I hope the bill's sobriquet, trumpcare, sticks to it like proverbial tar and feathers (although trumpdon'tcare is more apropos).
4
So, just a question here . . . Why can't we demand to see this legislation?
It's our country. All that material should be public. We called like crazy the moment these people tried to loosen their ethics rules on Day 1 of the new Congress. Look who shriveled back into their shells like sad snails.
Even if I do not have a Republican Senator, can I not demand to see this text as a citizen? Or can't some intrepid reporter or everyday citizen in Kentucky demand to see it for God's sakes? These Republicans in Congress are not the boss of us, it's the other way around. I don't understand the social passivity that makes this secrecy on their part a fait accompli. It's a health bill - not classified information!
It's our country. All that material should be public. We called like crazy the moment these people tried to loosen their ethics rules on Day 1 of the new Congress. Look who shriveled back into their shells like sad snails.
Even if I do not have a Republican Senator, can I not demand to see this text as a citizen? Or can't some intrepid reporter or everyday citizen in Kentucky demand to see it for God's sakes? These Republicans in Congress are not the boss of us, it's the other way around. I don't understand the social passivity that makes this secrecy on their part a fait accompli. It's a health bill - not classified information!
8
Republicans will never again act with humanity. They will never again work for the people of the United States. They have spent the last 37 years pandering to the most ignorant portion of the population, playing them for fools. They have also gamed the system so they will never have to work to earn the vote of their base. By that I mean they can do things like take away their health care to give tax cuts to the wealthy and will not be blamed for it. Their base will forever blame Democrats for everything.
9
When the gullible Trumpsters wake up without healthcare, the Republicans will just come up with more lies to feed their clueless voters.
4
Mr. Krugman and other Lefties: Obamacare is a disaster. Millions have dropped out because they can't afford the premiums. Insurers have dropped out of the program leaving millions more without coverage. You now assert that millions will not have coverage when the Republican plan - which you have barely an inkling of what it will contain - is passed. How absurd!
Obama is a socialist whose domestic policies and regulations by fiat stagnated our economy. He singlehandedly wrought havoc to those of us who use the free enterprise system to climb the ladder of success.
Democrat policies have been a failure. Obama was a failure. Traditional Democrats deserted the party in droves because it failed them. They voted Republican to restore the promise of the American Dream.
Obamacare took healthcare away from of millions taxpayers. A flim-flam from the start. How can readers defend it? As for the proposed tax cuts, it isn't only for the very wealthy. You don't know what the final plan is but any tax cut for the middle class is welcome relief. Loopholes will be closed, middle class rates will be lower, the corporate rate will be lowered from the current outrageous 35% to about 20% and, off shore profits will be repatriated with a 10% rate incentive. All this and more portends great days ahead for all of us.
You lost. Sadly, you and your like-minded dimwits' only recourse is to spread vitriol and undermine our President's efforts to govern.
Obama is a socialist whose domestic policies and regulations by fiat stagnated our economy. He singlehandedly wrought havoc to those of us who use the free enterprise system to climb the ladder of success.
Democrat policies have been a failure. Obama was a failure. Traditional Democrats deserted the party in droves because it failed them. They voted Republican to restore the promise of the American Dream.
Obamacare took healthcare away from of millions taxpayers. A flim-flam from the start. How can readers defend it? As for the proposed tax cuts, it isn't only for the very wealthy. You don't know what the final plan is but any tax cut for the middle class is welcome relief. Loopholes will be closed, middle class rates will be lower, the corporate rate will be lowered from the current outrageous 35% to about 20% and, off shore profits will be repatriated with a 10% rate incentive. All this and more portends great days ahead for all of us.
You lost. Sadly, you and your like-minded dimwits' only recourse is to spread vitriol and undermine our President's efforts to govern.
4
I just can't stand the hypocrisy.
2
I still think we should hold the Republicans responsible; calling it Trumpcare gives them a convenient lightning rod for public opinion should this travesty pass, while calling it Republicare lays blame for it exactly where it belongs.
1
Dont stop them. If the public then realizes theyve been had then they react. If they dont react the country gets what they euther asked for or dont even care. Whats the problem?
1
I think it says bunches that Paul Krugman can feel so strongly about a proposed bill that he is yet to read. It seems that the only opinion Paul has is that he does not like Trump or the Republicans. Typical Liberal Media type!
2
I think Trump may be the Antichrist. If not him personally, the Republican party leaders collectively.
The End is near. I'm saying my prayers every day. I recommend you do the same.
The End is near. I'm saying my prayers every day. I recommend you do the same.
1
Right now we are not living in a democracy.
We are living in a corporate autocracy, hell bent on stealing from Americans any peace of mind in healthcare, making sure the wealthy 1% get their fat tax cuts. Neither logic, nor passion, nor duty will stop the Republican Congressional crooks led by Ryan and McConnell from enacting secret legislation to deny Americans healthcare that citizens around the world enjoy. Why? How did we become so cruel, so rich, that real Americans no longer matter, only tax cuts for the uber-wealthy? History will be brutal to these tricksters, but in the mean time, Rome- errrr, Washington, DC - parties on. When we most need leadership, thieves on Capitol Hill bury the American dream.
We are living in a corporate autocracy, hell bent on stealing from Americans any peace of mind in healthcare, making sure the wealthy 1% get their fat tax cuts. Neither logic, nor passion, nor duty will stop the Republican Congressional crooks led by Ryan and McConnell from enacting secret legislation to deny Americans healthcare that citizens around the world enjoy. Why? How did we become so cruel, so rich, that real Americans no longer matter, only tax cuts for the uber-wealthy? History will be brutal to these tricksters, but in the mean time, Rome- errrr, Washington, DC - parties on. When we most need leadership, thieves on Capitol Hill bury the American dream.
4
The "zombie-in-chief"-- Mitch McConnell, should know that his "Trumpcare" bill will render hundred of thousands without healthcare and without any food stamps. Poor trusting people who voted these republicans, have no idea of how much they are being slighted by these republicans.
1
The Republican Zombie/Vampire plan:
Death by a thousand [tax] cuts.
Death by a thousand [tax] cuts.
2
The GOP acts entirely reasonably, supporting - like the Russian Parliament - a few megarich families (in the US it's the 137 or so families that in turn finance the Republicans) and big oil. The American electorate is conscious of that fact. It is about time that they get what they voted for. 68% of white senior men voted for Mr. Trump and the Republicans. Clearly, they want Medicare voucherized. In a Democracy (and this was still one last time I looked), it is the citizenry's responsibility to HR their parliaments. Elections have consequences. Maybe "straightening out" opioid addicts Sessions-style (like the crack epidemic, remember?) will further help? Currently, the Democrats are merely spectators anyway.
10
I think the vampires are plotting how to blame President Obama for their failure to replace the ACA. That's the reason for the lack of transparency.
13
One has to ask, why were these cruel and mean people elected and reelected?
What's wrong with us as a country?
What's wrong with us as a country?
28
The current GOP is heavily influenced by groups like the Heritage Foundation and ALEC, which are essentially tax-exempt "think tanks" whose real purpose is to eliminate non-whites and the the non-wealthy from our society by whatever means possible. Passing a healthcare bill that's projected to kill about 36,000 people a year is one effective way of achieving this goal while satisfying their wealthy political donors via tax breaks. It's the modern-day version of English elites who forced what they regarded as their "trash" into military service (or on to the inhospitable New World) hundreds of years ago.
16
It is worth noting that the Democratic senators who are opposing this bill are truly acting in the best interests of both their own constituents as well as the American public. In raw political terms their best interest would be to let the bill go through as quickly as possible, hopefully well before the 2018 midterms. Trump supporters will not respond to opinions on what the bill might do. They will respond when their Medicaid or Obamacare premium subsidies are taken away.
23
Clearly, you don't understand the 'low taxes on the rich brings prosperity' policy. You seem to believe that the policy is intended to make Americans richer. That isn't so.
Low taxes on the rich clearly makes the rich richer; at least in the short run. The policy also keeps Republican Congressmen employed thus making the richer. Who cares about everybody else?
Low taxes on the rich clearly makes the rich richer; at least in the short run. The policy also keeps Republican Congressmen employed thus making the richer. Who cares about everybody else?
11
By electing Trump and an all Republican congress, the People have spoken. Let the People now live with their decision. At least, until the next election. Then, I hope, the Republicans will have to live with theirs.
13
I have a friend that says "Nobody has dies of denied health care. That is what emergency rooms take care of." I disagree, but I do not have figures. Can I get the somewhere?
3
But it *is* about trump. He savaged Obama and the ACA throughout his campaign, promising to repeal it. He didn't say what if anything would replace and clearly hadn't given it a thought, and cared even less. He doesn't have to do anything but sit by and watch Congress do what he wants without getting his hands dirty. Meanwhile, he can "lash out" at yet some other poor slob who is just trying to do their job.
14
Republicans not only want to cut taxes further; they are willing to increase the deficit to do this.
In other words, the Republicans want to borrow money and give it to the wealthy.
Everyone knows the Republicans don't pay their bills.
In other words, the Republicans want to borrow money and give it to the wealthy.
Everyone knows the Republicans don't pay their bills.
30
Who is the real architect of the destruction of our Democracy?
Is it the shallow short-sighted Trump with whispering Bannon in his ear?
Or is it the clever parliamentarian who totally reverses his own positions, breaks every rule and precedent to enact the biggest rippoff in history for the super rich, Mitch Mcconnell?
Who's ultimately more dangerous?
Is it the shallow short-sighted Trump with whispering Bannon in his ear?
Or is it the clever parliamentarian who totally reverses his own positions, breaks every rule and precedent to enact the biggest rippoff in history for the super rich, Mitch Mcconnell?
Who's ultimately more dangerous?
26
Dr. Krugman is correct.
Trickle down economics does not work.
Don't eat the yellow snow.
Trickle down economics does not work.
Don't eat the yellow snow.
24
The turtle is cautious and cunning and he will win.
5
We must ask ourselves why would the GOP pass a tax cut bill masquerading as healthcare that is incredibly unpopular with the public and very likely to cost them dearly in 2018? I think the answer is that the GOP has already decided they will lose anyway so why not at least get their reward from their benefactors anyway by giving them a massive tax cut and then try to buy the election with the reward to minimize their losses. If true, the best the rest of us can do is try to block and delay them to limit their damage.
17
So Obama’s TPP Krugman would call Vampire? Quoting Sen. Warren : “But who is writing the TPP? The text has been classified and the public isn’t permitted to see it, but 28 trade advisory committees have been intimately involved in the negotiations. Of the 566 committee members, 480, or 85 percent, are senior corporate executives or representatives from industry lobbying groups. Many of the advisory committees are made up entirely of industry representatives.” Are is Republicans the sole source of Vampires? Well maybe not each side has its dark corners to serve.
4
But Paul, it's a mistake to think tax cuts are popular because of a notion that they improve an economy. Tax cuts are popular because they do one thing and one thing only: they put more money in the pockets of very rich people.
The irony is that money gushes upwards (but only trickles down), so that any program improving the wealth at the bottom will eventually put money into the pockets of the wealthy, but only to those who contribute something. The vast number of rich contribute nothing of value and they know it.
The irony is that money gushes upwards (but only trickles down), so that any program improving the wealth at the bottom will eventually put money into the pockets of the wealthy, but only to those who contribute something. The vast number of rich contribute nothing of value and they know it.
15
Right now on my television her in Maine I am watching an ad aimed at Senator Susan Collins urging her to protect working class Mainers by voting against the AHCA. Hopefully she will heed these requests and a couple of others will also.
27
How about impeach Mitch? -rudy
18
Vodooo economics meets TrumpNOcare, what possibly can go wrong?
12
I read that when asked when America was last Great, Trump said the Fifties, that era of unions and sky-high marginal rates and segregated lunch counters. Let's bring back the first two.
37
Unfortunately, you cannot pick and choose. You want the 50s? with segregation? and most women staying home and being homemakers?
You can't "just have unions and high taxes". You must take the whole package.
You can't "just have unions and high taxes". You must take the whole package.
4
And if this health care bill passes, and becomes law, how many Republican supporters will lose their health care? I believe the number of 23million to be a low estimate, as when insurance carriers jack up their rates 80% or more, which will then put health care out of the reach of even more Americans. The policies being initiated across the board are an Ayn Rand dream, or more to the point, Bannon's dream come true. What they'll get instead is a real Revolution. Every nation, every culture has a tipping point in which real change is demanded. We may well be headed in that direction sooner than we think.
17
The G.O. P’s approach to Trumpcare in the Senate is about the cynicism and corruption of the whole G.O.P. BUT it is also a Trump story. That he is too lazy or ignorant, or both, to read the bill, and too obsessed with his self-inflicted problems to get involved, does not absolve Trump from responsibility in the process and the outcome. The reality is that 45 finally wants a win at any cost for others, and the servile G.O.P. senators, following the example of their House colleagues, are willing to give it to him. However, the buck stops with POTUS – as it should always but has seemingly not since 20 January 2017
12
It seems people don't realize that this whole repeal and replace thing is not just about healthcare coverage. if republicans go throuhht with their plans, the real shock wave will be the economic impact.
healthcare is a huge chuck of our economy, growing faster than any other sector in the past decade.
just imagine what will happen to the economy when hospitals, clinics, healthcare companies, insurance companies and the likes slow down hiring n start firing people.
imagine what will happen when we are back to the days of unexpected healthcare expenditure being the number one cause of bankruptcy.....
you don't need a degree in economics to figure this one out.
healthcare is a huge chuck of our economy, growing faster than any other sector in the past decade.
just imagine what will happen to the economy when hospitals, clinics, healthcare companies, insurance companies and the likes slow down hiring n start firing people.
imagine what will happen when we are back to the days of unexpected healthcare expenditure being the number one cause of bankruptcy.....
you don't need a degree in economics to figure this one out.
23
Principled Republicans... I'm waiting for someone to prove to me that it's not the mother of all oxymorons.
24
When billions believe there is pie in the sky when you die. is it really that hard to accept that millions believe tax cut to the rich will benefit them and give them jobs Never underestimate the power of blind faith.
13
Good as always, Dr. Krugman. I want to make all the Republicans in Congress, House and Senate, read it and comprehend it. Then explain it to their constituents.
But of course that's a childish fantasy.
Zombies, indeed.
But of course that's a childish fantasy.
Zombies, indeed.
11
Is it too much to hope that if the Republicans push through this secretive mess, the fury of their former supporters will vote them out for a generation? Or are the supporters really so far gone that nothing will make them turn away from their vampire master's command. You really wonder, what could they be thinking (congressional Republicans or supporters)?
12
Health-care cannot be governed by market forces because, 1) consumers don't choose to get into the market (like anybody wanted to have a heart attack), and 2) they generally have no choice as to when they enter the market (can't schedule the heart attack). That's why most civilized countries have a single-payer system.
42
McConnell is nothing if not adaptable. He undoubtedly learned that the first defeat of the AHCA in the House actually worked strategically in hindsight, since few were expecting a second attempt and some of the air had been taken out of the opposition by that point.
So beware McConnell’s talk about getting this voted on before July 4. He may just be trying to get the opposition to marshal and spend much of its energy now, and then spring it on the Senate just before the August recess.
So beware McConnell’s talk about getting this voted on before July 4. He may just be trying to get the opposition to marshal and spend much of its energy now, and then spring it on the Senate just before the August recess.
11
"McConnell is nothing if not adaptable." Actually, if I had only one word for describe McConnell, it wouldn't be "adaptable". He may be adaptable, but that's not his most obvious characteristic. (And I'm not talking turtleness here...)
In a way I hope it passes. It will make it clear who the Republicans really are and that they have no concern about the public good. Maybe this is what it will take to create voter outrage against the party that conned them into voting for Trump.
14
You must have good, private, coverage. The rest of us can't afford to experiment.
15
Simple, elect democrats to Congress in 2018 to drive a wooden stake in their hearts to put the GOP to rest for once and good, metaphorically speaking of course.
8
How do we out Republicans when they gerrymandered the Congressionsl seats so badly
Only hope is the horrible Supreme Court
What a slender thread to hold on to
Only hope is the horrible Supreme Court
What a slender thread to hold on to
10
This is not about health care, it's about health insurance. Plain and simple. All I know is that without ACA subsidies for health insurance premiums, I cannot afford insurance. I will go without and cross my fingers until I can get onto Medi-Care. If I get truly ill, then the hospital and the government will have to pay for what I cannot at a much higher rate. But at least the insurance companies won't make a dime. The insureds will pay through the nose because people like me are no longer paying for emergent care at hospitals.
17
The comments selected for NYT Picks are always interesting and well written with information most won't ever be able to avail. However, it seems that suddenly people have become acutely aware of the term "preexisting condition." Now that term needs to be coupled with how high risk pools work, or most likely don't.
It would not hurt to keep reminding people that the ACA has a limit on overall health care costs plus other positive things so trampled upon these past years.
My quick point is most, as so aptly pointed out in the comments, need help understanding how dreadful the House Republican plan is. If the results from such a plan are translated into real life experience, then perhaps our nation will realize that new technology, treatments, etc., have made our insurance, employer based health care model too unfair for a Republic.
Lastly, it is the cost which somehow must relate to income.
It would not hurt to keep reminding people that the ACA has a limit on overall health care costs plus other positive things so trampled upon these past years.
My quick point is most, as so aptly pointed out in the comments, need help understanding how dreadful the House Republican plan is. If the results from such a plan are translated into real life experience, then perhaps our nation will realize that new technology, treatments, etc., have made our insurance, employer based health care model too unfair for a Republic.
Lastly, it is the cost which somehow must relate to income.
10
I reply to myself. After over twenty-five years working on health care financing, shifting to a Single Payer was always understood as not possible. Perhaps not even now. However, I am older now. Medicare is some relief. I would like more discussion on why it is so hard to understand why we, the people, find it so difficult to move forward to a system that covers all of us and prevents bankruptcy for something as seemingly simple as a broken leg.
We can retain our stature not if we forget to move forward, but only when we do.
We can retain our stature not if we forget to move forward, but only when we do.
4
I just hope that what happened in California happens in the US as a whole. The Republican Party, through is anti minority policies, managed to alienate so many people that soon became a majority, that they lost both houses and then the governorship. We will see.
13
California seems to have greatly benefitted from republicans losing their 1/3 rd of the vote to gum up the works in state government. Of course gov. Brown has been a cautious democrat and not gone on a spending spree. Great days for California and all w/o the ugly "party of no" having much to say in state gov.
8
The California GOP will probably die out in the next 20 years. There is no bench of developing talent and the legacy of Pete Wilson's demagoguery should ensure its death.
1
Insurance is a pretty good scheme for providing protection for an individual against contingencies that have a large -- and measurable--adverse effect. Fire insurance to protect one's home. Life insurance to replace the lost income of a family's primary breadwinner.
Does loss of health through disease have a large adverse effect? Surely.
Is this adverse effect measurable in economic terms? Only partly. Short or long term disability can result in lost income of a family's primary breadwinner.
But is the cost of medical treatment for an individual an insurable risk?
If not, does some form of universal, mandatory group health insurance become the only viable economic solution?
Does loss of health through disease have a large adverse effect? Surely.
Is this adverse effect measurable in economic terms? Only partly. Short or long term disability can result in lost income of a family's primary breadwinner.
But is the cost of medical treatment for an individual an insurable risk?
If not, does some form of universal, mandatory group health insurance become the only viable economic solution?
7
I've seen the video of McConnell condemning the original health care act, now known as Obamacare, for not having sufficient input and hearings, and how it was being rushed through . . . etc. Seriously? That is patently false . . . . and makes one wonder how he justifies his current secretive, evil actions on the upcoming health care bill? The hypocrisy here is just unparalleled. It's astounding and I can't for the life of me figure out how he sleeps as night.
As a believer that every cloud has a silver lining, however, I am hoping that this bill will be soooooo bad and will mess up things so horribly that a single payer, Medicare for all solution will become, by necessity, the only outcome. Especially when the Dems take back the congress from these thieves in 2018.
As a believer that every cloud has a silver lining, however, I am hoping that this bill will be soooooo bad and will mess up things so horribly that a single payer, Medicare for all solution will become, by necessity, the only outcome. Especially when the Dems take back the congress from these thieves in 2018.
25
People don't like to pay taxes. Wrap any economic "philosophy" you want around it....but appealing to selfishness and lack of civic duty..it's a winning pitch to a large segment of the public.
7
Not true, current polls indicate the 46% consider their current taxes as too-low or about right.
Most people understand and appreciate the benefits provided to society when we pool our money - just ask someone from Kansas.
Most people understand and appreciate the benefits provided to society when we pool our money - just ask someone from Kansas.
9
Republicans find ways to destroy everything they touch. Why? They love the rich and hate everyone else. The USA is for those who are in the top .1% economically. The rest of us are a drain on society. Funny thing is, they no longer care if we know this. Even with their blatant "in your face" disdain for the working class and poor, they keep getting elected. Go figure.
16
Republicans win due to selling religion, guns, and racism to the masses, just as President Obama had said
When no rational gun laws that assed after Sandy Hook it was abundantly clear that Today's Americans are not worthy of our inheritance from the Founfing Fathers
Democracy , as originally intended, depends pan involved and educated public. Todsy the US has neithet
When no rational gun laws that assed after Sandy Hook it was abundantly clear that Today's Americans are not worthy of our inheritance from the Founfing Fathers
Democracy , as originally intended, depends pan involved and educated public. Todsy the US has neithet
8
Correct. Very unlike Jesus Christ, who in Matthew 25: 34-41 exhorts his followers to take care of the least among us; and elsewhere tells a rich man that to be perfect, sell all his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor. and then follow him (Jesus).
7
We are talking about the scheme that 13 Old Republican White Men are Plotting in Secret, right? Why would anybody be concerned about that?
17
Wealthcare is what someone called the AHCA at our weekly demonstration in front of Senator Pat Toomey's office last week.
