by James Parks, Apr 25, 2011
If congressional Republicans were listening to the American public, they wouldn’t be pushing so hard to turn Medicare over to Big Insurance through a voucher program and slash Medicaid for seniors, children and people with disabilities.
A just-released Washington Post/ABC poll shows that more than three-fourths (78 percent) of Americans do not want Medicare cut to reduce the national debt, including 65 percent who are strongly opposed. This compares with just 21 percent who favor cutting the program.
Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) prefer keeping the Medicare system the way it is rather than replacing it with a fixed amount voucher to be used to purchase private health insurance.
This week you have a chance to make sure Congress hears your voice. On April 27 and 28 in more than 50 cities in 18 states, activists from the Strengthen Social Security, Don’t Cut It, coalition, which includes the AFL-CIO and the Alliance for Retired Americans, will hold events at congressional district offices to tell their lawmakers hands off Social Security and Medicare. Visit the Alliance here and the Strengthen Social Security coalition here to find an event near you.
If you can’t make to a rally or there isn’t one in your area, you join a virtual rally here. Spread the word via e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter.
Writing today on the Center for American Progress website, Ruy Teixeira says:
This (poll) can fairly be characterized as massive opposition. Conservatives, who appear to lack any policy common sense, might want to exert some political common sense and retreat from their assault on Medicare.
