REACTIONARIES (Letter to Independent Coast Observer)

On many issues “liberal progressives” are far more conservative than “conservatives.” In fact, the Democrat Party’s positions on preventing changes to Social Security, Medicare and other entitlement programs are downright reactionary. 

Democrats argue that we should not change any aspects of these programs. Yet these “progressives” offer no realistic solutions to the undeniable fact that the programs are on the road to bankruptcy.   Instead, they spend their efforts and massive campaign war chests personally attacking Republicans, ridiculing viable proposals, and blaming our fiscal problems on Greece, tsunamis, the Easter Bunny, etc. The reason that Social Security and Medicare are known as the “third rail of politics" is because the Democrats will not allow any debates on better ways to restructure these programs. 

The Democrats’ campaign default tactic is to scare the hell out of older folks. It’s all about keeping control over the citizenry by having the government collect their money and then dole it out to them as a way to win votes. Democrats understand that if the government turned substantial control of entitlement monies over to citizens, the Democrat Party would have nothing of substance to offer voters. 

We are now well into the 21st century and Democrats are clinging to the failed programs of the past as their lifeline to reelection. In 2012, President Obama and his progressive followers will be judged by voters on their accomplishments (or lack thereof), not on how well they can place the blame on others. Demagogic slogans won’t sell this time around. Nor will the reactionary tactics of the progressives that eschew any chance for real solutions.

Democrats saddled us with the massive government-managed ObamaCare, but they've done nothing to address the most significant fiscal issues facing our country.

Another round of golf, anyone?

Jim Littlejohn

Concerned Coastal Voters

Gualala, CA

IRRESPONSIBLE (Letter to Independent Coast Observer)

Are the Democrats serious about fixing the nation’s long-term financial problems? It appears not. Their overarching strategy for winning in 2012 is to redirect voters away from the administration’s dismal economic record by directing a hail storm of criticism toward Republicans. A recent example is the scorn heaped on Congressman Paul Ryan, a talented, serious man who has developed a workable long-term plan to save Medicare. Ryan’s plan would not kick in until 2022; Medicare would remain the same for persons now over 55, and guarantee those under 55 with health care plans similar to ones that Congress receives.

Faced with a workable Republican initiative, the Democrats had two choices: (1) develop a better plan for the American electorate to consider prior to the 2012 elections, or (2) take the low road and use the next 18 months to demagogue the Republican plan through attack ads designed solely to scare the heck out of many seniors. They opted for the low road. In a recent ad, a Ryan “look alike” pushes Grandma over the cliff in her wheel chair. Democrats claim seniors will “die sooner” under the Republican plan and compared Paul Ryan to Hurricane Katrina. Even the President stooped to attack the erudite Congressman.

What is the Democrat plan to save Medicare? The answer is:  they don’t have one. Furthermore, the Democrat-controlled Senate has not passed a budget in more than 750 days! Clearly, the conservative victory in the November 2010 elections has shaken the Democrats confidence. They’re now uncertain whether their ingrained practice of securing votes through promises of “federal largesse forever” will resonate with an attentive electorate. Thus, they’ve fallen back on the politics of personal destruction and demonization. Democrats see themselves as the responsible party; in reality they’ve become the “Party of Irresponsibility.”

Jim Littlejohn