21
Healthcare insurers are nothing more than accountants. They don't
provide actual person to person care.......
We are overpaying for a for profit business model.......Let the Government
be the accountants minus the profit.................(Medicare/ Medicaid) for all....
That's what single payer is ..................a system that cuts out
the middleman's profit......
provide actual person to person care.......
We are overpaying for a for profit business model.......Let the Government
be the accountants minus the profit.................(Medicare/ Medicaid) for all....
That's what single payer is ..................a system that cuts out
the middleman's profit......
14
The biblical Abraham would have a better choice of finding 10 principled people in Sodom and Gomorrah that today's Abraham would find trying to find 3 principled Republican Senators.
The Great White Hopes of Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski?
Forget it. In the end they are Republican hacks.
And 23 million, and counting, Americans will suffer on the altar of this intransigent and purblind ideology.
The Great White Hopes of Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski?
Forget it. In the end they are Republican hacks.
And 23 million, and counting, Americans will suffer on the altar of this intransigent and purblind ideology.
11
It is unbelievable that someone would vote for legislation of which they have no idea what it contains. The Republican party is proving how corrupt it is with McConnell the Corrupter-in-Chief.
13
You have to wonder how people could believe in vampires and zombies.
Everyone knows that there is no such thing as a principled Republican.
Everyone knows that there is no such thing as a principled Republican.
11
All of it sad, not the least because we have to give the so-called president a pass because he's too stupid to understand it.
17
They just shut off autopilot and discovered they can't fly.
11
Correct, "principled Republicans" is an oxymoron...
They will never escape, "You killed Mom and Dad and Grandma."
9
They will also hear "you killed my son, my daughter, my grandchild..." Disease is no respecter of age.
The men in the picture to the left are pure evil.
The men in the picture to the left are pure evil.
Actually this is not all that unprecedented. Scott Walker and the Wisconsin republicans passed their Act 10 Union-Bashing bill under comparable shenanigans.
7
Being from "Louisiana the lost" I always envied Wisconsin with its wise voters and liberal, humane outcomes. Walker looks like the ugly serpent invading the Garden of Eden with his Koch $$ and guidance. So sorry for Wisconsin and the nation to have lost this wonderful state.
3
The recording of Ian Murphy's punking of Scott Walker should be required listening for anyone considering voting Republican.
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2013/11/i-punkd-scott-walker-100033
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2013/11/i-punkd-scott-walker-100033
With a few exceptions, principled and republicans do not belong in the same sentence.
12
The destruction of the ACAwas one of the main goals for Republicans taking over Congress, that and controlling the Supreme Court. It does not matter and has never mattered what if anything is put in its place. Et is just about bragging rights that claim to stick it to President Obama. But President Obama is now out of the picture and it is the American People who will bare the price while Republicans tsk tsk at the pain they cause.
8
Whether donald trump is an ignorant bystander or not, this is his signature legislation,one he promised his base while campaigning. It is cunningly deceitful, and will surely be the death sentence that the republicans tried to allude to with their talks of "death panels" in the run up to ObamaCare. The Democrats provided 24 million Americans with decent health care only to have it ripped out of their hands by heartless, money-grubbing "bottom line justifies the means" republicans. For those losing your health care: Is America greater now? SAD!
14
Elected representatives cannot hide their votes. The Times and other outlets should voting stats in the same parnethetical copy that says, R, Montana or D, Illinois). Maybe it should read (voted for Bill 1027HCA w/out reading it). Unless we are constantly confronted with their incompetence or indifference (vote shaming), we will simply think they're "good enough" to be re-elected.
8
It must be anger that makes Trump, McConnell, Ryan and their 2-dimensional colleagues in the Republican Party tick. (It's definitely not smarts or sanity.) But anger at what? Anger at us common folks for simply wanting a decent, healthy lifestyle here in the richest nation on earth: the chance to save enough for our kids' college educations, with a little left over to retire on? What's wrong with this, Trump, McConnell, Ryan and your fellow rightwing egotists?
You vile GOPers aren't so much Zombies and Vampires; you're Aliens -- despicable, unbalanced beings that should be deported, pronto, back to whence you came: Planet Putrid.
You vile GOPers aren't so much Zombies and Vampires; you're Aliens -- despicable, unbalanced beings that should be deported, pronto, back to whence you came: Planet Putrid.
21
The DC Swamp is infested with self dealing reptiles whose pay is an obscene rip off of US taxpayers. No reform and no end in sight.
10
Now this is rich.
Right after Rep. Giffords was shot in 2011, Krugman wrote about the "Climate of Hate" and how Right-wing "eliminationist rhetoric" was to blame, even though Loughner was apolitical. Now, just 5 days after an avowed Leftist shoots Rep. Scalise, Krugman compares Republicans to zombies and bloodsucking vampires (both of which are evil creatures that live to kill humans and therefore must be destroyed).
Krugman is both a fraud and a fool.
Right after Rep. Giffords was shot in 2011, Krugman wrote about the "Climate of Hate" and how Right-wing "eliminationist rhetoric" was to blame, even though Loughner was apolitical. Now, just 5 days after an avowed Leftist shoots Rep. Scalise, Krugman compares Republicans to zombies and bloodsucking vampires (both of which are evil creatures that live to kill humans and therefore must be destroyed).
Krugman is both a fraud and a fool.
4
Please could you provide some discussion rather than slogans. Krugman provides data. You have made a connection between two very different topics without any clear reason other than the fact that you are unhappy with his articles.
It would be good if you could start by trying to disprove, using data, Krugman's link between lowering taxes for the rich and economic slumps. Good luck with that.
It would be good if you could start by trying to disprove, using data, Krugman's link between lowering taxes for the rich and economic slumps. Good luck with that.
16
Believe a little righteous indignation and hyperbole is justified on this tragedy perpetuated by republicans to degrade and remove, not improve, the healthcare of so many Americans who need it (those with pre-conditions, unemployed, older but not on Medicare yet, etc.).
2
The GOP is acting with incredible arrogance. What's bizarre in human affairs is the close proximity of arrogance to ignorance. Example: church dominated governance in medieval times gave way (slowly) to science-based governance. Yuval Harari says that science starts with a presumption of ignorance, or lack of knowing about something, and then seeks the truth. And that in this sense, scientific governance was a big change from previous times when the arrogance of leadership already "knowing all that needs to be known" (since it is in the Bible, dummy) is the presumption, facts (i.e. inconvenient truths) be damned/banished. The GOP has become a party of ignorance/arrogance, right in line with church doctrines about how the world works that humanity has been struggling to move beyond for 500 years+. So sad. They've completely lost my father, a lifelong Republican and very competent manager until late 1990s when he started seeing through it all. Why aren't all the other GOP supporters doing same? Drank too much of the "government is always bad/wrong kool-aid and there's no antidote?
12
"Zombies, Vampires and Republicans"... there's a difference? All should be eliminated.
1
In the GOP, the Zombies and Vampires are real; the humans are fake.
5
Please don't insult zombies and vampires by grouping them together with Republicans.
16
History will most certainly align this Congress with the most morally challenged of all voting bodies ever seen--the Reichstag that elevated the Nazis to power comes to mind.
If Democrats, or a better, third party, ever take back any branch of government from our modern fascists, the very first thing they need to do is make it law that members of Congress, and their families, must use the same health care system available to the country's poorest citizens.
It looks more and more to me every day like we are devolving toward civil war, and man, do I want to be wrong about that. But it seems that every person in the country who identifies as a Republican has decided they don't care about the person next to them and would like that reflected in public policy. The rest of us see this for the madness it is. This is a perfect equation for chaos.
If Democrats, or a better, third party, ever take back any branch of government from our modern fascists, the very first thing they need to do is make it law that members of Congress, and their families, must use the same health care system available to the country's poorest citizens.
It looks more and more to me every day like we are devolving toward civil war, and man, do I want to be wrong about that. But it seems that every person in the country who identifies as a Republican has decided they don't care about the person next to them and would like that reflected in public policy. The rest of us see this for the madness it is. This is a perfect equation for chaos.
16
Here's what I find interesting. The mantra of the Left is that supply-side economics does not work. They often point to the Reagan era as their example. Ignoring for the moment that the Reagan era was a boom following Carter, it is noteworthy that throughout history Socialism and its like-minded Gov't heavy progeny never have produced anything remotely close to the American free enterprise miracle. Indeed, it has produced nothing remotely close to the oft-stated utopian dream of the Left. Capitalism is still the greatest motivator and producer the world has ever known. To deny that is to be dishonest.
Now, before some of you start harping on FDR, let's recall many experts state we would have recovered from the Great Depression faster without the New Deal. To be sure, many experts state that many of today's problems are in large part due to the unexpected consequences of the Great Society.
Maybe we should take a break from partisan politics and actually look at what works and what does not. We should take an honest look at unexpected consequences and do something that is genuinely American - fix it. Maybe it's time from Krugman to quit bad-nothing half the country at every chance because he's not always correct.
Now, before some of you start harping on FDR, let's recall many experts state we would have recovered from the Great Depression faster without the New Deal. To be sure, many experts state that many of today's problems are in large part due to the unexpected consequences of the Great Society.
Maybe we should take a break from partisan politics and actually look at what works and what does not. We should take an honest look at unexpected consequences and do something that is genuinely American - fix it. Maybe it's time from Krugman to quit bad-nothing half the country at every chance because he's not always correct.
2
Taking a careful look would be fine. Would you care to quote who your experts are?
Equating, with a straight face, higher taxes on the rich with "socialism" (a complete reversal of all property and business laws and concepts) is the ultimate exaggeration.
It is like saying lower taxes on the rich is homicidal cannibalism.
It is like saying lower taxes on the rich is homicidal cannibalism.
2
Disease, aging, and illness are not governed by Economics. Nor should their treatment be so governed, especially in a wealthy society. Paul Ryan's ridiculous PowerPoint slides subordinating the value of human life (not his own, covered by the congressional health plan...phew!) to ideological and budgetary goals is an affront to every person, both sides of the aisle.
4
Why this combination of secrecy and speed? You answered the secrecy question, but not directly on the reason for the haste.
Simple. The government will run out of money well before the year is out, because the rich are holding back paying taxes until they are lowered. Most of us have to pay on the 15th, but the rich can defer income without penalty, but the deadline for many of those who deferred their taxes runs out in August--otherwise they pay penalties on top of the tax they owe.
At the end of this month, our Congress is going away for one of their month long vacations, which won't be over until August. Were I one of the rich who delayed paying my taxes because I helped put these Republicans in power, and faced millions in tax penalties instead of the promised cuts come July 4, I would feel I didn't get my monies worth. That's a lot of pressure on Ryan and McConnell.
Simple. The government will run out of money well before the year is out, because the rich are holding back paying taxes until they are lowered. Most of us have to pay on the 15th, but the rich can defer income without penalty, but the deadline for many of those who deferred their taxes runs out in August--otherwise they pay penalties on top of the tax they owe.
At the end of this month, our Congress is going away for one of their month long vacations, which won't be over until August. Were I one of the rich who delayed paying my taxes because I helped put these Republicans in power, and faced millions in tax penalties instead of the promised cuts come July 4, I would feel I didn't get my monies worth. That's a lot of pressure on Ryan and McConnell.
3
Lying about the ACA/ Obamacare has worked well for the GOP in every congressional election since 2010. It is no wonder that they continue to use that strategy now; why change a wining game? Polls that show that finally a majority of Americans back the ACA? Well, polls showed Trump losing to Hillary.
Ossoff has run on criticism of the AHCA; if he loses tomorrow then all bets are off. Those zombies and vampires are extremely tough to kill.
Ossoff has run on criticism of the AHCA; if he loses tomorrow then all bets are off. Those zombies and vampires are extremely tough to kill.
6
We should stop calling this monstrosity of a bill "Trumpcare" and call it what it is - "GOP Care". Calling it "Trumpcare" implicitly shifts the responsibility of this cruel bill off from the republicans who crafted this bill to President Trump who is just an ignorant bystander as Dr. Krugman has pointed out in his article. What matters during the mid-terms is not Trump's achievements but the GOP congressional leaders's and this disaster should be pinned on their foreheads.
10
I think this is an "eviction party" where people supposedly trash their house/apartment one last time before they thrown out. The GOP knows the demographic bubble is bursting. So lock in a Supreme Court and go for the gusto.
6
Democracy has few values of its own: it is as good, or as bad, as the principles of the people who operate it. In the hands of liberal and tolerant people it will produce a liberal and tolerant government; in the hands of cannibals, a government of cannibals. – Norman Davies, EUROPE A History, pg.-969.
12
I to,d you not to vote for these people.
6
Please, oh please, stop calling this piece of garbage "Trumpcare" - because the people who "crafted" it must be held accountable for it and it's effects will last far longer than the Trump Administration. Call it what it is: "Republicare." This way the people responsible for it's creation and passage will have to bear the burden of it's name every day.
10
Regarding Dan88's offer to correct my usage of "thrall":
thrall
THrôl/
nounliterary
the state of being in someone's power or having great power over someone.
"she was in thrall to her abusive husband"
synonyms: power, clutches, hands, control, grip, yoke, tyranny
"he held us in his evil thrall"
historical
a slave, servant, or captive.
plural noun: thralls
thrall
THrôl/
nounliterary
the state of being in someone's power or having great power over someone.
"she was in thrall to her abusive husband"
synonyms: power, clutches, hands, control, grip, yoke, tyranny
"he held us in his evil thrall"
historical
a slave, servant, or captive.
plural noun: thralls
1
Principled Republicans? An oxymoron if ever there was one.
8
Zombies and vampires aren't human, and can be taken out with firearms and wooden stakes by Rick Grimes and Dr. Van Helsing.
Just what is Paul Krugman suggesting, less than a week later?
Just what is Paul Krugman suggesting, less than a week later?
2
Would that he is suggesting what you're suggesting he is. Time to change the rules. Play ball.
Is calling your political opponents blood suckers and flesh eaters your idea of tamping down on violent references in political discourse?
5
What do you call them?
You demean both zombies and vampires, sir.
3
So, the NYT published yet another nasty, over the top column by Hër Krugman. This time he offends roughly one-half of the country by comparing them to creatures. At what point will the Times return to its professional roots? This is embarrassing.
Priority-one for Republicans is showering largess on the their wealthy backers. If a policy meets that criterion, then all they need from there is an excuse to make it law. They don't believe the tax-cut nonsense any more than Dr. Krugman does. It's the voters who have to believe it, and so Republicans float the delightful fairytale about tax cuts spawning growth and paying for themselves. They do this every few years, long enough for many to forget what happened last time.
7
Too many Americans do not care. That is why people like Trump rise up and why the ACA is likely to be repealed and replaced with a sad joke that is about to make millions of American lives miserable.
3
Just think, instead of being in this pickle, we could have had President Sanders and be working for universal healthcare/healthcare for all.
9
Republicans will borrow trillions to break things and kill people halfway around the world. And they will steal our health care to feed it to the cannons and bombers that do their dirty work. I don't think it can go on forever but I don't know when it will stop.
6
Maybe this is dumb, but why didn't someone take out their smartphone and photograph those slides? Surely it would be more effective than trying to commit them to memory. They could be published, and then everyone could get a good look at the secret agenda!
4
If Democrats run on health care and impeachment, we will get health care and impeachment. Two-thirds of America wants a new direction.
There are NO principled elected republicans, period.
10
I'm very disappointed that in the same piece, you refer to the ACA as "Obamacare", yet you don't manage to call the AHCA "Trumpcare" until the very end of the piece, and even then, only once. We should never let anyone miss or forget that the disaster that may soon be visited up millions of citizens was perpetrated by a cadre of greedy people inspired by the conman in chief, our so-called president.
3
It's called "transfer of wealth" where the government of the day aids the wealthy in transferring money from the working class to the leech class.
The GOP wouldn't know John Maynard Keynes if he bit them on their backsides.
The GOP wouldn't know John Maynard Keynes if he bit them on their backsides.
7
Peter.....But the Gop congress would have excellent health insurance to treat the bite!
1
Will hundreds of thousands or millions die and hundreds of thousands or millions go bankrupt? Yes! Will many of those affected still vote Repulvcan? Yes.
And that's all you need to know to understand why the Republicans can get away with this.
And that's all you need to know to understand why the Republicans can get away with this.
7
Citizens United is a wonderful thing. It simplifies political fundraising because you only need a few oligarchs to sponsor a whole party. This is why the Republicans are desperate to control the Supreme Court.
If the only thing that matters in politics is money, then the only people who matter in politics are the spectacularly rich.
If the only thing that matters in politics is money, then the only people who matter in politics are the spectacularly rich.
14
Mitch McConnell already displayed his ruthlessness and utter disregard for fair play when he denied Merrick Garland a Constitutionally-guaranteed confirmation haring before the Senate - a full year prior to the 2016 presidential election. That was a brutally naked power play to facilitate a GOP goal (a more reactionary Supreme Court) "by any means necessary".
Now McConnell is again flagrantly abusing his power as the Senate Majority Leader to cobble together a version of the AHCA so toxic that the only way 50 GOP Senators will vote for it is if they can later claim "plausible deniability" of its true contents.
But we already know what will be in this Senate version of the AHCA. It will be a slightly more polished (but still highly venomous) version of the House bill which passed the House (by four votes) barely a month ago. It can't be substantially less Draconian - or the far-right House will reject it.
Trump can't afford another legislative black eye. He needs this bill passed by both chambers and passed into law now - to "lay the foundation" (i.e. provide the first trillion dollars or so in tax cuts to the uber-rich) before he can get his GOP Tax Reform Bill passed (the other trillion or more dollars in tax cuts to the One Percent).
The secrecy and massive obfuscation of the Senate's AHCA are utterly necessary to ensure that the GOP's "Robin Hood-in-Reverse" plans are successful. In an ambush, stealth is imperative.
The AHCA is a knife in the back of "We the People".
Now McConnell is again flagrantly abusing his power as the Senate Majority Leader to cobble together a version of the AHCA so toxic that the only way 50 GOP Senators will vote for it is if they can later claim "plausible deniability" of its true contents.
But we already know what will be in this Senate version of the AHCA. It will be a slightly more polished (but still highly venomous) version of the House bill which passed the House (by four votes) barely a month ago. It can't be substantially less Draconian - or the far-right House will reject it.
Trump can't afford another legislative black eye. He needs this bill passed by both chambers and passed into law now - to "lay the foundation" (i.e. provide the first trillion dollars or so in tax cuts to the uber-rich) before he can get his GOP Tax Reform Bill passed (the other trillion or more dollars in tax cuts to the One Percent).
The secrecy and massive obfuscation of the Senate's AHCA are utterly necessary to ensure that the GOP's "Robin Hood-in-Reverse" plans are successful. In an ambush, stealth is imperative.
The AHCA is a knife in the back of "We the People".
17
McConnell knows that there is no one who will stop him.
Greedy people are highly motivated and very aggressive.
Greedy people are highly motivated and very aggressive.
2
Mitch and the boys are having great fun working out their version of Death Panel 2.0 .
5
It is ridiculous to think and beyond reality to think that an effective national health care system can exist when the insurance industry and its lobbyists have such influence on Congress. We have NO leadership in the federal government and we won't have any until the PEOPLE wake up and, frankly, vote out practically every current member of Congress. We the people need to demand more and better by finding people who will put country first. The current state of this country is evidence that neither Congress nor those in the White House put country first no matter what the rhetoric may be.
Think about it. Think of all the money we spend to keep us "safe" while then saying we can't pay for healthcare for our citizens. How many die because of our healthcare system? While we spend hundreds of billions on defense, homeland security, and our intelligence services, we say it's appropriate because their job is to make our citizens safe. Meanwhile over 30,000 people die each year to guns, many thousands sicken and die younger than necessary due to lack of healthcare, millions live in poverty in the midst of the richest society in the world but we have sure made sure only a few are harmed by terror or war. Really, think about how wrong it all is.
10 times the number of people killed on 9/11 are killed EACH year by guns. We take away rights and privileges in the name of security but can't touch 2nd amendment rights to control gun deaths? We are an Empire in decline as shown by our inability to serve our own citizens.
10 times the number of people killed on 9/11 are killed EACH year by guns. We take away rights and privileges in the name of security but can't touch 2nd amendment rights to control gun deaths? We are an Empire in decline as shown by our inability to serve our own citizens.
19
McConnell most recent application of Republican smashmouth power politics led to his success in having Gorsuch appointed to the Supreme Court. This was only the latest in a string of "successes," and likely led to him believing he could pull off such a "victory' with healthcare as well.
3
I hope Republican voters finally see that the GOP is not conservative - they're oligarchic and elitist. I thought they got it back in 2005 when Republicans tried to privatize social security... I thought they got it in 2008 during the housing bust and financial crisis... I thought they got it when Obamacare turned out to not be the apocalypse they feared, but instead helped millions have healthcare...
9
"Ignorant bystander" implies lack of responsibility. Trump is aloof from the details and will sign any health "care" legislation put in front of him. As such, he is implicated and just as responsible for the incendiary results as Republicans in Congress.
5
If what the GOP has perpetrated on most americans is, in fact, a con job, as so characterized by many of the commenters here, I wouldn't hold out much hope of the marks coming to their senses any time soon. Psychological and social science literature is full of respected studies showing that those likely to fall for scams, ponzi schemes, and other cons have a predeliction for doing so and a propensity to fall for them more than once. The 40 years of evidence we have of the GOP peddling lies and dominating the electoral landscape suggests we're in for more of the same going forward.
6
Trump allegedly commented he thought this bill was "mean." If this is a truly terrible bill, I would not be shocked if Trump just vetoed it.
3
Unfortunately, I don't believe that President Trump knows or cares about what will be in the GOP healthcare bill. Nor do I believe that he really cares whether the bill will help or hurt most Americans. If you go by Trump's long history, all he cares about is "winning," and right now he needs a "victory" in a hurry.
