Quote from L-Kabong:
You guys are attacking only 20% of the problem that looms so large, and quietly but conspicuously ignoring the 800 lb gorilla, which is Medicare in the future.
I agree, limit welfare, limit and constrict public aid payments. Give the bums a year -maybe two- on the dole to get on their feet and pay their bills. Then cut the cord. Perhaps that will convince the next generation to not pop out babies they can't pay for.
But even doing that you will just scratch the surface.
You think that because you are paying your taxes now that you are entitled to the social safety net when you retire, or in the event you become disabled. We're 16 trillion in debt now, and our generation is is projected to cost 50 trillion in Medicare costs that are unfunded and will be 95% unfunded in the future. But I have heard none of you, not a peep from the right wing nor the left wing, address this reality
If we were get back ONLY what we have paid into Medicare after 45 years of working, and go on medicare at 65 or 68, we'll probably get an annual prostate exam, a check up, and two aspirin.
You are attacking the flank of the issue without getting at the heart. Even if you were to build a gigantic trebuchet and fling the 80 million "takers" into the ocean, you will still be faced with what to do with the "makers". And Tsing Tao, if you really don't want to burden your children with the impossibility of
a population bulging with old people, and compressing with the working people on which the old folks will be dependent , then you will start talking about entitlement reform.
I'm not worried about my retirement and healthcare expenses. I don't want to pay for yours, or have my kids patrimony dissipated by the demands of 200 million lower and middle class retirees. I say refund all every single cent with interest that was paid into Social Security and Medicare. Abolish Medicare and Medicaid and all the safety net. Let people take care of themselves. Guess what? They will start taking care of themselves.
Who is with me?