shit about the evangelicals and the blue collar middle americans,  he'll abandon any attempts at healthcare reform, a middle class tax cut, etc. 

Remember how his first piece of legislation after election the first time was that plum tax break for the wealthy and big corporations? It will be like that, only 24/7 - and it will be an attack on Obamacare and the whole social network. And the poor little disappointed Trumpets will be standing around, helpless, as their support systems fall away. 

Has he been making attempts at middle class tax cuts and healthcare? I've seen him say a few things, but what has he actually tried to do?

I think he will still pander to his base. He wants to be remembered as great, and so he will keep up the bullshit so they will protect his legacy.

[happyhoix]

Jan 26, 2020 14:55:46 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Jan 26, 2020 11:42:05 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

There are a lot of Trumpets who will be sorely disappointed if Trump gets a second term. As soon as he has a lock on 4 more years and doesn't need to pretend to give a shit about the evangelicals and the blue collar middle americans,  he'll abandon any attempts at healthcare reform, a middle class tax cut, etc. 

Remember how his first piece of legislation after election the first time was that plum tax break for the wealthy and big corporations? It will be like that, only 24/7 - and it will be an attack on Obamacare and the whole social network. And the poor little disappointed Trumpets will be standing around, helpless, as their support systems fall away. 

Has he been making attempts at middle class tax cuts and healthcare? I've seen him say a few things, but what has he actually tried to do?

I think he will still pander to his base. He wants to be remembered as great, and so he will keep up the bullshit so they will protect his legacy.

It's just been all talk, he's got no intention of wasting time on healthcare or a middle class tax cut. Neither of those things would benefit him or his family and billionaire friends. But he says things hoping his base will believe him, and for some reason, after all his lies, they still do.. 

I heard that Ivanka and Kushner, eager to be able to return to their liberal NYC social life post Trump's presidency, are planning to push Trump into a more moderate, socially progressive platform if he wins in 2020. That would be easy enough to do; when you have no moral compass or deeply held beliefs, it's not hard to make 180 degree turns. Trump has already shown how flexible he is - he used to be loudly pro choice, until he wasn't. 

[thyme4change]

Jan 26, 2020 15:51:36 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

Jan 26, 2020 14:55:46 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Has he been making attempts at middle class tax cuts and healthcare? I've seen him say a few things, but what has he actually tried to do?

I think he will still pander to his base. He wants to be remembered as great, and so he will keep up the bullshit so they will protect his legacy.

It's just been all talk, he's got no intention of wasting time on healthcare or a middle class tax cut. Neither of those things would benefit him or his family and billionaire friends. But he says things hoping his base will believe him, and for some reason, after all his lies, they still do.. 

I heard that Ivanka and Kushner, eager to be able to return to their liberal NYC social life post Trump's presidency, are planning to push Trump into a more moderate, socially progressive platform if he wins in 2020. That would be easy enough to do; when you have no moral compass or deeply held beliefs, it's not hard to make 180 degree turns. Trump has already shown how flexible he is - he used to be loudly pro choice, until he wasn't. 

We heard Ivanka was going to be the voice of reason at the beginning of his presidency too. I will believe it when I see it.

[Deleted]

I really don’t understand how the average Joe thinks he gives a shit about them. Black, white, brown, or whatever, it’s crazy talk to think he actually cares about you UNLESS you are a multimillionaire who is all about the money. Even then, he doesn’t care about YOU, it’s all about the Benjamins, baby.

I am a federal employee, and I try my damndest not to bash this man publicly. It still boggles my mind that some of my coworkers think he is the greatest thing since sliced bread when 1. They don’t have the kind of wealth that would put them on his radar and 2. It’s been made clear that if he had his way, the wages and benefits they have would go the way of the dodo bird.

To put it nicely, there seems to be a serious disconnect among some Trump supporters. I guess they think that the things he wants to put into action only apply to “others” and not them. Just like all the stories we’ve seen about deported immigrants that initially supported him, and the people that learned the hard way that “Obama Care” wasn’t something just for minorities, it was the same insurance they had under the “Affordable Care Act”.

I never claimed to be the smartest person in the world, but REALLY?!