4
Right, but if Trump were to veto the bill, he would look like he is looking out for his base , many of whom probably depend on Medicaid. Also he would defang critics who say he is towing the line of a Republican Congress that doesn't care about the voters. It could be a smart political move, as well as maybe the right thing to do.
2
I sincerely hope you are right.
2
I've never received a straight answer to this question: Why is corporate America so opposed to universal health care coverage when they would be some of the biggest beneficiaries? Can you imagine the cost savings that Big Business would realize from not having to provide health insurance to their employees?
The USA has become one big circular firing squad.
The USA has become one big circular firing squad.
Credit is due to (or an acknowledgement) Matt Taibbi for the his usage of the vampire comparison. It's not being used in precisely the same way -- Taibbi describes Goldman Sachs as a "great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity" -- but is close enough to warrant credit.
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-great-american-bubble-mach...
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-great-american-bubble-mach...
5
I have only one life to give for my country.
What better noble cause than assuring the rich receive a tax cut?
What better noble cause than assuring the rich receive a tax cut?
8
President Trump really got his money's worth by appointing the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's wife to a cabinet-level position (Secretary of Transportation). When there is a choice between what's best for the American voter and what's best for the corrupt money grubbing Republicans in Congress and in the White House, Mitch will always manipulate in favor of wealth and power. The strategic appointment of McConnell's wife magically turned into 'the gift that keeps on giving'.
9
Appalling. No matter how many times this story is told it doesn't get any prettier, nor does the portrait in the attic magically retain its glory. The corruption is so deep now, the entire Republican party is on the fringe, more Know-Nothing than even the Know-Nothings. Worse than even all of this is the simple truth that these bought-and-paid-for flacks don't even have the honor to stay bought. They'll sell themselves out again to the next mastermind who flashes a bigger roll and a snappier patter and call it principle.
5
The Republicans don't really believe any of their excuses for working for the rich and since the Clintons took over the Democratic Party there is no one left to stop them.
Our entire political system is broken because of rampant and now legal bribery.
Donald Trump and these Republican plans are chancres on the body politic that come from being entirely too close to the 1%
Our entire political system is broken because of rampant and now legal bribery.
Donald Trump and these Republican plans are chancres on the body politic that come from being entirely too close to the 1%
3
They know the tax cut=prosperity mantra is hogwash. They are just rich people who want the tax cut.
8
I keep thinking that at least a few Republican senators will suddenly become squeamish and say no. Looks like that won't happen.
5
I urge everyone to read the new book by historian Nancy MacLean, "Democracy in Chains, The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America." The Koch brothers and their allies, along with the Cato Institute, the Heritage Foundation, Citizens for a Sound Economy, Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks, the Club for Growth, the State Policy Network, and more - now exercise strict control over many Republican Congressmen by threatening them with well-funded primary challenges. The underlying plan is nothing less than what they call "freedom" -- ending the ability of democratic institutions to place limitations upon or tax wealthy capitalists and their corporations. They want to undermine the power of unions, the AARP, or any large group of voters that could influence government to tax or regulate them. They plan to gut if not kill Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the EPA. (Pruitt is one of their boys.) They are already succeeding at privatizing prisons and schools. Next step: kill Obamacare, no matter how many less-than-wealthy people suffer as a result. They have made tremendous headway in the last decade, and much will be lost if we can not start blocking their moves. The leaders of the radical right know their policies can't stand the light of day where democracy still functions, so they rely on stealth, lies, and subterfuge. This book shines a bright light. Sleepers awake!
6
Guess I'll be starting another fight here but I have single payer health care here in the good old USA, it's called the VA and I think it's great. From my perspective and with my experience all the stories about how bad the VA system is are fake news. It works for me!
6
Health care just IS national defense. When Maggie Thatcher was privatizing planes, trains and automobiles, she left national health alone, right?
7
If the GOP had to live with the miserable health care the rest of us have they would not pass this bill. Every time they try to kill their constituents I am reminded that if I had the same heart ailment as Dick Cheney I'd be dead; and, he is not because the has platinum healthcare and a new heart at 70+. Hmmm... stacked deck for the elites.
10
people do learn by analogy. Are there local examples of corruption that will help voters see through the walls of propaganda being thrown up (pun intended) by the 'Right'?
4
I wonder if mr. Krugman has considered that he is speaking to mummies, whose conservative bandage can manage to absorb any external damage and still promises their bodies to go on and on and on, blindly, but in the end even they feel the need to extend their hands ahead to avoid of hitting the wall (to say the least)
1
"But as far as health care is concerned, he’s just an ignorant bystander, who all evidence suggests has little if any idea what’s actually in Trumpcare."
And there, in a nutshell, is why the Republican party was glad to support Trump for President.
And there, in a nutshell, is why the Republican party was glad to support Trump for President.
4
McConnel's methods are no different than those who wrote this secret bill. This is what we get when we let business interests of the few trump the needs of the governed. Lobbyists wrote the bill and few if any in the Senate has read the darn thing. Yet, this is how congress works . . .
1
A problem with asking when the GOP faithful will stop supporting, through their representatives, zombie and vampire policies, is that you would be asking them to admit that they are wrong, and the liberals, who they know think they are stupid, are right.
I think many of the faithful, especially the Trump faithful, will do most anything to spite the left.
I think many of the faithful, especially the Trump faithful, will do most anything to spite the left.
2
The zombies are the citizenry that can't think for itself and votes against it's interest. Their brains have been hijacked by slick politicians that misrepresent themselves as social conservatives, but who in reality are bought off agents of the oligarchy class.
Everybody already knows this, but it can't be helped, it seems.
Everybody already knows this, but it can't be helped, it seems.
Instead of draining the swamp, the alligators have gone stealth. Anyone feel better? Safer?
2
I hope that ALL citizens will call their Republican and Democratic senators and representatives and let them know what you think about this effort to hide Congress's work on health care AND what you need and want in a comprehensive health care plan. We need to hold them aaccountable for their lousy ideas!
1
America has the leadership it deserves and will now get the health care it deserves.
The GOP wins not because of gerrymandering or the conservative classes.
It wins local, state and federal offices because apathetic centrist citizens don't make the effort to vote.
The GOP wins not because of gerrymandering or the conservative classes.
It wins local, state and federal offices because apathetic centrist citizens don't make the effort to vote.
1
In passing a catastrophic "health bill", which some commentators have seriously opined will reasonably cause death to certain ill Americans resultant from the effective denial of life-sustaining medical care, could the Republican sponsors and/or voters for such national legislation be in potential criminal jeopardy? Could a case for voluntary, or involuntary, manslaughter be pursued against these craven politicians, with a chain of causation established and the requisite criminal intent proven?
5
Republicans are praying for wounded Steve Scalise, but not the 23 million working class and poor Americans that they are voting to not have healthcare coverage.
23
Keep an eye on Oklahoma. The failed Kansas trickle-down experiment is causing a meltdown there. Republicans who refuse to allow reason to pierce their dogma probably have a practical reason for doing so: The Kochs and other rich ideologues are paying them not to think.
12
As a French citizen, benefiting from an incredible array of health services that cost less than 8% of the GDP and make every single person here safe and unworried about ones health costs, I am seriously puzzled by the ignorance of Americans that keep shooting themselves in the foot.
49
Americans don't want the Government to take away their Medicare..........
That explains it all I'm sorry to say...................Dumb
That explains it all I'm sorry to say...................Dumb
You do realise, of course, that prosperity and economic growth are not the point of low taxes on the rich. Republicans just say that because they can't say that the purpose of low taxes on the rich is low taxes on the rich. The consequences of their actions are immaterial, other than pleasing the rich, who, after all, are their owners and paymasters. The zombies, the vampires, the voodoo economics are all beside the point. You know. I know that. It's time to say that.
30
At what point did the Republican Party, onetime home to Abraham Lincoln, become angry, bitter and dishonest -- and why?
15
Follow the money.
What they are doing now is enriching themselves.
And it's working very well for them.
What they are doing now is enriching themselves.
And it's working very well for them.
11
The G.O.P. secret dream, which it dares not publicly admit, is to get rid of Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security and stop keeping losers alive after they lose their economic purpose, either as workers or consumers. So people who can no longer work, and run out of money so they can no longer consume, are expected to quietly vanish unless they can win the competition of performing the rituals expected of those needing charity.
22
Conservatives with conscience?
More likely you'd have 3 'conservatives' who still think Trumpcare won't be tough enough on the poor & the sick.
Trump will sign it, then it will be both precedented & presidented.
So Trump then owns it, right? Except it won't much matter, I still think the goal here isn't economic policy, debts, defecits or trying to pull the 'hammock' out from under the freeloading poor sick, it's to kill off the poor & the sick, & they'll be too poor & sick to fight back.
More likely you'd have 3 'conservatives' who still think Trumpcare won't be tough enough on the poor & the sick.
Trump will sign it, then it will be both precedented & presidented.
So Trump then owns it, right? Except it won't much matter, I still think the goal here isn't economic policy, debts, defecits or trying to pull the 'hammock' out from under the freeloading poor sick, it's to kill off the poor & the sick, & they'll be too poor & sick to fight back.
14
Isn't it clear by now that the conservatives don't really believe in tax cut trickle down? That is, or was, just hocus pocus for the masses. The republican party of today and the last 30-40 years is about two things: greed, wealth and power for rich white males, like British Aristocrats pre-1900, and racism, not too different than the credence of the plantation owners of the old south. In trump they have found the perfect idiot to give them cover and sign their poison bills. .
18
That's all very interesting. Any insight on the modern techniques they've been using to keep down people who are upper middle class or upper class, college educated, and either both white and female or considered nonwhite?
Think the aristocrats nowadays might invite me to marry into the family? I'm a white guy. But perhaps I should tell you my dad was a plumber.
Think the aristocrats nowadays might invite me to marry into the family? I'm a white guy. But perhaps I should tell you my dad was a plumber.
Of course the problem is that the GOP is morally bankrupt and under the direct control of a handful of "dark money" interests. These same people have also successfully gained control of the conservative media outlets which a surprising large number of voters watch or read. The only people who read Dr. Krugman's columns are hand-wringing liberals (and centrists like me). We already know what the Republican version of health care is all about, but the people I encounter everyday in real America don't, and the louder we scream, the more entrenched they become. Somehow these voters must be reached and educated about the truth; but right now our outrage only fuels the belief in the grandest lie of all; that the press has a "liberal" bias and that Democrats want to ram big government down everyone's throat.
18
Meanwhile, the Republicans are ramming down our throats a government based on taxing the poor and the middle class, using their income taxes and their social security/FICA deductions (from employee, matched by employer, government funds designated to provide retirement and elder care) to benefit only the very rich. Sounds fair to me. NOT!
2
It is important to attribute all current policies and behavior to the GOP as a whole. It is not just ignorant Trump causing a crisis in Qatar - it is the GOP. The GOP supports white nationalists. The GOP is cutting healthcare. The GOP is dismantling the State Department. The GOP wishes to destroy the environment. Do not just put it on Trump. This is the entire party.
28
Mr. McConnell's lower jaw reminds me of a puppet like Howdy Doody. The difference is that watching Howdy Doody was a enjoyable as a kid, while watching Mr. McConnell is excruciating. Sadly, the Repugnantins are here in the Senate, the Congress, and in Mr. Trump, for another 1310 days.
UGH!
UGH!
14
Calling on all leakers. Even the PowerPoint presentation will do.
23
When words are used improperly the story you are trying to tell becomes false. Saying a law "would take coverage away from 23 million Americans" means that there are 23 million Americans who currently have coverage, that would lose it. This is totally false considering it's estimated that currently there are only around 11-12 million people who get their health insurance by way of the ACA. When a study says that ultimately, over a period of many years, it's estimated that 23 million people will not be eligible for coverage that is far different from what Krugman is falsely implying here. Repeating the those words over and over, the way they are written in this column, is really just another way of creating fake news.
4
Only 11-12 million people? I'm not very good at math, but that's a lot of people.
10
If the GOP plan guts Medicaid, as it is acknowledged to do, that will affect millions of people BEYOND those who are getting health coverage via the ACA....the 11-12 million that you are counting...but, for example, older Americans whose nursing home costs are being supported by Medicaid, children of low income families who have been getting healthcare vua the CHIP program, etc.
2
Please report details of the medical insurance policies given to all our senators and congresspeople (and their family members) as a lifetime benefit of their jobs. Firsthand reports indicate that any symptom from stroke to sniffles is immediately tended to, gratis, by the most qualified doctors in the country: the staff of the Walter Reid hospital complex. Yet the beneficiaries of this largess are trying to deprive the general population of the most basic medical care. As Mr. Trump would say, "Shame!"
18
The basics of Republicanism these days are that it is OK for too many middle class white Americans to do with less and less -- as long as brown and black people are doing worse then they are. And, most of the respected surveys of Trump voters find them not to be the alleged "working stiffs" (though many are) but most affluent white people, who have, since Reagan, seriously believed all of the welfare queen propaganda. Sad.
I don't pretend to know all Republicans' motives behind what they are doing in health care - or the climate, or international relationships and America's role in the global community. What does seem obvious to me is that McConnell and Ryan and Trump are doing everything possible to wipe away anything and everything that President Obama and that administration have had a hand in creating and putting into place. They hated Obama and made it their mission to make Obama's presidency a failure. Now they aim to wipe out any Obama legacy - even that of former First Lady, Michelle Obama. There's no mystery here and no attempt to find other motives is a waste of time.
As the new legislation unfolds over seven years, gradually eviscerating Medicaid and making a mess of individual health insurance, I'm willing to suppose that the ongoing calamity will be sufficiently spread out that Sen. McConnell's Kentucky will remain solidly Republican.
On the other hand, legislators seem good at understanding what their strongest supporters want, but not what voters overall want. There might be some surprises.
On the other hand, legislators seem good at understanding what their strongest supporters want, but not what voters overall want. There might be some surprises.
6
It should be obvious to anyone paying attention that the Republican party has no intention on letting our aging society impact the lifestyles of the very wealthy. The same crowd who decided that pensions for average people are "unaffordable" and are eager to cut social security and Medicare also do not want access to medical care for undeserving lower income Americans to be their problem. I'm really starting to have a hard time seeing conservatism as just another point of view these days, it just seems heartless.
But what's the point? Here's a bill so bad they have to write it in secret and pass it with the votes of people who haven't read it. Then the bill is enacted. Then everybody hates it and goes after the party that put it over, How does that do the Republicans any good?
13
Unbelievably, this will probably not hurt the republicans at all. They spent six years obstructing anything and everything in Congress during Obama - and their punishment has been to gain control of the House, the Senate, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court. They know they will not be held accountable. 2016 proved that.
3
Bob, this is how it does the republicans any good, and this is all they care about: They will get MASSIVE pay offs from those in the health care industry who will benefit from the passage of this legislation: health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, certain doctors' organizations. These people want to KEEP PRICES HIGH. The GOP will do that for them by passing this legislation. To reward the politicians who push this legislation through, these corporations will pay them huge amounts of money...hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars! If the day ever comes that we have universal health care, all those pay offs, bribes, quid pro quo will go away. No more massive corruption. No more incredible financial pay offs. The faucet will be turned off. AND THEY DON'T WANT THAT; ABOVE ALL THEY DON'T WANT THAT. "How does that do the republicans any good?" It is all about MONEY, and LOTS of it. So: While most of us value life and our families, the GOP (and some Dems, too) are taking pay offs to keep a lot of us poor, sick, disenfranchised, and ultimately dead. Ugh. Hard to believe that this is OUR GOVERNMENT. These are the people we pay to help us, keep us safe, secure, protected, and tell us the truth...and they are doing just the opposite, because WE DON'T MATTER TO THEM.
3
"So this isn’t a Trump story; it’s about the cynicism and corruption of the whole congressional G.O.P. Remember, it would take just a few conservatives with conscience — specifically, three Republican senators — to stop this outrage in its tracks. But right now, it looks as if those principled Republicans don’t exist".
Perhaps, the three With Conscience were persuaded by "politics" to drop their conscience.
Perhaps, the three With Conscience were persuaded by "politics" to drop their conscience.
5
To make a decision that will affect about 1/5 -- 20% -- of the massive U.S. economy without consulting any expert in health care policy, health care provision, health care economics, health care problems, epidemiology, maternal health, long-term care, poverty and disease, geriatrics, state health provision, hospital budgeting, and future trends in medicine is ludicrous. It is morally wrong. It is also deceitful and stupid.
The U.S. is capable of providing the best medical care in the world. And, we do, in fact, provide the best care in the world, but it is NOT available to many people living within our borders because the financing of our medical care system is so Byzantine and so arbitrary that many are excluded. Exclusion, in many cases, is effectively hereditary because much of access is provided through financial assistance and also through training by parents and other family members.
As a physician who has practiced for 13 years in two states, I can attest to the fact that medicine is about as complicated as any other policy considered by the Congress. Decisions that they make will have ramifications that will affect tens of millions of people -- even many who will be able to retain their insurance policies -- for many decades.
This is not a game. If this does not rise above partisan politics, what will?
Senators: Please ask some people who have studied medicine and health to weigh in before you vote. You will be choosing who will live and who will die.
The U.S. is capable of providing the best medical care in the world. And, we do, in fact, provide the best care in the world, but it is NOT available to many people living within our borders because the financing of our medical care system is so Byzantine and so arbitrary that many are excluded. Exclusion, in many cases, is effectively hereditary because much of access is provided through financial assistance and also through training by parents and other family members.
As a physician who has practiced for 13 years in two states, I can attest to the fact that medicine is about as complicated as any other policy considered by the Congress. Decisions that they make will have ramifications that will affect tens of millions of people -- even many who will be able to retain their insurance policies -- for many decades.
This is not a game. If this does not rise above partisan politics, what will?
Senators: Please ask some people who have studied medicine and health to weigh in before you vote. You will be choosing who will live and who will die.
31
With the added perspectives of medical professionals, hopefully there would be some peripheral healthcare system repairs that would have huge impact on the cost structure of providing medical care, with relatively little disruption to the average patient (and often beneficial impacts, such as reduced wait-times, less malpractice, less pharmaceutical harm):
*Reform the constitution of the FDA to eliminate drug-industry cronyism - less incentive to push through questionably effective new drugs to replace older drugs with expired patents
*Reform intellectual property laws to eliminate "Mickey Mouse" extensions on copyright and patents, including the patenting of molecular analogues
*Reform medical education to incentivize students to study the most in-demand specialties such as gerontology or psychiatry, instead of the 'money' specialties such as elective surgery - certain doctors can charge a lot because there aren't many of them, but prices would drop if it cost less to make more of them and the supply kept pace with demand
*Reform medical internship process to be more informed by pedagogical best-practices instead of burnout practices that cause new doctors to make major mistakes - this reform would make medical education more attractive to the people who have aptitude to pursue it, and will benefit patients
*Reform the constitution of the FDA to eliminate drug-industry cronyism - less incentive to push through questionably effective new drugs to replace older drugs with expired patents
*Reform intellectual property laws to eliminate "Mickey Mouse" extensions on copyright and patents, including the patenting of molecular analogues
*Reform medical education to incentivize students to study the most in-demand specialties such as gerontology or psychiatry, instead of the 'money' specialties such as elective surgery - certain doctors can charge a lot because there aren't many of them, but prices would drop if it cost less to make more of them and the supply kept pace with demand
*Reform medical internship process to be more informed by pedagogical best-practices instead of burnout practices that cause new doctors to make major mistakes - this reform would make medical education more attractive to the people who have aptitude to pursue it, and will benefit patients
5
And I plead/urge as I did in another article comments simply look at the numerous lab experiments run worldwide for decades and see what works and use it instead of attempting to keep a sick system on life support. Hint: the working ones involve single payer in one form or another.
I assume Mr Krugman is speaking to those of us who already agree. For trying to convince those who believe in tax cuts that they will not do what they claim (aside from enrich the rich) is like trying to convince my Catholic mother that the baby Jesus is not the son of god. It's a matter of belief.
Oh, and it's a matter of self-serving class interests.
But keep up the good fight!
Oh, and it's a matter of self-serving class interests.
But keep up the good fight!
12
Widespread damage associated with the Republican healthcare plan includes slashing of Medicaid funding. Two of the many areas of healthcare disruption related to this loss of funding will be:
- The closing of a hundreds of smaller rural hospitals, which depend heavily on Medicaid support, and loss of jobs for their employees. Remaining larger hospitals may be far away.
- The terrible reality that many thousands of elderly and disabled patients will lose the only funding available for their nursing home care.
60% of Medicaid funds pay for nursing home costs.
Even higher income people may burn through substantial retirement savings when paying nursing home costs for themselves or loved ones ($60,000, $80,000, $100,000 per year). Then they may depend very much on Medicaid assistance.
- The closing of a hundreds of smaller rural hospitals, which depend heavily on Medicaid support, and loss of jobs for their employees. Remaining larger hospitals may be far away.
- The terrible reality that many thousands of elderly and disabled patients will lose the only funding available for their nursing home care.
60% of Medicaid funds pay for nursing home costs.
Even higher income people may burn through substantial retirement savings when paying nursing home costs for themselves or loved ones ($60,000, $80,000, $100,000 per year). Then they may depend very much on Medicaid assistance.
15
I live in a county full of retireees where nursing home support is crucial but voters are not merely Republican. Our congressman is Freedom Caucus.
8
I guess they better stay tuned to Fox News!
It is not just the wealthy who have been paying for Obamacare. When Obama imposed a 60 billion dollar tax on health insurers he imposed a giant tax on the middle class. Why is there never any mention of this? It has significantly impacted (stagnated) the wages of higher income, middle class workers and this impact has been all but ignored.
Please check item #17 on this list: http://www.atr.org/full-list-ACA-tax-hikes-a6996.
Please check item #17 on this list: http://www.atr.org/full-list-ACA-tax-hikes-a6996.
