GOP Platform on Social Security and Medicare
The First in a Series of Inquiries
The purpose of this series is to examine the Idaho Republican Party Platform by article, in sequence. Tell me your thoughts on Social Security and Medicare.
Why am I doing this series?
As a centrist republican I am interested in hearing from my future constituents how they feel about certain parts of the Idaho GOP platform.
Article 1: Responsibility in Government
Let’s start with Article 1. There are a few items we should discuss.
Section 1 – Fiscal Responsibility. Item B of this section discusses Social Security and says “it must be stabilized, diversified, and privatized to allow expansion of individual retirement options.” I agree with stabilized and diversified. I question privatized. This is a big pot of money that lots of big companies would love to get their hands on. Private companies can do with this money as they see fit and are not regulated by the government. Private companies can go bankrupt. The Enron scandal is a perfect example. Government involvement is very stabilizing and cannot go bankrupt. What are your thoughts on privatization of Social Security?
Section 2 deals with Taxation. Item E states: “We believe that Idaho Citizens should not and shall not be taxed for federally mandated health care.” The only federally mandated health care we all pay taxes for is Medicare. This means no more Medicare, not only for those 65 and older but those who will become 65 and older in the future. I cannot support this. Prior to Medicare 1 in 8 seniors could not afford health insurance. Do you agree with me or not? If you disagree please explain.
I strongly oppose any move to privatize Social Security. The funds our seniors rely on now (and that I’m counting on not too far up the road) shouldn’t be in the hands of venture capitalists and investment firms.
I also am against transferring funds from SS to other budget lines and using them as if they are general finds. SS should only be held in trust for those who are entitled to receive benefits.
I agree with you 100% on the Medicare question.
We are on the same page. We agree. I, too, have a problem with this being part of the GOP platform.