Say What? You Want Me to Do What?

Can you imagine two Washington bureaucrats talking. Let’s listen in on Ralph and Harry, C.P.S. (i.e. career public servants) as they talk about Medicare…

“Ralph, you know there were millions of folks over 65 we literally gave Medicare coverage to, some even getting coverage for the first time back in 1965. What a fun time! We put 'em under the Social Security system at NO cost back during LBJ’s administration. You remember the Great Society idea that the Democrats were pushing then; guns AND butter, that sort of thing. The USA could afford it all."


"Harry, I remember it differently. We actually charged for the Doctors' part. Can't remember what we charged starting out in '65 but I know in 1971 they were charging $50 a month. That's when my mother enrolled. A real bargain for her as she was getting pretty sick!"

"Those were great times! But now, well, we got to start cutting back. There’s just too many people in the program now and not only that, they’re living too long! We can’t afford them. But how can we do it?"

"Hmmmm.

I know one thing we can do. Let’s start pushing "End of Life" Counseling. Nice ring to it, huh! Kind of a “stealth” approach. Better use the ole "spinmeister" on this one. If anyone asks, just say that we’re going to be counseling the oldsters on living wills and other paperwork, stuff like that. We know these folks are already bummed out over their life anyway, not feeling too good, taking lots of pills and feeling pretty well useless. We could probably even sell them on the idea that an early exit would be the patriotic thing to do! Yes, I bet we can!”


The dialogue is imaginary but the facts are true. The Federal government tried to do what they always try to do-Give things away and get re-elected. Stay tuned, it's going to get more interesting!