4
Guess what? Excellent health care is very expensive. There is no free lunch. We have to pay to stay healthy. If you do not pay more taxes now, you will pay much more later for more expensive care in emergency rooms for the poor. There is no math that can get around this problem.
12
The "extra" they will pay in their old age will be the inheritance they intended for their children but that goes into the Great Maw of Tax-Cuts for Billionaires and Healthcare Insurance Companies. And of course also to the Doctors that help bankrupt so many older Americans but pledge to "do no harm". SO SAD
4
Not only do we all have to pay taxes for ALL of us to stay healthy, but when people burn through all their retirement savings and there is no more MEDICAID...how are they going to pay for nursing homes? Are they just going to throw all the poor, old, critically ill and demented seniors out in the road? (The GOP...Yeah, probably.)
1
Today I watched Trump supporters being interviewed. In addition to them thinking Trump is "strong" "honest" "determined" "makes good on his promises" one of these supporters said he wished and hoped for lower taxes on US corporations so the preyed upon (my words) US corporation could then make jobs appear.
Although the tax rate may be around 38% for US corporations, from my knowledge, very few voters realize that most corporations pay little to no taxes thanks to the many loop holes provided them. Even though the US tax laws already favor US corps. those illusive jobs have not appeared because of any tax relief? Why do people not get this?
Mr. Krugman, next time would you ask a psychologist to join you and explain this phenomena?
Although the tax rate may be around 38% for US corporations, from my knowledge, very few voters realize that most corporations pay little to no taxes thanks to the many loop holes provided them. Even though the US tax laws already favor US corps. those illusive jobs have not appeared because of any tax relief? Why do people not get this?
Mr. Krugman, next time would you ask a psychologist to join you and explain this phenomena?
13
And since the end of the Great Recession, major corporations are sitting on unprecedented fat piles of cash that they are not reinvesting with or expanding work forces with. Yeah, they need tax cuts...
2
This morning I wondered how many beliefs of mine were negative rather than the positive I always had thought of them. I was stunned. Negative far outweighed the positive. I do remember days of yore when my husband and two young children would listen to the evening news. One-half hour and it was done. No one was upset; it just was finished and we went about our everyday chores before bedtime. Now the news makes my feet and legs hurt and takes away all desire to hear any of it despite its being almost round the clock. What I now believe is that some day Earth will become another dead planet endlessly circling round the sky. We will watch in wonder as we now look up to see the moon and the sun.
Now my front yard is covered with large, beautiful trees. Branches sway, leaves wave. A beautiful sight from my house. Yet I wonder how many years or eons will they continue, or will they some day after I am gone they too will be no more. I do believe we are slowly killing Planet Earth. Then what? Back to the Stone Age?
Now my front yard is covered with large, beautiful trees. Branches sway, leaves wave. A beautiful sight from my house. Yet I wonder how many years or eons will they continue, or will they some day after I am gone they too will be no more. I do believe we are slowly killing Planet Earth. Then what? Back to the Stone Age?
11
Thinking the same....different trees, same Earth. ~!~
The Republican Agenda:
America reduced to a 3rd world country. A nation of sweatshops where compliant workers live in ignorance, fear, illness and poverty, while the 1% bleed us and invest overseas.
You say you don’t share this dream? That’s what the Brownshirts and 350 million guns are for, get it?
America reduced to a 3rd world country. A nation of sweatshops where compliant workers live in ignorance, fear, illness and poverty, while the 1% bleed us and invest overseas.
You say you don’t share this dream? That’s what the Brownshirts and 350 million guns are for, get it?
15
With trickle-down economics as a thrice-failed theory continuing to enthrall the free-marketeers, one must wonder how many such failures/catastrophes should the American People endure before that theory is finally discarded as a pant-load from the equally-failed libertarian economist, Alan Greenspan. You remember Greenspan, right? The deregulation model he instigated resulted in short-term economic gains for corporate America while permitting the unfettered mergers and acquisitions that dessimated the middle class work force.
Perhaps the Republicans who still believe in this swill, are thinking, "Trickle-down would have worked if done right, if only the Democrats has kept drinking the Kool Aid with us." It echos Woody Allen's response to the question (referring to his film, "Sleeper"), is sex dirty. He replied, "Only if it's done right." Mr. Allen's response was hilarious. The Republicans refuse to take responsibility for failed policies such as adopting Arthur Laffer's Laffer Curve, the pictorial explanation of his trickle-down theory. It was the foundation for The Great Recession, for sending millions of American jobs offshore since the late 1980s, and permitting those mergers, acquisitions and hostile takeovers to eliminate intra-industry competition while bloating executive compensation like a life raft, apparently without floating all boats.
Ridding politics of big money is a start. Then, perhaps, members of congress will DO the work when they COME to work.
Perhaps the Republicans who still believe in this swill, are thinking, "Trickle-down would have worked if done right, if only the Democrats has kept drinking the Kool Aid with us." It echos Woody Allen's response to the question (referring to his film, "Sleeper"), is sex dirty. He replied, "Only if it's done right." Mr. Allen's response was hilarious. The Republicans refuse to take responsibility for failed policies such as adopting Arthur Laffer's Laffer Curve, the pictorial explanation of his trickle-down theory. It was the foundation for The Great Recession, for sending millions of American jobs offshore since the late 1980s, and permitting those mergers, acquisitions and hostile takeovers to eliminate intra-industry competition while bloating executive compensation like a life raft, apparently without floating all boats.
Ridding politics of big money is a start. Then, perhaps, members of congress will DO the work when they COME to work.
7
The result of this political crime will be single payer. These guys are short sighted idiots.
8
Thinking people shouldn't call the AHCA "Trumpcare". We should call it "GOPcare". If Trump left office today the GOP would still pass this monstrosity, so let's give it the most accurate name--GOPcare.
12
But without THEtRUMP I doubt they would convince anyone to sign it!!!
The only real answer to health care in America is the slow progression to the single payer system for all. A system that in fact bypasses most BS insurance systems and provides a medicare system for not just those age 65 and over.
And for those of means, there would most certainly still exist a super-duper "option (s)" that would be paid for by paying for insurance coverage. In a capitalistic society, these policies would enjoy the benefit of the free-market system.
In the meantime, universal healthcare would through a single-payer (Federal) system would most certainly benefit from extreme savings. Yes, there might be "wasteful government spending" which is all but impossible to completely eradicate. But at this point in time, the potential savings are so far beyond what would be a small percentage with respect to inevitable waste, you have to be crazy, and we are, not to give it a whirl.
And for those of means, there would most certainly still exist a super-duper "option (s)" that would be paid for by paying for insurance coverage. In a capitalistic society, these policies would enjoy the benefit of the free-market system.
In the meantime, universal healthcare would through a single-payer (Federal) system would most certainly benefit from extreme savings. Yes, there might be "wasteful government spending" which is all but impossible to completely eradicate. But at this point in time, the potential savings are so far beyond what would be a small percentage with respect to inevitable waste, you have to be crazy, and we are, not to give it a whirl.
11
"And for those of means, there would most certainly still exist a super-duper "option (s)" that would be paid for by paying for insurance coverage. In a capitalistic society, these policies would enjoy the benefit of the free-market system."
It is unfortunate, however, that for the most part, our system is designed to provide those "extras" unfailingly - it justifies the capitalistic profit-driving extra cost at the outset.
For example, in my understanding of NHS coverage, if you are in hospital, you share a large room with other patients, curtains drawn; one of the 'extras' that you pay for with private coverage is a private room in a private hospital. In the US, there are only private rooms. In the US, there are huge billing departments in each hospital, taking up space that might otherwise be used to treat patients.
Although I am personally completely in favor of single-payer, national healthcare, in order for single-payer to be truly effective in the US, we will have to do some rethinking of the structures (both physical and mental), that currently comprise our healthcare system.
It is unfortunate, however, that for the most part, our system is designed to provide those "extras" unfailingly - it justifies the capitalistic profit-driving extra cost at the outset.
For example, in my understanding of NHS coverage, if you are in hospital, you share a large room with other patients, curtains drawn; one of the 'extras' that you pay for with private coverage is a private room in a private hospital. In the US, there are only private rooms. In the US, there are huge billing departments in each hospital, taking up space that might otherwise be used to treat patients.
Although I am personally completely in favor of single-payer, national healthcare, in order for single-payer to be truly effective in the US, we will have to do some rethinking of the structures (both physical and mental), that currently comprise our healthcare system.
2
Easily available Assault weapons and unaffordable healthcare are tragic legacies for us and future Americans. Our political system doesn't appear capable of solving these issues.
10
As always, I agree with what Paul Krugman says, but I want to quibble with how he said it today. Several times he refers to "Obamacare," which plays right into the hands of the Republicans who have carefully nurtured a negative connotation of that portmanteau. In the same article, he refers to the Republican bill as the A.H.C.A. Only at the end does he refer to "Trumpcare." If the A.C.A. can be pejoratively called Obamacare, it should be even easier to tack a label on the Republican bill that will eventually come to haunt them. I propose GOPcare or McConnellcare. Let them take the credit for throwing millions out of healthcare insurance.
10
“slides are flashed across the screens so quickly that they can hardly be committed to memory.”
Where's Google Glass when you need it?
Where's Google Glass when you need it?
2
If it’s in “total secrecy,” how could you then know it will have “devastating effects”?
1
The Senate bill is being drafted in total secrecy but the House bill is available for review. And there is no magical method to make a massive cut to insurance subsidies and Medicaid anything but devastating. So that's how we know.
13
Sorry Ed, that bit of disingenuous doesn't work -- we can assume the very worst when even McConnell says that Republicans are not "so stupid" as to release advance details to the public.
My vote for most disingenuous comment of the day.
"Zombies, Vampires and Republicans" Well that certainly is an honest attempt to ratchet down the conversation. Didn't need to read any further.
2
I think the imagery is perfect, perfectly descriptive, and very memorable in its brevity. Thank you Mr. Krugman for giving us a vivid and verbal take from the usually dismal profession.
7
Why would anyone want to rachet down the conversation? These issues are critical to our existence as a democracy. Maybe if you had kept on reading you would have a better sense of the need for us to be shouting from the rooftops to try to defeat republican attempts to destroy our country.
9
Remember that decision when you are complaining about the impact of Trumpcare on your life next year Dawn
1
Twenty three million. That's how many Americans will lose healthcare with the republican plan. How many would have to lose their healthcare for all of us to revolt . . .50, 100 or 200 million?
This is not going to get any better, the possibility that we'll wake tomorrow to find republicans have suddenly realized what they are about to do, and will then start planning for Medicare for all, is slim to none. Dr. K mentioned Kansas, the epitome of gop ideology, where everyone gives up all to insure that the industrialists in that state reap the benefits of everyone's work.
Today the number is up for 24 million of our friends and relatives. . . and those numbers will only grow. How long will we allow ourselves to be exploited for tax cuts?
This is not going to get any better, the possibility that we'll wake tomorrow to find republicans have suddenly realized what they are about to do, and will then start planning for Medicare for all, is slim to none. Dr. K mentioned Kansas, the epitome of gop ideology, where everyone gives up all to insure that the industrialists in that state reap the benefits of everyone's work.
Today the number is up for 24 million of our friends and relatives. . . and those numbers will only grow. How long will we allow ourselves to be exploited for tax cuts?
8
For quite a while I imagine...visit any high-school and see the caliber of thinking in both student seats and teaching seats.
The 23 million figure is a bogus number, most of that 23 million do not have insurance now, so they can't "lose" insurance.
It is all so frustrating every day to read and hear about the many ways in which the Republican Party is working at a fever pitch to make life unbearable for all except the 1%. It leaves me angry when I hear the average Republican citizen defend these people and their policies, the very policies that will most likely devastate the lives of most of Americans. We can hope that the 2018 elections will help minimize the damage, but by then it will most likely be too late. I have never in my life felt this hopeless about America.
14
Republican ideas about taxation, health care and environmental policy are social ideas masquerading as economic ones. Accordingly, all of the economic science or data in the world won't make a difference. The social roots of these ideas must be identified and addressed.
11
If we taxed the super rich fairly, we could easily rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, build schools, hospitals, high speed trains, free college for the poor and middle class, health care for everyone, etc. etc. But the RepubiCon party's only real goal is that the rich get richer and the poor and middle class get poorer. This is now the party of outright greed and mean cynicism, and the millions of loyal party members still buying their CONS about cutting taxes is in denial of the facts.
18
What candidate Trump promised -- and presumably what his voters voted for -- was healthcare that would "be better," "cost less" and "cover everybody."
How, in God's name, do the healthcare bills being spun out of whole cloth in both houses of Congress deliver on any of this?
They don't, of course.
But, as long as they "repeal Obamacare" (as a red-meat sap to Trump's base), and deliver obscene tax-breaks to the wealthiest (i.e. the whole point all along), who can make war with the beast?
How, in God's name, do the healthcare bills being spun out of whole cloth in both houses of Congress deliver on any of this?
They don't, of course.
But, as long as they "repeal Obamacare" (as a red-meat sap to Trump's base), and deliver obscene tax-breaks to the wealthiest (i.e. the whole point all along), who can make war with the beast?
12
America needs three-and-a-half times the current number of representatives in the House of Reps in order to get the PEOPLE'S input into the legislative process back to the level it was in 1911, when Congress FROZE the number of Reps at 435. By way of reference, the UK with 65 million population has 650 Members of the House of Commons. In UK the common man's input cannot be ignored.
By contrast, since 1911, money and legislative jiggery-pokery have made the House more and more like the Senate: an operation based on territory, personalities, lobbying, 'legal' manipulation and $$$ rather than the contemporaneous input of the populace.
OF the People, BY the People, FOR the People means the Senate and the House should counterbalance each other, the sum of various individual mandates against territory; that's the way our Constitution was conceived. If the current situation persists---and worsens as the Country's population increases year over year---we will persist in serving up helping after helping of America's common wealth to ravenous corporations and mentally starved gazillionaires.
Let's get out the vote, sure enough, but once the pendulum swings back toward thoughtful governance, let's do away with that 1911 limit of 435 Reps in the House and guarantee the House of Representatives a proportionally cleansing burst of fresh ideas every two years.
By contrast, since 1911, money and legislative jiggery-pokery have made the House more and more like the Senate: an operation based on territory, personalities, lobbying, 'legal' manipulation and $$$ rather than the contemporaneous input of the populace.
OF the People, BY the People, FOR the People means the Senate and the House should counterbalance each other, the sum of various individual mandates against territory; that's the way our Constitution was conceived. If the current situation persists---and worsens as the Country's population increases year over year---we will persist in serving up helping after helping of America's common wealth to ravenous corporations and mentally starved gazillionaires.
Let's get out the vote, sure enough, but once the pendulum swings back toward thoughtful governance, let's do away with that 1911 limit of 435 Reps in the House and guarantee the House of Representatives a proportionally cleansing burst of fresh ideas every two years.
3
Competent lawyers say the Muslim ban was unconstitutional; competent healthcare providers that the ACA was vastly improving heathcare services and would be even more successful if the GOP would lay off its sabotaging efforts; competent scientists that climate change is real; competent economists that tax cuts don’t pay for themselves; competent voting experts that there weren’t millions of illegal ballots; competent diplomats that the Iran deal makes sense, and Putin is not our friend. For so-called president trump competence is not only ignored but ridiculed and excluded.
14
Why listen to competent experts in their field when we have Trump supporters suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure about to lose their insurance and can't make the loans on their trailers. Well, they is always country on the eight track in the 70's Chevy truck.
1
If this is not stopped, these people will go down in history as the "vampires" that they are. Small consequence for the damage they will do that is beyond egregious. The literal pain and suffering caused, including preventable deaths, is unforgivable. How can these legislators live with themselves? How can they look at themselves in the mirror or their children in the eye? Personally, I would not be able to sleep. I know that this may seem to be a weak argument but isn't it really what it comes down to in regard to their duty to the people and the constitution. Shame on them... VOTE in the midterms!!!
3
Whatever Vampire/Zombie assemblage emerges from Congress will be signed by Trump and hailed in the Propaganda Organs as a Magnificent Accomplishment.
And the GOP base will believe them.
And the GOP base will believe them.
15
We should be prepared to see the Senate healthcare bill's provisions include delayed action, so the law's effects will not register until at least after the 2018 mid-term elections, and perhaps not until after the 2020 election.
The republicans are so craven that they want to dissociate themselves from the law by the distance of time. Most people will be ignorant about the fine print, and will go on supporting trump and the gop until their lives are gutted by sickness, bankruptcy, and dire poverty.
Watch for the time delays in the new Darwinian health law.
The republicans are so craven that they want to dissociate themselves from the law by the distance of time. Most people will be ignorant about the fine print, and will go on supporting trump and the gop until their lives are gutted by sickness, bankruptcy, and dire poverty.
Watch for the time delays in the new Darwinian health law.
13
Why are they taking away prenatal care? Won't that hurt the unborn? Isn't the GOP worried about them?
14
Worried about them only until they are born. Then they are on their own. And if we talk about providing good health care for them postnatally, the GOP recategorizes them as "moochers". Unfortunately, their supporters can't quite make the connections.
1
I'm not in the least bit surprised.
If the GOP can find a way to achieve their aims, they'll follow it. They are politicians. Conscience counts for little.
They will only care about the poor if their seats are in jeopardy. In this case, if they can keep the top 20% earners (not only the top 1%) happy with tax cuts, they will think that they can get away with anything.
The poor, who will suffer the most from the new health legislation, can't do much to stop this. Inequality rules, and the GOP will take advantage of this to the best of their ability. No doubt they will portray the people reliant on Medicaid as deadbeats and not worthy of tax payers' money. The GOP are like the banks. They know that the poor can't fight back, so they will take advantage of them.
Ironically, many of the people who voted for the President believed his promises regarding health care, especially on safeguarding Medicaid. Talk about being hung out to dry...
If the GOP can find a way to achieve their aims, they'll follow it. They are politicians. Conscience counts for little.
They will only care about the poor if their seats are in jeopardy. In this case, if they can keep the top 20% earners (not only the top 1%) happy with tax cuts, they will think that they can get away with anything.
The poor, who will suffer the most from the new health legislation, can't do much to stop this. Inequality rules, and the GOP will take advantage of this to the best of their ability. No doubt they will portray the people reliant on Medicaid as deadbeats and not worthy of tax payers' money. The GOP are like the banks. They know that the poor can't fight back, so they will take advantage of them.
Ironically, many of the people who voted for the President believed his promises regarding health care, especially on safeguarding Medicaid. Talk about being hung out to dry...
7
Being hung out to dry by trump is their own fault. It takes a very weak mind to be conned by someone as coarse and vulgar and low info as dtrump. A pox on all of them.
6
They owe the rest of us a formal apology and tax cut.
Republicans are behaving like cattle being led by unscrupulous leaders. They appear to have no independence but only subservience to those who are still hating Obama and would do anything to destroy his legacy. But as they destroy the ACA, they may light fire under the simmering pot of single payer healthcare. Then we can join the rest of the industrial world where the citizens live feeling secured about their health.
1
In the Republican Party in 2017, it turns out that Zombies and Vampires are all too real, and principled Republicans are a complete fantasy.
5
It's arguable that Trump has zero involvement in the GOP's R&R of Obamacare and that it will take three Republican senators to force their party to make their bill both transparent and humane, but the real problem is that the GOP congress refuses to oppose Trump because they need a docile (if volatile) man in the Oval Office to sign off on whatever bills make it to his desk. I'm not sure what sort of non-rhetorical disaster Trump will have to trigger before such opposition materializes. It will have to be huge and obvious to everyone. That the GOP is waiting to see what happens in the special election to fill Tom Price's seat in the House before it reconsiders knee-jerk support for Trump is sad.
The problem here is that the G.O.P. work for the willfully ignorant bystanders, like Trump, these are the one percent whose money frees them from reality and the cares of most people. They're definitely not innocent bystanders. Since when do we expect less from people who are wealthy, healthy, and highly educated? Poor ignorant rich people, they have all the resources to be informed but they choose not to see and not to hear.
2
It will take a Bernie size revolution to get universal healthcare.
But Bernie hurt us this time around and is the main reason Trump beat Hillary. His ego caused him to join the Russians and the Republicans in bashing Hillary. She didn't deserve to be treated as such and would have won otherwise. Bernie's ego over took him.
But Bernie hurt us this time around and is the main reason Trump beat Hillary. His ego caused him to join the Russians and the Republicans in bashing Hillary. She didn't deserve to be treated as such and would have won otherwise. Bernie's ego over took him.
8
The Republican Party is a minority party. They survive through gerrymandering and voter suppression which of late has enabled them to capture the entire government (perhaps with the help of Russian hackers). Republicans are hypocrites of the first order.
Republicans deny the Constitution as in the case of 8 years of rock-solid obstructionism followed by denial of Obama's right to nominate a Supreme Court Justice. They back the lying, vulgar, ignorant and incompetent Trump knowing full well the damage he is doing to the reputation of the United States because he is their political cover. With their ill-gotten federal powers we can expect Republicans in Congress to do their worst to the American people, in secret if need be.
Slashing taxes for the wealthy, the Trumpcare scam, rolling back bank regulations is all of a piece. Furthermore Ryan wants to destroy Social Security by eliminating the FICA tax, and of course, destroy Medicare by under-funding. All of this is only a hint of what we can expect from these anti-patriots while they serve the interests of the super-wealthy oligarchs that own the GOP, be it the insurance industry the Kochs, or their kind.
Control of our government by the Republicans of today meets every definition of corporate fascism. We must overturn Republican domination of our country in 2018 or say goodbye to democracy forever.
Republicans deny the Constitution as in the case of 8 years of rock-solid obstructionism followed by denial of Obama's right to nominate a Supreme Court Justice. They back the lying, vulgar, ignorant and incompetent Trump knowing full well the damage he is doing to the reputation of the United States because he is their political cover. With their ill-gotten federal powers we can expect Republicans in Congress to do their worst to the American people, in secret if need be.
Slashing taxes for the wealthy, the Trumpcare scam, rolling back bank regulations is all of a piece. Furthermore Ryan wants to destroy Social Security by eliminating the FICA tax, and of course, destroy Medicare by under-funding. All of this is only a hint of what we can expect from these anti-patriots while they serve the interests of the super-wealthy oligarchs that own the GOP, be it the insurance industry the Kochs, or their kind.
Control of our government by the Republicans of today meets every definition of corporate fascism. We must overturn Republican domination of our country in 2018 or say goodbye to democracy forever.
20
The rationale for voting against Democratic attempts at universal healthcare over the years, like the rationale for lowering taxes has evolved over time along with the Republican party. I recall watching Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser decades ago and hearing some guests state that taxes are a form of robbery, and the reality is that this idea, long popular with the people in Donald Trump's social circles has now become mainstream and acceptable.
What these people mean when they say that gov't is inefficient and ineffective is that anything that the market is not interested in doing is not worth doing, and no amount of good governance can change that. Period. People say Trump wants to go back to the 50s, but in fact the conservatives he listens to want to go back to the late 19th and early 20th century, a period that Americans alive today did not experience and therefore do not feel threatened by IMO.
The Democrats apparently have been so blindsided by the shift in argument that they haven't been responding to it at all, and their attempts to win people over by promising them an expanded safety net are met with skepticism and disdain, because people see it as evidence that they don't know how to grow the economy, only take from the wealthy.
Elizabeth Warren has been a one-woman task force attempting to change the conversation, but she repeatedly gets tagged as left wing for pointing out that gov't programs that help the working class are good for the economy. Why?
What these people mean when they say that gov't is inefficient and ineffective is that anything that the market is not interested in doing is not worth doing, and no amount of good governance can change that. Period. People say Trump wants to go back to the 50s, but in fact the conservatives he listens to want to go back to the late 19th and early 20th century, a period that Americans alive today did not experience and therefore do not feel threatened by IMO.
The Democrats apparently have been so blindsided by the shift in argument that they haven't been responding to it at all, and their attempts to win people over by promising them an expanded safety net are met with skepticism and disdain, because people see it as evidence that they don't know how to grow the economy, only take from the wealthy.
Elizabeth Warren has been a one-woman task force attempting to change the conversation, but she repeatedly gets tagged as left wing for pointing out that gov't programs that help the working class are good for the economy. Why?
17
"So, this isn't a Trump story..."?
The evidence reveals that it IS a Trump story. But for Trump's collossal ignorance about the legislative process, but for his glaring negligence with hiring and supervising staff, and but for his ready willingness to be Grover Norquist's ideal president, someone with enough “working digits to be able to hold a pen”, the vampires and zombies would not be running the government.
Moreover, as others at the Times have insisted in other parts of this publication, it's really all about Hillary's emails.
The evidence reveals that it IS a Trump story. But for Trump's collossal ignorance about the legislative process, but for his glaring negligence with hiring and supervising staff, and but for his ready willingness to be Grover Norquist's ideal president, someone with enough “working digits to be able to hold a pen”, the vampires and zombies would not be running the government.
Moreover, as others at the Times have insisted in other parts of this publication, it's really all about Hillary's emails.
4
Why don't we ever tie tax cuts, or other policy matters, to outcomes? Here's an idea. In any given year, the top 1% can have their tax break, but only on the condition that the national median income (including benefits) for the bottom 99% within that same year rises by at least 5%. If Median incomes don't rise by 5%, the wealthy get no tax break.
8
"...right now, it looks as if those principled Republicans don’t exist." Maybe that will change. Three's not a lot to get. And, I think Trump may very well not sign it. He's reportedly commented negatively on the meanness of the House bill.
And, “The right’s zombie-in-chief is the insistence that low taxes on the rich are the key to prosperity.” I don't think they believe that. I doubt it very much. I doubt it because prosperity is something that the rich already have, and that's the point. They don't care about anybody else in the U.S. beyond getting their vote, which they have learned how to do very well.
And, by the way, that's what we need to understand. I wonder if we understand it sufficiently.
And, “The right’s zombie-in-chief is the insistence that low taxes on the rich are the key to prosperity.” I don't think they believe that. I doubt it very much. I doubt it because prosperity is something that the rich already have, and that's the point. They don't care about anybody else in the U.S. beyond getting their vote, which they have learned how to do very well.
And, by the way, that's what we need to understand. I wonder if we understand it sufficiently.
5
You're kidding, right? Trump will sign anything. He wants a legislative victory. Full stop.
3
There is no answer to the Republican lust to remove the ACA. Except as has been stated to remove a program with Obama's name appended to it. The reason why the Republican zombie survives is the tribal response of white voters. Even if the ACA helped Republican voters they will vote for people who will ruin their benefit. Cognitive dissonance plain and simple. Blacks benefit then Republicans must be the fall guys. Although this racial solidarity is social/cultural it plays out politically.
6
The evidence shows that cutting taxes for the rich does not generate economic growth. Even the theory that it would generate growth is very weak. The rich save (invest) their money savings from taxes. The weakness in the argument is that the investment will generate jobs and growth. Where the theory fails is the investment is in treasury bonds and other conservative investments that do not generate jobs and growth.
8
It is the investment in Financial Instruments, which do not create jobs or real economic growth. To meet the financial targets, everyone is pursuing the Walmart strategy of low cost labor, further depressing economic growth.
6
No smartphone photos of the slides in the PowerPoint presentation?
2
Professor Krugman is as much in thrall to failed or failing conventional thinking as those he ridicules. The proper model for government programs on housing, retirement, and health care does not come from Europe. The right direction for the 21st Century is the Singapore model, in every respect.
1
Charles, I hate the grammar police as much as the next person, but when you are trying to present principled arguments versus a Nobel prize winner in economics, you may want to break out your dictionary when it comes to your key word, in this case "thrall."
"Thrall" is a noun that becomes "enthrall" when used as a verb (or "enthralled" when used passively, as you have).
"Thrall" is a noun that becomes "enthrall" when used as a verb (or "enthralled" when used passively, as you have).
4
Is there freedom in Singapore?
2
Sorry, Dan88, "in thrall to" is a legitimate, grammatically correct phrase. It means "to be a slave to" or "to be controlled by."
2
Before Obamacare (also known as the Affordable Care Act), insurers were, by law, not allowed to raise rates on individual policy holders because of individual claims, but could only do so for a group or “class” of policy holders. The presumption was that a class was a large group, such as a county or state, and so the risk would be spread and premiums remain reasonable.
Since you could be in a “class” if you were a member of a group, they would make the policy applicant pay a small fee of a few dollars to join a class at the time of purchase. It was later that you would find out that your “class” was so small that seriously large claims by a few individuals would mean the premiums for that small group would rise very rapidly and without limit. As the group “aged” and there were more claims, it would price many out of the market which then made premiums go even higher. If you went to buy a policy from another company, they could exclude you for a pre-existing condition. The result was that you could not get insurance for less than the outrageous premiums the companies were able to charge to your group, whereas other members of the same group, who had no claims, could get other policies at reasonable prices since they had no pre-existing condition. The exit of these policy holders from the group would then drive the premium even higher, something the industry mockingly called a “death spiral”. This is one very good reason we need to keep and improve Obamacare.
Since you could be in a “class” if you were a member of a group, they would make the policy applicant pay a small fee of a few dollars to join a class at the time of purchase. It was later that you would find out that your “class” was so small that seriously large claims by a few individuals would mean the premiums for that small group would rise very rapidly and without limit. As the group “aged” and there were more claims, it would price many out of the market which then made premiums go even higher. If you went to buy a policy from another company, they could exclude you for a pre-existing condition. The result was that you could not get insurance for less than the outrageous premiums the companies were able to charge to your group, whereas other members of the same group, who had no claims, could get other policies at reasonable prices since they had no pre-existing condition. The exit of these policy holders from the group would then drive the premium even higher, something the industry mockingly called a “death spiral”. This is one very good reason we need to keep and improve Obamacare.
7
This the clearest plain language description of what the Republican members of Congress are trying to hide by obfuscation and trickery.
Let's quit watching the walnut shells and turn them over to observe how the ball of tax cuts for the rich is being hidden.
Let's quit watching the walnut shells and turn them over to observe how the ball of tax cuts for the rich is being hidden.
The fundamental problem with the current ACA is that it focuses mainly on providing insurance for our poorest citizens who have no political power (money). This is the main reason why Republicans even dare pass the horrific ACHA bill leaving tens of millions uninsured while ensuring massive tax cuts for their oligarch donors. Universal health coverage seems a "no brainer" but will be impossible without significant campaign finance reform to help neuter hedge fund oligarchs and insurance industry lobbyists.
6
The primary reason the Senate Obamacare replacement legislation is being crafted in secret is very simple; (im)plausible deniability.
House Republicans were caught unaware by the raucous backlash from constituents during the debate and failure of their first Obamacare replacement legislation unleashed. The only way their draconian Trump Don't Care healthcare bill passed the House was by restricting information on the bill's contents and rushing it to a vote on the House floor.
The Majority Leader Mitch McConnel and Senate Republicans were watching from the wings and decided they would apply the subterfuge of their House co-conspirators in their deliberations of their version of Trump DON'T Care health care replacement.
Fortunately, SOME conscientious and ethical moderate Senate Republicans and Democrats are raising their voices against this travesty and the likelihood Majority Leaders McConnell and his Gang of 12 will be able to reprise the House's approach is decreasing with each news cycle.
House Republicans were caught unaware by the raucous backlash from constituents during the debate and failure of their first Obamacare replacement legislation unleashed. The only way their draconian Trump Don't Care healthcare bill passed the House was by restricting information on the bill's contents and rushing it to a vote on the House floor.
The Majority Leader Mitch McConnel and Senate Republicans were watching from the wings and decided they would apply the subterfuge of their House co-conspirators in their deliberations of their version of Trump DON'T Care health care replacement.
Fortunately, SOME conscientious and ethical moderate Senate Republicans and Democrats are raising their voices against this travesty and the likelihood Majority Leaders McConnell and his Gang of 12 will be able to reprise the House's approach is decreasing with each news cycle.
6
Just another 'thank you' to Paul Krugman for his election night analysis that the US stock market would likely never recover from Donald Trump's election: "It really does now look like President Donald J. Trump, and markets are plunging. When might we expect them to recover? ...If the question is when markets will recover, a first-pass answer is never."
I took out all my money before the markets opened the next day. You may have saved my retirement Paul. No wonder people take you so seriously. I think you have been every bit as right about Obamacare as you were about the markets post-Trump election. So I certainly value your views on the GOP alternative.
I took out all my money before the markets opened the next day. You may have saved my retirement Paul. No wonder people take you so seriously. I think you have been every bit as right about Obamacare as you were about the markets post-Trump election. So I certainly value your views on the GOP alternative.
4
Your attempt at satire is best left in the hands of Jonathan Swift. The stock market BTW is not the only barometer of our economy, in fact it is irrelevant to scores of Americans.
3
It is especially irrelevant to those who took their money out of the market following Krugman's panicked, ludicrous response to Trump's election. They should form a class and sue him for posing as a sound thinker and costing them millions. Anyone who allows his prejudices and ideological preferences to so overwhelm his common sense that he would respond as Krugman did on election night is too biased to be trusted to deliver sound analysis. As an economist, he makes a nice liberal propagandist.
Oh the determination of the wicked. And no rest for them either !
How I wish the good were as determined.
And it's worse thinking how the consequences will be played in the aftermath. The Democrats should lock stock abandon the voting unless they were sure the bill would be defeated. That is if they got a look at it before voting.
What do you do when your best friend is on drugs and will not listen to reason ? Do you let him die ? No, but you have to let him suffer the consequences of his actions.
It's sad. The intentions are clear. The consequences are clear.
The best you can do is have no part of it. And let them fall until they nearly hit the floor, _hoping_ you can save them.
What else can you do ?
How I wish the good were as determined.
And it's worse thinking how the consequences will be played in the aftermath. The Democrats should lock stock abandon the voting unless they were sure the bill would be defeated. That is if they got a look at it before voting.
What do you do when your best friend is on drugs and will not listen to reason ? Do you let him die ? No, but you have to let him suffer the consequences of his actions.
It's sad. The intentions are clear. The consequences are clear.
The best you can do is have no part of it. And let them fall until they nearly hit the floor, _hoping_ you can save them.
What else can you do ?
6
That's an interesting definition of "taking" used here. What the ACHA would do is allow millions who are being fined for not buying insurance to be able to drop it without penalty. That's turning the definition of "taking" on its head, since taking normally is an act of force, but in this case, means ending the use of force.
1
Why interesting? In preemptively ending the medicaid expansion, as well as cutting $800 billion from Medicaid (according to the House version of AHCA), the bill is indeed "taking" away insurance from millions. Those that no longer meet the more stringent financial requirements for Medicaid, but who also don't make enough to afford insurance on the marketplace (particularly with the lowered subsidies that most older and rural Americans would receive), will be "forced" off their insurance plans. Likewise, millions who buy their insurance on the marketplace will also be forced off their plans, as premiums rise while subsidies decrease.
2
If your grandmother stops giving you $100 every year on your birthday is she "taking" something away from you? If the cost of a good or service is raised does that mean you are being "forced" to not buy it? In both cases the answer is no. It is only because of an incredibly entrenched entitlement mentality that you could believe otherwise.
1
That is an extremely superficial analogy Big Island. In this case, grandma is the superwealthy 1% who have been taxed a little more to pay for Obamacare, on the premise that they are part of a national economy that affords them opportunities to amass extreme levels of wealth.
So it is more like someone who has been "given" $100 by grandma every year, but has provided grandma with all sorts of labor and assistance that allows her to live at home, instead of having to pay for outside help or having to live in a nursing home.
So it is more like someone who has been "given" $100 by grandma every year, but has provided grandma with all sorts of labor and assistance that allows her to live at home, instead of having to pay for outside help or having to live in a nursing home.
1
After the Virginia shooting of congressmen, the Republican response: we need more guns so people playing baseball can defend themselves; now let's get rid of health care. Kids running bases wearing guns, letting the elderly die in the streets.... What kind of world do Republicans envision us living in?
2
Hi Dr. Krugman,
In your June 19 op-ed, you stated: "Will this banish the tax-cut zombie? Maybe — although the economists behind the Kansas debacle, who have of course learned nothing, appear to be the principal movers behind the Trump tax plan, such as it is."
I am hoping that you will name names: that you will write an essay or two on specific persons and organizations that are "the economists behind the Kansas debacle..."
Thank you.
In your June 19 op-ed, you stated: "Will this banish the tax-cut zombie? Maybe — although the economists behind the Kansas debacle, who have of course learned nothing, appear to be the principal movers behind the Trump tax plan, such as it is."
I am hoping that you will name names: that you will write an essay or two on specific persons and organizations that are "the economists behind the Kansas debacle..."
Thank you.
6
Important but saddening essay.
5
I call Republican beliefs, Idiotology. An appropriate name considering how the Base Lemmings are falling off a cliff to their doom. That is, after all, that's what they voted for.
9
It seems that I have a very different recollection of the way the ACHA was developed. Does no one else remember "they can read it after it's passed" or the legislative bribes paid to various members of Congress, or the failure to impose controls over drug prices paid for by Medicare or Medicare because many members of Congress are beholden the big pharma for various benefits the Congresspersons receive? Why am I the only person who remembers any of this?
3
None of this contradicts anything Krugman says here.
4
Maybe it does not contradict. But it means that there are a lot of zombies/vampires in the Democratic Party as well.
2
Looks like the course the ACHA is taking through the Senate mirrors the path it took through the House. Sure not going to turn out like the president's "promises" for a better, cheaper "really beautiful" plan.
Dr. David Brin, astrophysicist and science/science fiction writer, has called out the Chief Zombie, George Will, repeatedly.
Well worth reading:
http://davidbrin.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-worst-american-shares-his-pain...
Well worth reading:
http://davidbrin.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-worst-american-shares-his-pain...
2
The GOP has spread it's venom throughout the veins of some voters, causing massive dysfunction, as exemplified in the Texas legislature. Citizens don't count, it's simply a matter of shoving down their throats the police-state venue, focusing on segments of the population. Women of low-income, dark complexion, school children, reduced health care, and immigrants.
Zombies or Vampires, take your pick !
Zombies or Vampires, take your pick !
5
Excuse me but are you implying there is any difference between Zombies, Vampires and Republicans? Not in the US!
5
To be fair, the GOP isn't the only group that refuses to let empirical evidence trump political philosophy (e.g., anti-G.M.O.'s, anti-vaxxers, anti-salt groups, etc., who all ignore the overwhelming majority of scientific evidence that refutes their political views).
Even the present columnist has stuck to pro-trade economic dogma, even when decades of empirical evidence seems to be showing that workers do not readily re-allocate to new industries as theory would predict, and that the hypothetical paper gains of free trade don't seem to be completely realized in practice.
So don't be too quick to start throwing stones....
Even the present columnist has stuck to pro-trade economic dogma, even when decades of empirical evidence seems to be showing that workers do not readily re-allocate to new industries as theory would predict, and that the hypothetical paper gains of free trade don't seem to be completely realized in practice.
So don't be too quick to start throwing stones....
1
Why shouldn't the Trump and R voters get what they voted for? OK, Trump did promise no cuts to Medicaid and an insurance plan that includes everybody but maybe he was just saying what his voters wanted to hear? I think the R's in Congress were not listening.
1
"Principled Republican" is an oximoran these days. The Republican Party and its memebers have all but relinquished their humanity and sensibility to greed for power and wealth. The bad news is that an ignorant electorate can not see the damage that this Party is inflicting on this Nation. Far worse than anything that ISIS is capable of.
10
In our local paper both of Wyoming's Senators are quoted as saying that the public will have the chance to review the Senate's version of the AHCA and there will be an opportunity for amendments on the floor before it is voted on. Both are part of the gang of 13 drafting the bill.
4
How many hours to review it and propose amendments? It's already June 19, their plan isn't close to ready, and they are saying they want it to be voted on bythe end of this month.. What a sick travesty.
In the 2010 elections massive influxes of money from questionable sources gave the Republicans total control of many state legislatures. Since then, they have been working to undermine constitutional limits on majority (tyrannical) rule. We see the results.
The decline of the United States continues: when is the fall?
The decline of the United States continues: when is the fall?
5
Is there a Nobel Prize in name calling? Paul deserves it. How far are you willing to take the name calling? Do you think that by your name calling the republicans (who are fellow Americans just like you and me), they will change or more people will feel disgust with them. How far are you willing to take your disdain, your contempt for them, your portrayal of them as brainless heartless creatures the same God who created you and me, created them? Your disgust and contempt is neither healthy now useful. Go in the middle. Meet them in the middle.
4
Republicans have no interest in going to the middle. Obamacare was the middle. In fact, it was once Romneycare.
3
Sorry Jeffrey, Obamacare was not in the middle, it was a just a patch up, a band aid for a complex solution that required surgery.
"Both parties have stumbled to enact comprehensive health care reform because they insist on patching up a rickety, malfunctioning model. The insurance company model drives up prices and fragments care. Rather than rejecting this jerry-built structure, the Democrats’ Obamacare legislation simply added a cracked support beam or two. The Republican bill will knock those out to focus on spackling other dilapidated parts of the system." Says an expert.
"Both parties have stumbled to enact comprehensive health care reform because they insist on patching up a rickety, malfunctioning model. The insurance company model drives up prices and fragments care. Rather than rejecting this jerry-built structure, the Democrats’ Obamacare legislation simply added a cracked support beam or two. The Republican bill will knock those out to focus on spackling other dilapidated parts of the system." Says an expert.
Bravo!
People often forget that Julius Caesar did not get his start as dictator simply by marching in and seizing power. He got his start because the Roman Senate was completely corrupt and he came in to "save" the republic. If Donald Trump were a little more competent, he might do the same thing, but he accidentally stumbled into the strong current that could be used, in other hands, to destroy the government, and he has no idea what to do or how to proceed. Trump is our wake up call to fix the problem before someone more evil and more shrewd rides those currents into power.
6
Can't wait to see how Rep. Scalise votes on healthcare, after his multiple surgeries, long, long hospital stay, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and who knows what else, paid for by our tax money. Think he will still vote for the R health care bill? How about on guns? I bet he sees NO PROBLEM.
17
Republicans don't believe in the success of failed ideas, they know tax cuts on the wealthy are bad for the economy, they just don't care. Republicans appear to put party before country when they choose minority wealthy interests over the majority masses' interests.
Republicans know climate change is not only real but also anthropomorphic. They just don't care. Like Exxon, they hide or deny the research and facts, this time putting party before earth when they choose wealthy corporate interests over the majority masses' interests.
Republicans know climate change is not only real but also anthropomorphic. They just don't care. Like Exxon, they hide or deny the research and facts, this time putting party before earth when they choose wealthy corporate interests over the majority masses' interests.
12
Republicans continue to raise these same ideas because they are getting paid to do so. And the voters keep rewarding them at the polls. We have to stop with the nonsensical fantasy that the flyover resentment is driving all those poor, allegedly angry people into the waiting arms of politicians who care less about serving the needs of their constituents. When and how did so many people really believe that giving more monetary benefits to billionaires was a good idea? Politics must be the new state religion.
11
Principled republican politicians? Isn't that an oxymoron?
7
Jenny says: When the first group huddled around a fire grew into a permanent village, town, city, humans needed things. Fencing, housing, water pipes, standing armies (I am forcing the growth, here) and so on. All the way back to Sumeria, Babylon, ancient Egypt and right up to today. To do these things takes money, geld, moola, filthy lucre. From working people in the form of taxes. Hitch time! The large group of working people pay taxes, make money, buy stuff and the economy hums along. The very wealthy inherit, work hard to keep it and want to keep that large majority working. And they want lower taxes to keep more of their money. And stuff does not get done. It means brass in pocket .... and potholes, crumbling infrastructure, fewer forewoman and firemen. Lower taxes make no sense unless coupled with really efficient use of money. That only happens in households not government. So. Pay the taxes. The wealthy are vampires. (and they don't work as much as worry; kind of like slave owners) Jenny has spoken
4
To be clear, Trumpcare isn't about helping people. Rather, its all about denigrating the major accomplishment of America's first black president, and cutting taxes on the rich yet again. As always, the GOP is taking us in the wrong direction, and they're doing it with their trademark dishonesty, malice and arrogance.
14
Excellent points ... well said !!!
5
"But right now, it looks as if those principled Republicans don’t exist."
Really, Paul, it's too soon to say. They, too, must first read the bill before responding.
Really, Paul, it's too soon to say. They, too, must first read the bill before responding.
2
Yes, a very GRIM fairly tale. And no happy ending in sight.
3
Dr. Krugman, you've missed one essential point; which is, congressional Republicans need to pass a repeal and replacement of ObamaCare because they said they would for the past 7 years. If they don't, base support would crumble when self styled conservatives conclude that they've been had; not only by Trump but by their own congressional majority.
Visceral hatred for all things Obama is what drives these people. If they did the reasonable thing and improved the Affordable Care Act so that it worked better, the Republican base would ask, "what the hell was that all about?" Congressional Republicans don't want to have to respond to that rather embarrassing question.
Visceral hatred for all things Obama is what drives these people. If they did the reasonable thing and improved the Affordable Care Act so that it worked better, the Republican base would ask, "what the hell was that all about?" Congressional Republicans don't want to have to respond to that rather embarrassing question.
10
Maybe the Zombies have already taken over the NY Times?
1
Wow Robert from Budapest, such rigorous arguments you present in counterpoint! I'm convinced!
6
It's hard to decide what is worse; a mentally challenged President, or a Republican congress dominated by un-patriotic, un-American, and self interested men and women. The country is disappearing as we sit and watch. Have we reached the point of no return? Surely not, but one wonders how much worse things will get before the nation comes to its senses.
11
Who might these three wise men be? Perhaps a huge public letter, text, tweet, phone calls, full page ads in the News papers and lots of spot ads on T.V. requesting their aid might persuade them, might reach the small flame of Reason in their heats.
Something useful for which the DNC could use our money.
Something useful for which the DNC could use our money.
Thanks Paul for shining the light on the reason to take healthcare away from millions-- the big tax cut for the wealthy! This is not a healthcare bill never was never will be.
10
clearly the voters have a STAKE in this but they are not willing to pound it home, to get to the heart of the matter.
It is never clear from the "polls" whether 30% of the voter base or 30% of the nation still believes in trumpamerica. Denial is such a strong emotion that despite what is going on in their name, voters believe some part of the GOP is doing good. It isn't new, they have been voting against theri best interst for years and as long as religion and state are mixed in nthe political message, it will be this way.
The voters can drive home the stake and finally vanquish the vampires in the halls of congres by voting out these nutjobs, and unless and until they do, you will always have a column to write Dr Krugman.
It is never clear from the "polls" whether 30% of the voter base or 30% of the nation still believes in trumpamerica. Denial is such a strong emotion that despite what is going on in their name, voters believe some part of the GOP is doing good. It isn't new, they have been voting against theri best interst for years and as long as religion and state are mixed in nthe political message, it will be this way.
The voters can drive home the stake and finally vanquish the vampires in the halls of congres by voting out these nutjobs, and unless and until they do, you will always have a column to write Dr Krugman.
4
Below there are those who say some version of learn the facts in their disagreement with Dr Krugman without offering any to support their disagreement.
3
The Dems need to do whatever possible by whatever means possible to stop this unconscionable piece of goop being called legislation to pass. My many phone calls to my Congressman when this disaster was in the house was a joke. Half the time the phone was shut off or the mailbox full. He voted in favor of it regardless of his constituents pleas (though his staff kept saying, "the congressman hasn't decided yet"). The same will happen in the Senate. I am disgusted with the immoral and unjust actions of these zombies inhabiting space in congress. I doubt if they will wake up nor will their voters. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Definition of trickle down economics.
9
The Facts
McConnell, March 27, 2010:
“In one of the most divisive legislative debates in modern history, Democrats decided to go the partisan route and blatantly ignore the will of the people.”
McConnell, June 13:
“Unfortunately, it will have to be a Republicans-only exercise. But we’re working hard to get there.”
McConnell, Feb. 24, 2010:
“Democrats on Capitol Hill are working behind the scenes on a plan aimed at jamming this massive health spending bill through Congress against the clear wishes of an unsuspecting public. What they have in mind is a last-ditch legislative sleight-of-hand called reconciliation that would enable them to impose government-run health care for all on the American people, whether Americans want it or not.”
McConnell, June 13:
“There have been gazillions of hearings on this subject when they were in the majority, when we were in the majority, when we were in the majority. We understand this issue pretty well, and we’re now working on coming up with a solution.
McConnell, Dec. 22, 2009:
“Americans are right to be stunned — because this bill is a mess. And so was the process that was used to get it over the finish line. Americans are outraged by the last-minute, closed-door, sweetheart deals that were made to gain the slimmest margin for passage of a bill that’s about their health care.”
McConnell, June 13:
“Nobody’s hiding the ball here. You’re free to ask anybody anything.”
McConnell, March 27, 2010:
“In one of the most divisive legislative debates in modern history, Democrats decided to go the partisan route and blatantly ignore the will of the people.”
McConnell, June 13:
“Unfortunately, it will have to be a Republicans-only exercise. But we’re working hard to get there.”
McConnell, Feb. 24, 2010:
“Democrats on Capitol Hill are working behind the scenes on a plan aimed at jamming this massive health spending bill through Congress against the clear wishes of an unsuspecting public. What they have in mind is a last-ditch legislative sleight-of-hand called reconciliation that would enable them to impose government-run health care for all on the American people, whether Americans want it or not.”
McConnell, June 13:
“There have been gazillions of hearings on this subject when they were in the majority, when we were in the majority, when we were in the majority. We understand this issue pretty well, and we’re now working on coming up with a solution.
McConnell, Dec. 22, 2009:
“Americans are right to be stunned — because this bill is a mess. And so was the process that was used to get it over the finish line. Americans are outraged by the last-minute, closed-door, sweetheart deals that were made to gain the slimmest margin for passage of a bill that’s about their health care.”
McConnell, June 13:
“Nobody’s hiding the ball here. You’re free to ask anybody anything.”
5
"General public," Dr. Krugman? That's government-speak. There's either members of the government or the public. No "general."
Professor K, I disagree. Although indirectly, Donald IS the brain-dead Trampier who has created the environment in which HIS GOPpers must believe that they can pass such toxic ideology, and no one will ever notice!
Their script even includes the token few Trump-Republicans, who have expressed reservations over the process. Sure, they can't explain exactly what's wrong with something written in invisible ink! But, aren't these the same acolytes who had found Donald's past words and deeds so offensive. And then, when it was time to stand-up, they sat on their thumbs, and said: "Never mind!"
Health Care, however, has gotten voters attention! When will they realize that this dumb move--and surely others to follow--might be the last straw in sending them all home. Many of the people, who vote in the gerry-rigged districts have been thinking that it is merely a question of big city, versus small. But now, perhaps shades of Sam Brownback: Just don't mess with my Health Care!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Their script even includes the token few Trump-Republicans, who have expressed reservations over the process. Sure, they can't explain exactly what's wrong with something written in invisible ink! But, aren't these the same acolytes who had found Donald's past words and deeds so offensive. And then, when it was time to stand-up, they sat on their thumbs, and said: "Never mind!"
Health Care, however, has gotten voters attention! When will they realize that this dumb move--and surely others to follow--might be the last straw in sending them all home. Many of the people, who vote in the gerry-rigged districts have been thinking that it is merely a question of big city, versus small. But now, perhaps shades of Sam Brownback: Just don't mess with my Health Care!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Fine commentary as always. Keep it comin'!
5
The zombies, vampires and republicans have a very narrow view of what health care ought to be: they are just looking at it from domestic experience. If one sees the rest of the world, the U.S. healthcare system looks pathetic, especially lacking in efficiency. According to the Bloomberg index, the U.S. ranks 50th out of 55 countries studied. Will Republicans look at other countries when fixing the Affordable Care Act? Won't happen until hell freezes over. The AMA, the insurance companies and other vested interests are in cahoots to keep it inefficient, but financially lucrative for them. Greatest good for the greatest number? Not on your life.
6
Krugman why don't you try this once? Offer a solution to the problems with Obamacare which are played out in a State like Iowa which is running out of insurance companies willing to participate. Or are you really just the professional second guesser which you appear to be?
They do appear as Zombies in the photograph but they are themselves wealthy human beings who have excellent health care and are set to enact legislation which will enrich themselves and, incidently, their friends and family.
Call it what you will Mr McConnell is the ringleader of men grouped into a well oiled machine whose sole purpose is to legally extract as much money as they can from working class Americans who must hold two or even three jobs to make ends meet. I call it theft
Call it what you will Mr McConnell is the ringleader of men grouped into a well oiled machine whose sole purpose is to legally extract as much money as they can from working class Americans who must hold two or even three jobs to make ends meet. I call it theft
4
States are the laboratories of our democracy, and what is going on in Kansas is a laboratory which has been blown asunder by idiotic Republicans who have vaunted their limited government philosophy for too long. America, if you want to see what our nation would look like under complete conservative Republican domination look to Kansas. Like what you see? That is what Trump/Ryan/McConnell's Axis of Evil wishes for all of US. They are so blinded by their philosophy they can't come to grips with the disaster their programs would burden us should they come to fruition. What happen to the US that had bold dreams? That saw no bounds in its ability to form a more perfect Union, to ascend its greatness even further?
This Republican Trifecta should be a warning, a shot fired across the bow of our ship of state. We have tried Voodoo Reaganomics for decades. It has failed US, yet Trump and his band of Republican nincompoops wish to triple down on that disastrous course. Let US veer from Right to Left, to providing all Americans with a better life than what only the 1% enjoy.
DD
Manhattan
This Republican Trifecta should be a warning, a shot fired across the bow of our ship of state. We have tried Voodoo Reaganomics for decades. It has failed US, yet Trump and his band of Republican nincompoops wish to triple down on that disastrous course. Let US veer from Right to Left, to providing all Americans with a better life than what only the 1% enjoy.
DD
Manhattan
8
Someone should scream "pickle"!
How do "We the People" stop this? I understand a vast majority of Americans want a single payer system.
5
It doesn't matter what the American people want or need. I learned that when Bush waged war in Iraq -- and everybody in the entire world protested. It didn't matter.
5
i'm waiting to hear anything from my republican "friends" and relatives explaining this republican response to health care legislation. not a peep. even ideologues have a problem figuring out what to say.
no candidate for public office now calling himself/herself a republican deserves anyone's vote (even the ultra-wealthy voters who would get a tax cut must realize that eventually they'll lose more than they'll gain). what about repub ideologues--those who don't bother "thinking" rationally but instead just hate democrats? we'll soon find out in the heavily republican georgia 6th district congressional election.
a vote for the trump-supporting repub, karen handel, will mean to almost everyone else that repub voters cannot be relied on for anything to serve our communities, any help for other people. it's a "morality" test. we'll see.
no candidate for public office now calling himself/herself a republican deserves anyone's vote (even the ultra-wealthy voters who would get a tax cut must realize that eventually they'll lose more than they'll gain). what about repub ideologues--those who don't bother "thinking" rationally but instead just hate democrats? we'll soon find out in the heavily republican georgia 6th district congressional election.
a vote for the trump-supporting repub, karen handel, will mean to almost everyone else that repub voters cannot be relied on for anything to serve our communities, any help for other people. it's a "morality" test. we'll see.
5
The Republican Party Inc. is just trying to make a few extra bucks off of the people it is supposed to be serving.
Never trust anyone around money.
This country is seriously under protected from financial predators.
Unrelenting oversight and prosecution need to be enforced if we are to be safe from people like Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.
These people have worked tirelessly to enrich themselves at the expense of the country.
The first order of business by the new Congress was to dismantle the Ethics Committee, a blatant statement of their sinister goals.
Ethics enforcement needs to be greatly strengthened.
Those who would use their position in government to enrich themselves cannot be tolerated.
Never trust anyone around money.
This country is seriously under protected from financial predators.
Unrelenting oversight and prosecution need to be enforced if we are to be safe from people like Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.
These people have worked tirelessly to enrich themselves at the expense of the country.
The first order of business by the new Congress was to dismantle the Ethics Committee, a blatant statement of their sinister goals.
Ethics enforcement needs to be greatly strengthened.
Those who would use their position in government to enrich themselves cannot be tolerated.
10
The Republicans are sleeping with the devil, not zombies,
for the expressed purpose of dialing back Middle-Class safety nets for our aristocracy.
for the expressed purpose of dialing back Middle-Class safety nets for our aristocracy.
7
What a sad state of atrophy the GOP has turned our country into. They are so far in bed with their corporate donors, they want zero input from anyone other than those to whom they are beholden. To blatantly circumvent Senate rules and procedures so they can say they passed a "healthcare" bill by July 4th is truly un-American. Time for massive "healthcare" protests against this tax cut for the wealthy.
9
The Republicans are beginning to remind me of the Egyptians in Cecil B. DeMille's "Ten Commandments". I have someone in mind for Dathan. Certainly don't care about those in the mud pits.
1
This piece by Dr. Krugman is the best proffer for giving the AHCA the moniker “Republicare” rather than “Trumpcare.” Trump will be gone, hopefully sooner rather than later, leaving this travesty as forever the spawn of the Republican Party and no one else.
3
People wonder why that guy shot Congressman Scalise - it is because of columns like this. Democrats can't have policy debates because they know their policies are terrible, so they paint their opponents as evil, and gullible people believe them, like that shooter. This is irresponsible and wrong.
3
Democrats held extensive policy debates before the passage of the ACA with a large number of congressional hearings, town halls, and opportunities for republicans to state their views and offer amendments. But please tell me who has spent the last eight years demonizing and undermining Obamacare, rather than taking a few simple steps to improve the program for the benefit of the American people? Here's a hint: it wasn't Paul Krugman. If you don't like the charges described in the column, maybe you should try talking to your Representative and Senator about changing their behavior.
5
They are betting on stupidity. They are betting on ignorant voter enthusiasm for lower premiums, albeit likely higher deductibles, for bare-bones plans that will not be tested by actual medical need in electorally significant numbers before 2016 and 2020. They are betting the gullible outnumber the already sick, elderly and poor who will not mistake what has been done to them. This is not a national health policy. It is strictly a political calculation to wrangle a huge tax cut for the wealthy in the short term and, in the long term, to sink any notion of health care as a universal right under a wave of voter apathy and disgust with both parties.
10
Campaign finance reform would fix much that is broken in this country, we are being held hostage by the rich donor class. It is long past time to turn the spigot off with publicly funded elections and the rich paying their taxes.
10
Tax cuts let the rich spur/float/trickle the economy by investing in things like Mona Lisa.
That inspires artists to produce more of them.
That inspires artists to produce more of them.
2
Also Caribbean Islands--in keeping with HSBC investment advice:
"Buy land--they don't make it anymore."
"Buy land--they don't make it anymore."
2
Obamacare is in a death spiral. What is your solution, Paul? Shall we just keep throwing money at it until there's none left?
Medicare for all is the solution. US for-profit health care is the most expensive health care in the world.
3
If Obamacare is in a "death spiral" Timothy, you can look to Republican intransigence since it was passed to cooperate in making any modest fixes to make it work better. But don't ask me, ask the insurance companies that are pulling out of markets around the country specifically because Trump and the Republican Congress have not put up some modest subsidies for the working poor.
Obamacare already is the "conservative" version of universal healthcare, since it provides a central role for private insurers. The liberal/left/progressive version is single provider.
Obamacare already is the "conservative" version of universal healthcare, since it provides a central role for private insurers. The liberal/left/progressive version is single provider.
4
"But right now, it looks as if those principled Republicans don’t exist."
"Principled Republicans" ?
This is an oxymoron, unless you consider utter hypocrisy to by a "principle".
"Principled Republicans" ?
This is an oxymoron, unless you consider utter hypocrisy to by a "principle".
4
Hard to believe there is this much falsehood and ignorance of history in one article. It isn't even worth the time it would take to dispel all the lies and stupidity.
Go ahead and take the time and try to explain it to us.
7
The GOP has zero recognition of the poor. They believe the middle class is useful as slaves to work for the rich and pay taxes. Their health care plan makes sense for their needs. When a core member of the GOP says they are Christians, my whole body shudders. This group is foul. Their stench has spread from LA to Boston like a cancerous tumor on our nation.
5
I think both parties can agree, it's up to the rich; but, the methods remain different. Back in the day, America used to tax only the rich. But the middle class and the poor volunteered to be taxed as well. This led the rich to shove off the burden of paying for the government on the poor. And this justifies their use of the funds that they have as a result to make further investments, arguing that it creates more jobs; however, the CEO salaries have been rising exponentially over the past few decades. People are increasingly unable to keep pace with rising inflation. Wages do not match the costs of living, and the tax burden has become unbearable: rather, the tax burden should be alleviated, and the rich should continue to bear the brunt of the tax burden, not shoving it off to the middle-class, the very people that work for them. It is back to feudal society again, which makes me wonder why we ever volunteered to pay their taxes in the first place. I believe in equality, but it's a slippery slope when you offer to carry their knapsack. They will pour everything else onto you as well. (I can't blame them.)
1
You forgot the corollary to the great oxymoron of "moderate Republican" -- the Republican version of "bipartisanship." Which is basically "my way or the highway," but done with a Mitch McConnell smile (or however that facial expression can be described) and a low-volume chuckle.
In this case, it means you agree with Republican attempts to gut your healthcare and Medicaid despite the opposition of the vast majority of Americans, and in exchange Republicans will return the gesture by granting massive tax cuts to the super-wealthy 1%.
In this case, it means you agree with Republican attempts to gut your healthcare and Medicaid despite the opposition of the vast majority of Americans, and in exchange Republicans will return the gesture by granting massive tax cuts to the super-wealthy 1%.
5
"Principled Republicans" is an oxymoron.
5
People read Krugman's columns and believe that rich people mostly vote Republican. He has sold that lie for years. Most CEO's donated to Hillary (and Obama), most billionaires gave to Hillary and Obama. The Democrats are the party of the rich, they are not worried about tax cuts, they have special loopholes put into the tax code for them by Democrats. Why do you think Trump was a Democrat? Why do you think the richest people in congress are Democrats? Stop listening to the propaganda and learn the facts.
3
Okay, here are the facts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_members_of_the_United_Stat...
Your turn.
Your turn.
2
Donations to presidential candidates carry much less bang for the buck than donations to congress people. Not sure what constitutes 'rich people' to you. In most metropolitan areas an income of about $350k gets you into the 1%. The .01% requires an income of about $12.1 million. It makes total sense for people in the second group to contribute to the GOP (though I personally know many in the 1% category who think/vote the same way) . They are against progressive income taxation as they have the most to lose. Trickle down tax rates favor them immensely.
Thomas Jefferson unequivocally was in favor of progressive income taxation.
Thomas Jefferson unequivocally was in favor of progressive income taxation.
Remember when the House version of Trumpcare passed, Trump held this big victory party on the White House lawns and basically called it the best piece of legislation ever passed in the history of the country? Well that sentiment is so yesterday – now Trump thinks the House bill was “mean, mean, mean…” and wants the Senate’s stealth version to be kinder, gentler and kick a few million less working class whites off their beloved Obamacare? OK, so maybe only 20 millions Americans will lose their healthcare in Trumpcare 2.0, but those poor people on Obamacare’s lifesaving Medicaid expansion – they will be punted all the way back to the states. Trumpcare is such a misnomer – Trump really doesn’t care. He just wants to sign a healthcare bill, any bill, and check off another box on his campaign promises list.
142
Yes, and once he has completed checking off his list he can turn over the reins of government to Mike Spence and return to Trump World richer for his experience.
Zombies, vampires and also mummies: After all, they're determined to keep their health care bill under wraps until the ghastly thing is finally ready to be exposed. Also, it's likely to be about as coherent as the current Tom Cruise movie and almost certainly no more successful.
8
There will either be a tremendous backlash from the public or a whimper. A backlash my have revolutionary elements, while a whimper will signal the end of the Republic. This is where we are in America. If a evil decision is foisted on the populace that effects 1/6 of the economy then we as a people are finished. This is a defining moment in US history. Call your congressman and senator!
6
While the ACA wasn't perfect it provided so much that works and laid the foundation for incremental improvements. When I hear about the Republican plan I wonder if they've even read the ACA all the way through and understand how it uplifts the lives of many -- at the very minimum, providing a safety net against financial destruction and enabling more people to be seen for preventive care.
5
The fact is most Americans have health "insurance " either through their employer, Medicare, union or VA. They see universal health care is another giveaway to the "takers" who are not deserving recipients such as themselves. The reality hits home when they lose a job and must pay medical expenses or COBRA coverage out of pocket. It may also become reality when serious illness exhausts their insurance and they are faced with bankruptcy. The fact remains that a majority still have coverage and unless lack of coverage has a personal impact on them they will continue to support Republicans who care only about Party over the greater good.
16
That happened to my cousin who was a die-hard Republican - and always complaining about the "takers" taking their precious tax dollars (never worried about taxes paying for the bloated military industrial complex and wars). Then she became a widow. Suddenly, she needed a safety net: food stamps, medicaid, the works. She barely makes ends meet.
169
So, Zejee, I'm curious about your cousin and if she's changed her tune. Is she still a die-hard Republican? I remember, year ago, arguing with a cousin who was going to vote for Ross Perot, as she was simultaneously trying to get onto SSI disability for a bad back. "Do you think he's going to make things better for you?" Infuriatingly, it appears she'd never considered that possibility. . . and I think she probably voted for Trump because she hates, hates, hates paying taxes.
1
That reminds me of my insurance agent, a smug, comfortable and prosperous Republican gentleman (and as I discovered, a big racist to boot). He always talked about "the tyranny of the poor" --- meaning that "we" largely white and well-off upper middle class, have to take care of the irresponsible and demanding poor etc. etc. --- UNTIL his college-age daughter developed severe diabetes and nearly died. Then he realized that even with his gold-plated health insurance, he was going to eventually take a financial bath on her health care costs because she was going to be severely affected all her life. He saw the coming financial catastrophe and ran for the benefits as fast as he could. I imagine she got onto Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) and her costs thus became manageable. He was at least honest enough to admit that he was wrong about health care: when it hits you or your family it becomes clear what is at risk.
When he himself got sick with a long, insanely costly battle with heart failure before he eventually passed away, the lesson was driven home even harder: the risk of disaster that our health care system inflicts on even the most in-grouped and whitest and faithfully Republican of "us."
When he himself got sick with a long, insanely costly battle with heart failure before he eventually passed away, the lesson was driven home even harder: the risk of disaster that our health care system inflicts on even the most in-grouped and whitest and faithfully Republican of "us."
6
Who was hurt by the crash? (given barely a word here)? not the wealthy--definitely the middle class. Keeping the middle class down, unable to muster the kinds of funds that many "Corporations United" exploits, with the blow of a healthcare bill that will cause many to work til they drop without visiting a doctor to make sure their kids can... Keep the middle class down, more $$$$$$$ for the wealthy Republicans who run the party. Trump doesn't care, it's been said over and over. He's crass in is presentation. But most Republicans don't care or we wouldn't be here. The concentration of power is ALL that matters.
3
Let us all keep in mind that the people who legislate in Washington DC make at least a base pay of $174,000/yr. That's aside from tv appearances, book deals, and whatever other side hustle they have. Someone making that income doesn't have to worry about how they are going to pay for a medical bill. What is the income of the avg. person in this country? Something like $50k? And forget about the person making $30k or less whose employer likely doesn't offer health benefits.
Also interesting to note that a short time ago congress exempted itself from losing the benefits of the ACA. Wow I mean for a piece of legislation that they never miss an opportunity to disparage you'd think they'd be the first ones to eliminate it for themselves. Typical GOP hypocrisy.
Lots of luck GOP voters. Hope you enjoy the pain of Tryancare.
Also interesting to note that a short time ago congress exempted itself from losing the benefits of the ACA. Wow I mean for a piece of legislation that they never miss an opportunity to disparage you'd think they'd be the first ones to eliminate it for themselves. Typical GOP hypocrisy.
Lots of luck GOP voters. Hope you enjoy the pain of Tryancare.
6
Trickle Down Economics really does work...........for the wealthy class when they spend a few pittling thousand dollars to buy Republican Congress people that rewards them with windfall profits from favorable legislation. They call it tax cuts and deregulation.
5
Paul, the problem that the Republican Senators are trying to solve by getting rid of the ACA, is that they are trying to get rid of Medicaid without you finding out until it is too late. And it is working. Getting rid of Obamacare is a small shiny object to distract liberals. The big fish the GOP is trying to hook and gut is not Obamacare, its Medicaid. First they crush Medicaid, then they crush Medicare, then they crush Social Security...Mission Accomplished. Don't get distracted by all this Obamacare hype, the GOP has much bigger mass destruction in mind than Little 'Ol Bam Bam Care.
7
Republicans in congress are following the current Wisconsin model of Republican legislators doing everything "in the dark" - known for not including Democratic representatives in the discussions before they enact legislation. We all know that Wisconsin Republicans and the Republican Governor Scott Walker have been bought by the "Dark Brothers" - oh, I mean Koch brothers. And where is Paul Ryan from? Oh yeah, Wisconsin.
3
Power and money form a positive feedback loop. More power begets more money, and more money begets more power. We've seen this movie before, and our country has suffered grievously because of it. We must take back our country and Make America America Again. (PS, we're already great but rapidly dropping.)
2
How can Republican zombies eat conservative brains? Zombies crave living brains.
2
"Zombies" and "vampires" is good, closer to reality. But I wonder, Prof. Krugman, if you would not frame the healthcare issue in the stark terms it warrants. We have the behavioral and actuarial statistics to know that the result of AHCA is morbidity, lost productivity (DALIs) and premature mortality. So could you please set this out for us in all the gory detail so we can move from "cruel" to what the AHCA really is going to do...
...because the AHCA is going to cause premature morbidity and death among the most vulnerable. It will maim and kill people before their time. And how do you charge those who cause the death of others? Involuntary manslaughter? Manslaughter? Assault with a dangerous (legislative) weapon? Premeditated murder? First or second degree homicide?
....So what kind of murder is AHCA, that's the real question. And until we name it for what it is we put 23 million and counting American citizens at risk!
...because the AHCA is going to cause premature morbidity and death among the most vulnerable. It will maim and kill people before their time. And how do you charge those who cause the death of others? Involuntary manslaughter? Manslaughter? Assault with a dangerous (legislative) weapon? Premeditated murder? First or second degree homicide?
....So what kind of murder is AHCA, that's the real question. And until we name it for what it is we put 23 million and counting American citizens at risk!
Senator Burr and Senator McCain who supposedly carried themselves so such distinction in the matter of national security, where are they on healthcare? Or Senator Sasse Jennifer Rubin likes so much? Or Senator Susan Collin who is often referred to one of the "moderate" one?
As I always said, our current predicament is not just because of having Trump as president. More importantly, it's because of having the Republicans we have--in Congress and in the base, and all their pundits.
These may be very nice people who don't otherwise hurt or defraud people. But when it comes to politics, they have no critical or honest thinking. Even Senator McCain, a supposedly very honorable ex-serviceman, had never stood up to loudly and clearly condemned the birther lies about President Obama that Trump fabricated.
Ultimately, the Republican voters are responsible. If they don't still give Trump 80% approving rating, if don't still vote R, Mitch McConnell would not have dare doing what he is doing now.
As I always said, our current predicament is not just because of having Trump as president. More importantly, it's because of having the Republicans we have--in Congress and in the base, and all their pundits.
These may be very nice people who don't otherwise hurt or defraud people. But when it comes to politics, they have no critical or honest thinking. Even Senator McCain, a supposedly very honorable ex-serviceman, had never stood up to loudly and clearly condemned the birther lies about President Obama that Trump fabricated.
Ultimately, the Republican voters are responsible. If they don't still give Trump 80% approving rating, if don't still vote R, Mitch McConnell would not have dare doing what he is doing now.
3
The amazing part of this is that the McConnell-Ryan machine proceeds with absolutely no worry that they might create a backlash and be voted out. They know the whole thing reeks and their words are a transparent facade, but they are sure these stinks are of no consequence, and their billionaire backed PACs will get them back in, and their "sous table" payments will maintain their lifestyles.
Such blatant giving of the finger to voters indicates how far the GOP has "progressed" toward Oligarchy.
Such blatant giving of the finger to voters indicates how far the GOP has "progressed" toward Oligarchy.
5
It's hard to believe that any brain eating zombie policy continues to survive, since there does not seem to be one whole intact brain among the entire Republican caucus.
Beyond that, our best hope for the near future is that Republicans in congress appear to be moving right into perfect symmetry with their constituents in drafting, voting for and passing laws that are in opposition to their own self-interest. Just as we sat and scratched our collective heads wondering how in the world anybody could support a racist, misogynist con artist who had every intention of fleecing everybody within arm's reach, so we now now have the Secret Society of Republican Legislators who draft bills in an unlit closet, seemingly oblivious to the fact that when their constituents are screwed with their pants on they will pay the price. All in the name of tax cuts for the wealthy.
2018 can't get here fast enough.
Beyond that, our best hope for the near future is that Republicans in congress appear to be moving right into perfect symmetry with their constituents in drafting, voting for and passing laws that are in opposition to their own self-interest. Just as we sat and scratched our collective heads wondering how in the world anybody could support a racist, misogynist con artist who had every intention of fleecing everybody within arm's reach, so we now now have the Secret Society of Republican Legislators who draft bills in an unlit closet, seemingly oblivious to the fact that when their constituents are screwed with their pants on they will pay the price. All in the name of tax cuts for the wealthy.
2018 can't get here fast enough.
1
Your title is redundant; all three are synonyms for each other.
1
Banana republicans of a plutocracy, pretending to care for the working class, pushing legislation to the contrary. Same old.
1
We must all do our part to stop this bill. Call/email your Republican Senators and tell them not to vote for this bill. It is bad legislation that will harm millions of people. Call/email your Democratic Senators and tell them to withhold consent on all Senate business until Republicans hold public hearings for Trumpcare. They can also filibuster amendments on this bill.
1
Although they consistently get exasperated to the point of the proverbially exploding heads, it again points to one seemingly simple truth about GOP policies; Racism.
Anything the black ex-President approved or signed must be removed from the historical record, ala the old Soviet Union. This is really the #MAGA message.
Anything the black ex-President approved or signed must be removed from the historical record, ala the old Soviet Union. This is really the #MAGA message.
4
I just returned from a weekend in Samarang, Indonesia. A city in a country where the government is, well, let's say, less then effective. In fact, you might say the only thing the government appears to do at all is protect property rights. It's almost an Ayn Rand paradise. Every man for himself.
The streets are littered with trash. Well, it's not my problem or responsibility to clean up. The rivers operate as sewerage. If a landlord or one of their leassors want to take over the sidewalk as their dining room, well then walk in the traffic. It's survival of the fittest at its best.
The odd thing is, I had traveled from Singapore. A city that is the exact opposite. Sure the government protects the capitalist's property rights. But they also set rules and limits, regulations. You know the things that the Koch brothers hate and claim will destroy our competitive advantage.
Compare the results. Weak and corrupt government equals squalid and toxic conditions. Strong and honest leadership produces vibrant capitalism. The republicans want to destroy government. The democrats want a government that governs effectively. Hell folks, wake up!
The streets are littered with trash. Well, it's not my problem or responsibility to clean up. The rivers operate as sewerage. If a landlord or one of their leassors want to take over the sidewalk as their dining room, well then walk in the traffic. It's survival of the fittest at its best.
The odd thing is, I had traveled from Singapore. A city that is the exact opposite. Sure the government protects the capitalist's property rights. But they also set rules and limits, regulations. You know the things that the Koch brothers hate and claim will destroy our competitive advantage.
Compare the results. Weak and corrupt government equals squalid and toxic conditions. Strong and honest leadership produces vibrant capitalism. The republicans want to destroy government. The democrats want a government that governs effectively. Hell folks, wake up!
6
There would not be such a rush, and lemming like surge to repeal the Affordable Care Act if the Obama in "ObamaCare" where not a Black president.
4
Do Republicans really intend to pass Ryan/Trumpcare? By now they know the unfavorable public reaction and once passed the bill can't be kept secret. What the less-fanatic leaders would probably like to do is avoid passage of any major bill, yet move on to their real objective, tax cuts. Some Republican Senators in moderate states would be personally vulnerable if the horrible bill really passed. The issue may be up to their calculation of political survival, not conscience.
How Republicans will justify tax cuts without savings from Obamacare remains to be seen, but there is no reason to assume that they will not try, probably using the usual voodoo economics as technical justification. They have shown that they are willing to change Senate rules if necessary.
How Republicans will justify tax cuts without savings from Obamacare remains to be seen, but there is no reason to assume that they will not try, probably using the usual voodoo economics as technical justification. They have shown that they are willing to change Senate rules if necessary.
They'll pass it, and of course there is a delay of the implementation. While the delay ensues, they will fail to fund Obamacare, bringing it crashing down. They will stand before the cameras and proclaim: See! We told you it was a failure. We haven't put our plan into action yet, but when we do, oh well golly gee, it'll be so much better.
Now many of these people who voted for this will have retired from congress, others will have moved on to puffy jobs as lobbyists or consultants with conservative entities, pulling in fat checks for doing nothing. They don't really care what the results of their votes will bring. Those left behind will try to calm nerves by claiming that the plan needs time to level out and that, before you know it - PRESTO! - a miracle.
It's not going to be a miracle. It's going to be the republican party telling you that this is the best it can be. Even though its' the worst you've ever seen. Hocus Pocus that works only in the imaginations of the true believers. The rest will scramble to find treatments for major problems overseas, where prices are more palatable. Those who can't travel will simply die.
You can't stop this train wreck. And maybe you shouldn't. Maybe we need to see what, exactly, republicans want for us. I guarantee, you're not going to like it.
Now many of these people who voted for this will have retired from congress, others will have moved on to puffy jobs as lobbyists or consultants with conservative entities, pulling in fat checks for doing nothing. They don't really care what the results of their votes will bring. Those left behind will try to calm nerves by claiming that the plan needs time to level out and that, before you know it - PRESTO! - a miracle.
It's not going to be a miracle. It's going to be the republican party telling you that this is the best it can be. Even though its' the worst you've ever seen. Hocus Pocus that works only in the imaginations of the true believers. The rest will scramble to find treatments for major problems overseas, where prices are more palatable. Those who can't travel will simply die.
You can't stop this train wreck. And maybe you shouldn't. Maybe we need to see what, exactly, republicans want for us. I guarantee, you're not going to like it.
2
The contradiction for those worried about violence becoming part of US politics is that the Republicans seem to want to cause it.
The Senate is clearly working on a real "Death Panel" for the majority of the US population who are not seriously wealthy. Which leads the targets to need to defend themselves in the fast shrinking few ways open to them. The law has been changed to make legal means of overcoming gerrymandering and Presidential corruption almost completely ineffective.
And at the same time, guns are promoted as widely and as inexpensively as possible, with the most insane and illogical justifications.
As you sow, so shall ye reap.
The Senate is clearly working on a real "Death Panel" for the majority of the US population who are not seriously wealthy. Which leads the targets to need to defend themselves in the fast shrinking few ways open to them. The law has been changed to make legal means of overcoming gerrymandering and Presidential corruption almost completely ineffective.
And at the same time, guns are promoted as widely and as inexpensively as possible, with the most insane and illogical justifications.
As you sow, so shall ye reap.
3
Can congressmen who vote for this be in trouble for malpractice, or dereliction of duty?
McConnell et al is making this secretive policy to try to con/coerce their fellow congressmen into voting for it, as well as the American public.
There must be some legal action that can be taken to protect ourselves from this dirty procedure.
McConnell et al is making this secretive policy to try to con/coerce their fellow congressmen into voting for it, as well as the American public.
There must be some legal action that can be taken to protect ourselves from this dirty procedure.
1
References to "principled Republicans" continued to made, in the hope that at some point they will come forward and stop this madness. When is it going to dawn on pundits like Paul Krugman, with whom I agree on most things, that the term is an oxymoron? "Principled Republicans" don't exist.
1
"But right now, it looks as if those principled Republicans don’t exist."
I really think Republican's put party over country. Maybe somehow they think their party represents the true or best principles America was founded on or something, but if so they are some really confused individuals in so many ways.
I really think Republican's put party over country. Maybe somehow they think their party represents the true or best principles America was founded on or something, but if so they are some really confused individuals in so many ways.
2
Yet another intellectually lazy column from the once-economist. Every statement in the column is a generalization. The effects of the Clinton tax hike or the Bush tax cuts cannot be viewed in vacuums. Nor can the Obama tax hikes. It would be nice to hear some actual analysis from a Nobel prize winning economist, but this column is the last place you would ever find that.
It also takes a special kind of hypocrisy for Krugman to "credit" the Obama tax hikes for the most anemic economic recovery of the last 2 generations while ignoring that Krugman's own preferred policy to spur economic growth (the Stimulus) utterly failed.
It is equally lazy for Krugman to churn out yet another column lambasting the Republican healthcare bill (which is still in work) without addressing any specific provisions or any of the problems with the ACA that it is trying to fix. Instead, he complains about the "secrecy" of a bill that strikes me as no less secret than the one Krugman championed 8 years ago.
Maybe readers of this paper will demand more from its columnists one day. We all should in my view, both on the Left and the Right. This kind of intellectually lazy vitriol and impugning of the motives of one's political opponents does nothing to advance our common interests.
It also takes a special kind of hypocrisy for Krugman to "credit" the Obama tax hikes for the most anemic economic recovery of the last 2 generations while ignoring that Krugman's own preferred policy to spur economic growth (the Stimulus) utterly failed.
It is equally lazy for Krugman to churn out yet another column lambasting the Republican healthcare bill (which is still in work) without addressing any specific provisions or any of the problems with the ACA that it is trying to fix. Instead, he complains about the "secrecy" of a bill that strikes me as no less secret than the one Krugman championed 8 years ago.
Maybe readers of this paper will demand more from its columnists one day. We all should in my view, both on the Left and the Right. This kind of intellectually lazy vitriol and impugning of the motives of one's political opponents does nothing to advance our common interests.
3
Krugman.... for almost a decade you've argued how wonderful and successful Obamacare has been. Now its falling apart so fast, the insurance companies remaining in the individual market is quickly approaching zero. over 1/3rd of counties in the US have only ONE provider to choose from. So much for the "competition" you endlessly argued Obamacare would create. The kicker... premiums are enormous and even worse, deductibles are so sky high, (I'm talking over 5 thousand dollars on average) that people essentially don't have health insurance. They have catastrophic insurance they don't want. "25 million people losing insurance as a result of Trumpcare" is irrelevant because these people basically don't have insurance anyway. And polls show they don't want it with people choosing the paying the penalty option growing every year. Solution: eliminate state lines. Done.
1
The Republican Congress has lost all respect - if they ever had any! While our country deserves better, somehow we keep voting for these destroyers. Why? We deserve a government that actually works for us.
2
I believe in "Trickle-Down Economics" practiced by Republicans. I wear a raincoat.
1
What you said.
The one thing that I can't get past, though, is that pundits and the "polling" they refer to suggest that the GOP "plan" is "wildly unpopular".
It's curious to say the least how all of these people seem to know enough about what's in the bill that allows them to say that they don't like it, considering that 87% of the senators don't even know what's in it!
Yes, it's a safe assumption to make that the bill is something that rhymes with snap, but still, it's a stretch to say that most people have enough of a clue to say that it's no good.
The one thing that I can't get past, though, is that pundits and the "polling" they refer to suggest that the GOP "plan" is "wildly unpopular".
It's curious to say the least how all of these people seem to know enough about what's in the bill that allows them to say that they don't like it, considering that 87% of the senators don't even know what's in it!
Yes, it's a safe assumption to make that the bill is something that rhymes with snap, but still, it's a stretch to say that most people have enough of a clue to say that it's no good.
If you are an elected repulsive, you must sign on and follow the party line to a "T". Against ethics, morals, constituents, and country. Doesn't matter. They signed on. Disgusting and amoral.
2
If we study our economic history, you'll discover that zombie zero of tax cuts for the rich was Calvin Coolidge's Secretary of the Treasury, Andrew Mellon. We all know how that worked out. Now, as you note, the disastrous idea still roams the halls of Congress in the form of vampire economics that will suck the lifeblood out of health care insurance reform along with that of many of its recipients and set the stage for "massive" tax cuts for the ruling oligarchs. This is just kleptocracy by legislation that heralds the Trumpocalypse.
The biggest Zombie and Vampire in the Senate is Mitch McDonnell. He alone is sucking the blood out of the Constitution. The rest are just lapping up what's left.
1
I like the allusion to zombies. After all zombies eat the brains of their victims. Apparently these zombie Republicans have eaten a lot of brains of the people that voted for them.
2
So, you figure a headline that equates Republicans with zombies and vampires DOESN'T lead people to behave like James Hodgkinson.
Gotcha.
Gotcha.
You've also given this collection of Mensa escapees a nuclear arsenal, you know. If you bear in mind that the average nuke would kill around 5 million people, you can actually see how America nuking itself might be much quicker, simpler and cheaper.
For the life of me, I cannot figure out the mindset of Senators. To a person, all these women and men are intelligent, top drawer thinkers. They have to be to have gotten as far as they have in their positions. Yet, they act like sheep. McConnel and his henchmen say, "Do this, sign that, shut up and don't rock the boat!" And all those Senators comply. Why? Where are their brains? Oh, right. Maybe they really are zombies.
1
So far all we have from the WH and Congress is a series of actions dismantling Obama policies. Note, they aren't replacing Obama's stuff with anything, just taking a mean spirited attempt to erase Obama's presidency. Tell me racism doesn't exist.
4
Whatever Vampire Zombie assemblage emerges from congress will be signed by the Propaganda Organs as a Triumphant Accomplishment.
The damage will be postponed until 2019; We need to find a way to overturn the FAKE majorities in some of the State Legislatures, and elect enough Democrats to congress to derail the Right Wing Machine or see Amerika turn into a short lived Fourth Reich. That one will collapse of it's own economic contradictions probably in less than twelve years, but the misery will be enormous, with no way out but our own bootstraps.
They already have thugs dutifully rounding up the "Undocumented", the GOP base would cheer if they put them to herding those liberuls and feminazis (and intellectuals in general) into their camps. They have been told that we, the kind of people who read the NYT are the source of all their problems.
The damage will be postponed until 2019; We need to find a way to overturn the FAKE majorities in some of the State Legislatures, and elect enough Democrats to congress to derail the Right Wing Machine or see Amerika turn into a short lived Fourth Reich. That one will collapse of it's own economic contradictions probably in less than twelve years, but the misery will be enormous, with no way out but our own bootstraps.
They already have thugs dutifully rounding up the "Undocumented", the GOP base would cheer if they put them to herding those liberuls and feminazis (and intellectuals in general) into their camps. They have been told that we, the kind of people who read the NYT are the source of all their problems.
2
If the AHCA passes that will serve as a clear proclaimation that our democracy is dead, that patriotism is dead, that the republican gang of thugs killed it, and that that we shall have a fascist government, with a fascist dictator and our elections will henceforth be rigged by Trump’s Russian partners.
t is time to drive a stake through the heart of this GOP beast and open the windows and let the sunshine in. The popular message should be clear, honor your oaths now so you will not have to see the pitchforks and torches.
t is time to drive a stake through the heart of this GOP beast and open the windows and let the sunshine in. The popular message should be clear, honor your oaths now so you will not have to see the pitchforks and torches.
"An ignorant bystander." My, my how those words put a chill down my spine when I think of those fat, pudgy fingers on the nuclear codes, when I think of the young people who could die in more needless wars, when I think of the crazies at the local gun store purchasing more weapons to kill small children, when I think of the black name our country is getting in the rest of the world, when I think of the honest immigrants longing to have a better life, when I think of the clouds of pollution rising above the most scenic places in the world. It is much more than ignorance. It is a total disregard for other human beings and this thing is our President. SAD.
2
Everyone should keep in mind that the "American Health Care Act" has more to do with genocide over a wide spectrum of fellow Americans than healthcare. Twenty-three to twenty-eight million fellow Americans will get an earlier death through no fault of their own (unless they voted for its proponents). That death will be through malign neglect.
Compare this figure with the very expensive genocide known as the Final Solution (six million victims, including my family remaining in Europe in 1939) and the totality of Stalin's genocide/terror, Hitler's genocide, and World War II in Europe (30 million) discussed in Timothy Snyder's "Bloodlands."
No rational person--and especially nobody claiming to have any "religious" feelings (save hate of "the other") should be proud of this.
Compare this figure with the very expensive genocide known as the Final Solution (six million victims, including my family remaining in Europe in 1939) and the totality of Stalin's genocide/terror, Hitler's genocide, and World War II in Europe (30 million) discussed in Timothy Snyder's "Bloodlands."
No rational person--and especially nobody claiming to have any "religious" feelings (save hate of "the other") should be proud of this.
1
We just had politicians shot because of the dehumanizing vitriolic rhetoric of the left that has normalized such behaviors and the NYTimes allows Krugman to write this? Calling them zombies and vampires?
And Krugman needs to go back to economics school. Learn about Says Law and the Laffer Curve.
And Krugman needs to go back to economics school. Learn about Says Law and the Laffer Curve.
Go ahead McConnell, do it. Wipe 23 million people off their healthcare. No chemo for your 7 year old. No insulin for Grandma. The GOP controls the board and almost half of America, under the chronic care of Fox News, hasn't realized that The Wizard of Oz is a bunch of befuddled white men licking shiny, rich boots. Just like Donald Trump, there is no there there. No policy, no thought...only self interest for the tiniest, wealthiest trustfunders (I am looking at you Bros Koch, Rebekah Mercer, Betsy & Dick DeVos and that Walton Gang). If we have to lose everything, including our health, to break the Fox News cult...well bring it on Mitch. Let's do this.
4
Time to watch Michael Moore's "Sicko" again.
1
"So this isn’t a Trump story; it’s about the cynicism and corruption of the whole congressional G.O.P."
Yes! Yes! Yes! I've been saying this for years! Republicans in Congress are a private club in lockstep with some feverish, unrepresentational-of-the-citizenry dream of Kentuckian Mitch McConnell (boycott Kentucky! A great place to start is the Kentucky Derby).
Congressional Republican ideology is private, opaque, and beholden only to the idea of moving wealth upward as fast as possible. They don't care a fig about town halls or any citizen concerns that do not by sheer chance align with the secret master plan.
Dr. Krugman is right that Trump is an idiot bystander. Congressional Republicans know this. They know his idiocy forces him to rubber-stamp everything they put on his desk. Vote Republicans out; that's all they fear. And that latter point is why Russian election hacking is A-okay with them.
7:24 a.m.
Yes! Yes! Yes! I've been saying this for years! Republicans in Congress are a private club in lockstep with some feverish, unrepresentational-of-the-citizenry dream of Kentuckian Mitch McConnell (boycott Kentucky! A great place to start is the Kentucky Derby).
Congressional Republican ideology is private, opaque, and beholden only to the idea of moving wealth upward as fast as possible. They don't care a fig about town halls or any citizen concerns that do not by sheer chance align with the secret master plan.
Dr. Krugman is right that Trump is an idiot bystander. Congressional Republicans know this. They know his idiocy forces him to rubber-stamp everything they put on his desk. Vote Republicans out; that's all they fear. And that latter point is why Russian election hacking is A-okay with them.
7:24 a.m.
Democrats should be raising Holy Hell but despite some who are trying in the main seem strangely muted. Trump's lawyer goes on the Sunday morning talk shows to assert that Trump is not under investigation. Why haven't the Democrats gone on the Sunday morning talk shows to do a proper rant and rave about what the GOP is pulling off. That is just one area of haplessness cause there is a lot more the party could do but remain so mute.
Is this legal? And why aren't demorats (spelling intentional) screaming this on every possible news outlet? All they have to do is read from your op ed. McConnell and his low-life cronies are more than despicable. They are traitors and should be prosecuted as such by the DOJ.
1
I missed your writing a few days. I hope you were just vacationing. It seems you came back stronger than ever.
I'll add; the Republicans are Pirates raping and pillaging the nation for the wealthy.
The Republicans Chutzpah is so incredible, I can't even get upset anymore. We are just going down in flames. Say a few quick prayers.
I'll add; the Republicans are Pirates raping and pillaging the nation for the wealthy.
The Republicans Chutzpah is so incredible, I can't even get upset anymore. We are just going down in flames. Say a few quick prayers.
Note to idiots and liberals (alas....I repeat myself!): Tax cuts ONLY affect those who pay taxes! Yes, I know it's hard to follow common sense and all, but tax cuts NEVER benefit the poor because they don't pay any taxes. DUH!
Mr. Krugman, I've become convinced that Zombies have been vampires all along. They know the tax cuts will not result in growth.
They just don't care about that, me, you, us.
All they care about, to shamelessly mix my metaphors, is bloating their hoarded gold.
And damn the Republic.
They just don't care about that, me, you, us.
All they care about, to shamelessly mix my metaphors, is bloating their hoarded gold.
And damn the Republic.
Oh, Republican Party, your middle name is Hypocrisy!
1
Which group am I more likely to battle against?......a Zombie/Vampire Horde....or.......Thieves and Liars Inc.? Um?
Which is the better scenario? Country Overrun With Monsters Dining on Brains while Sipping Blood...Citizens Cower in Fear and Desperation!!! Or this scenario?
Real People Do Bad Things to Fellow Citizens....Citizens Come to their Senses, Stand Together and Throw the Bums Out!!!
One scenario empowers me...the other just frightens and horrifies me. Give me power not fear.
Which is the better scenario? Country Overrun With Monsters Dining on Brains while Sipping Blood...Citizens Cower in Fear and Desperation!!! Or this scenario?
Real People Do Bad Things to Fellow Citizens....Citizens Come to their Senses, Stand Together and Throw the Bums Out!!!
One scenario empowers me...the other just frightens and horrifies me. Give me power not fear.
1
Paul has it wrong. Zombies don't target Republicans. NO BRAINS!
Principled Republicans: Send out a search party!
1
This column continues to perform a valuable public service, by providing a handy place to go when one needs an example of smug, nasty, elitism. Krugman never fails to deliver.
Please refute Mr. Krugman's thesis, explaining why he is wrong by using examples and citing sources.
1
@ Objectivist
What is objective about your remark?
What is objective about your remark?
The passage of the republican's unhealthy care act and the Chump-in-Chief's signature will bring millions of American people into the street from sea to shining sea, leading to an electoral bloodbath in the 2018 midterm elections, that, potentially spelling the beginning of the end end of the two party's charade.
The remaining support for the Liar-in-Chief will melt, as his supporters are going to lose their health care.
Yet Chumpy will sign the bill without reading it because he despises Obama. Chump carries grudges forever. His Obama grudge began the night of the Correspondent's Dinner when President Obama mocked him from the platform. Chumpy's Obama grudge won't be satisfied until he destroys every program and plan that Obama, as president was involved in.
Did Chump kill the carefully crafted trade agreement we negotiated with every country in the Pacific, without even reading the trade agreement? Yep, and in so doing handed over the whole South Pacific to the Chinese.
The SS Fitzgerald was rammed by a huge container ship off the coast of Japan. & 7 American sailors lost their lives. Our military is investigating the crash.
I was a merchant seaman. I recollect being at the helm of a 600 ft. Great Lake's freighter, beginning to swing the vessel in the middle of the Detroit River as the fog lifted. The Captain was shouting orders what to steer as I was surrounded by freighters 50 yards away.
The Fitzgerald was not an accident!
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
The remaining support for the Liar-in-Chief will melt, as his supporters are going to lose their health care.
Yet Chumpy will sign the bill without reading it because he despises Obama. Chump carries grudges forever. His Obama grudge began the night of the Correspondent's Dinner when President Obama mocked him from the platform. Chumpy's Obama grudge won't be satisfied until he destroys every program and plan that Obama, as president was involved in.
Did Chump kill the carefully crafted trade agreement we negotiated with every country in the Pacific, without even reading the trade agreement? Yep, and in so doing handed over the whole South Pacific to the Chinese.
The SS Fitzgerald was rammed by a huge container ship off the coast of Japan. & 7 American sailors lost their lives. Our military is investigating the crash.
I was a merchant seaman. I recollect being at the helm of a 600 ft. Great Lake's freighter, beginning to swing the vessel in the middle of the Detroit River as the fog lifted. The Captain was shouting orders what to steer as I was surrounded by freighters 50 yards away.
The Fitzgerald was not an accident!
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
1
Decent metaphors for the GOP's politicians and economic policies: zombies and vampires. They keep resurrecting (or semi-animating) dead, failed policies, and pushing ones whose truth must be kept hidden by the light of day, and which suck the blood out of the body politic, and our economic system.
But what about the NEOLIBERAL Democrats? Why won't you ever face up to the fact that the party you shield from criticism also has pushed policies that have devastated middle and working-class America? Yes, this country created 20+ million jobs under Bill Clinton and 12-13 million under Barack Obama, and by objective measures, things improved compared to their predecessors.
But wages for most workers stagnated. Both under Clinton and then more radically under Obama, the government SHRANK. We experienced a massive and then worsening wealth transfer under both presidents' predecessors (Reagan & HW Bush, then W Bush), that neither Clinton nor Obama truly addressed.
And they couldn't, because of horrible neoliberal policies that continue to harm workers all over the West. Labour's new leader Corbyn, whom the media have decried, nearly took the Tories down by pushing for policies to the left of Bernie Sanders. Please--we get how bad the GOP is--so remind your colleagues in the media, who always find a way to defend them--and please, focus on the neoliberal Democrats for a change!
But what about the NEOLIBERAL Democrats? Why won't you ever face up to the fact that the party you shield from criticism also has pushed policies that have devastated middle and working-class America? Yes, this country created 20+ million jobs under Bill Clinton and 12-13 million under Barack Obama, and by objective measures, things improved compared to their predecessors.
But wages for most workers stagnated. Both under Clinton and then more radically under Obama, the government SHRANK. We experienced a massive and then worsening wealth transfer under both presidents' predecessors (Reagan & HW Bush, then W Bush), that neither Clinton nor Obama truly addressed.
And they couldn't, because of horrible neoliberal policies that continue to harm workers all over the West. Labour's new leader Corbyn, whom the media have decried, nearly took the Tories down by pushing for policies to the left of Bernie Sanders. Please--we get how bad the GOP is--so remind your colleagues in the media, who always find a way to defend them--and please, focus on the neoliberal Democrats for a change!
I think of US citizens as the country's infrastructure. As a result of the republic party's efforts to deny healthcare to many of this country's citizens, it is, in essence, causing our citizen "infrastructure" to crumble. We will be increasingly unable to compete on the world's stage as our infrastructure, i.e., our citizens health, deteriorates compared to that of the citizens of other countries. The welfare of US citizens appears to have been forgotten by the republic party and 'm sorry to say, by many Democratic politicians as well.
1
Paul, it is important to mention a critical distinction.
Zombies and vampires are members of a genus of the undead that roams the countryside converting others to the undead genus.
Republicans are well-paid, well-fed, and well-cared for members of the genus of the living that roams the countryside to prey on others with the knowledge that what they do will hurt others and in the extreme lead to conversion to the genus otherwise composed of the dead.
Zombies and vampires are members of a genus of the undead that roams the countryside converting others to the undead genus.
Republicans are well-paid, well-fed, and well-cared for members of the genus of the living that roams the countryside to prey on others with the knowledge that what they do will hurt others and in the extreme lead to conversion to the genus otherwise composed of the dead.
1
Probably the last thing on the mind of Steve Scalise the morning of June 14th, as he walked out on a baseball field was that he was seconds away from needing tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical services to keep him alive. As the Republicans caucus in the dark concocting the senate version of the AHCA, the chances of providing every citizen with this kind of coverage hovers somewhere around nil. Yes, an emergency room would have to provide a citizen/victim the same way as Mr. Scalise with one big difference; his insurance coverage won’t leave him or his survivors bankrupt.
1
The theorem that tax increases reduce the tax base and beyond some point reduce tax revenues may be "voodoo economics" to George HW Bush and Mr. Krugman, but is "micro principles" to most other economists.
Counting the 3.8% Obamacare surtax, qualified dividends are taxed at up to 23.8% at the investor level. This is on what's left over after the 35% tax on the corporations themselves, for a total effective federal tax rate of 54.0%, even before counting state and local taxes. The modern international mobility of corporations makes revenues even more responsive to tax rates than they would be in a closed economy.
It's hard to say exactly where revenues would be maximized, but my guess is that reducing the top total federal rate to 33% (say by abolishing the Obamacare surtax, adding 50% of qualified dividends to AGI, reducing the top personal rate to 33% and cutting the corporate rate to 20%) would actually increase federal revenues, and would dramatically increase state and local revenues.
That said, while it would be swell if we could reduce all marginal tax rates to 15% or lower, it's not going to happen any time soon. Pass-through business income should be taxed the same as wage and salary income, and not given a big preference as proposed by Mr. Trump. Any tax cuts should instead focus on reducing the top personal rate and the top effective rate on corporate investment.
More at http://blog.independent.org/2016/11/26/tax-reform-for-investment-income/
Counting the 3.8% Obamacare surtax, qualified dividends are taxed at up to 23.8% at the investor level. This is on what's left over after the 35% tax on the corporations themselves, for a total effective federal tax rate of 54.0%, even before counting state and local taxes. The modern international mobility of corporations makes revenues even more responsive to tax rates than they would be in a closed economy.
It's hard to say exactly where revenues would be maximized, but my guess is that reducing the top total federal rate to 33% (say by abolishing the Obamacare surtax, adding 50% of qualified dividends to AGI, reducing the top personal rate to 33% and cutting the corporate rate to 20%) would actually increase federal revenues, and would dramatically increase state and local revenues.
That said, while it would be swell if we could reduce all marginal tax rates to 15% or lower, it's not going to happen any time soon. Pass-through business income should be taxed the same as wage and salary income, and not given a big preference as proposed by Mr. Trump. Any tax cuts should instead focus on reducing the top personal rate and the top effective rate on corporate investment.
More at http://blog.independent.org/2016/11/26/tax-reform-for-investment-income/
1
One theory says that before the American people "wise up" they have to personally suffer the effects of a disaster under the Republicans.
What happens to somebody else is irrelevant. What happens to them, as individuals, is the only thing that matters. They have to feel the pain in their own lives before it becomes real for them.
SAD. Unnecessary. If the theory is true, things have to get much worse before they will get better. Think of the Great Depression. The question is whether we need to suffer through another such Great Depression before people "get it." If we keep electing Republicans, we will (not may) get to test the theory.
What happens to somebody else is irrelevant. What happens to them, as individuals, is the only thing that matters. They have to feel the pain in their own lives before it becomes real for them.
SAD. Unnecessary. If the theory is true, things have to get much worse before they will get better. Think of the Great Depression. The question is whether we need to suffer through another such Great Depression before people "get it." If we keep electing Republicans, we will (not may) get to test the theory.
4
Not long ago, in a fit of surprising good sense and cross party collaboration, the Trump attempt to roll back rules obliging stock brokers to represent the interests of their clients was soundly rejected. Could we not have a similar rule requiring that elected officials also represent the interests of their constituents --all of their constituents and not just the wealthy and vested interests that pay to keep them in office and turning out malignant legislation like the AHCA and promised tax reform?!
5
Low taxes on the rich are the key to prosperity.
Cut taxes on the corporations to improve the economy and jobs
What they actually mean is:
Low taxes on me is the key to my prosperity.
Cut taxes on my corporation to improve my economy
Anything after "cut taxes [for me]" is simply window dressing for the masses who after hearing it repeated enough believe it to allow the wealthy what they want. Just like keeping things hidden means I am getting what I want. If it good for others I wouldn't have to hide it.
Cut taxes on the corporations to improve the economy and jobs
What they actually mean is:
Low taxes on me is the key to my prosperity.
Cut taxes on my corporation to improve my economy
Anything after "cut taxes [for me]" is simply window dressing for the masses who after hearing it repeated enough believe it to allow the wealthy what they want. Just like keeping things hidden means I am getting what I want. If it good for others I wouldn't have to hide it.
5
Mr. Krugman writes lucidly and most NYT readers would agree with his conclusions. What tool of persuasion is there for the Republicans who support their party right or wrong when the GOP in Congress and the Senate is absolutely set on delivering tax cuts to the rich through repeal of the ACA at the cost of the lives, health, and economic survival of the poor and middle class? Since January 20, 2017 only the courts, career civil servants (e.g. in the FBI), and a few newspapers and news programs have kept the focus on defending the constitution and preserving the social services and civil liberties gained after decades of effort. Will they be sufficient and will they prevail against the GOP's deliberate tactic of obscuring what it's now doing in the Senate?
6
Government policy and legislation by secret. An outright assault on safety net programs via a savage budget designed for the 1%.
In the coming months expect the GOP to move legislation thru Congress quietly, to rescind rules and regulations necessary to protect consumers and public education. It is happening now.
Our attention is drawn to a despot in chief and all his naked abuses of power. This works in favor of the GOP because they can operate in the shadows and slowly destroy any policies or regulations that get in the way of big banks, financial institutions or low life predatory lenders. It is happening right before our eyes, but our eyes are diverted in the other direction.
The only thin layer of protection to this outrageous attack on our civil liberties, financial protection and health care is a free press.
Right now, that protection is only exposing the abuse, but not stopping it!
Those that have put trump and the GOP in power see little reason to stop this assault and until they do, this slow painful cancerous death of our democracy will continue unabated.
I fear we are approaching or have already passed a point of no return in which "We the People" will lose any voice in our government.
As long as trump plays to his base,and the base continues to support him, the GOP is safe to continue raping this country of all policies that benefit the people of this country. It is happening right before our eyes.
In the coming months expect the GOP to move legislation thru Congress quietly, to rescind rules and regulations necessary to protect consumers and public education. It is happening now.
Our attention is drawn to a despot in chief and all his naked abuses of power. This works in favor of the GOP because they can operate in the shadows and slowly destroy any policies or regulations that get in the way of big banks, financial institutions or low life predatory lenders. It is happening right before our eyes, but our eyes are diverted in the other direction.
The only thin layer of protection to this outrageous attack on our civil liberties, financial protection and health care is a free press.
Right now, that protection is only exposing the abuse, but not stopping it!
Those that have put trump and the GOP in power see little reason to stop this assault and until they do, this slow painful cancerous death of our democracy will continue unabated.
I fear we are approaching or have already passed a point of no return in which "We the People" will lose any voice in our government.
As long as trump plays to his base,and the base continues to support him, the GOP is safe to continue raping this country of all policies that benefit the people of this country. It is happening right before our eyes.
2
Baloney.
The same thing happened with Obamacare. It wasn't made public until the day of the vote.
The same thing happened with Obamacare. It wasn't made public until the day of the vote.
After a year of open debate and a panel of both parties working out differences. What is taking place now is outrageous because what took over a year to craft is now being done by the GOP in weeks. Now that's Baloney!!
Citizens United, Rupert Murdoch, Grover Norquist. The perfect storm. The pledge, which apparently is more binding than the oath of office for every Republican Congressman, the network by which the failed policies are disseminaated, lauded and defended, and the capital to pay for that dissemination. The poll numbers on how many Americans trust Trump or favor his impeachment are irrelevant. The only solution will be to "re-educate" those poor brainwashed souls who have been convinced they're surrounded by enemies--Muslims, liberals, LGBTQs, and who are able to access "news" that supports their views and ignore outlets and stories that don't. Otherwise there will always be a core of dissafected Americans ready to form the nucleus of any deceptive "populist" movement headed by those with access to the aforementined resources. I don't know how to do that, though, and I'm almost glad that I may not be around to see the outcome. because I'm no longer optimistic.
3
One reason the zombies don't revise their counter-factual dogma is that they are significantly funded at the campaign level and think tank level by wealthy right-wingers who benefit personally from this supply side nonsense in the form of tax cuts.
Don't underestimate the cynicism of the zombies. They don't need to believe this nonsense to promote it. They need to satisfy their benefactors.
Follow the money.
Don't underestimate the cynicism of the zombies. They don't need to believe this nonsense to promote it. They need to satisfy their benefactors.
Follow the money.
3
I have to say, the AHCA is one of the cruelest laws ever passed in the United States, but isn't nearly as heartless as the English Poor Law Amendment of 1834. Perhaps the worst, but I don't know if it was a statute or just a government regulation, was the Magdalen Laundries policy in Ireland. I think both of those are policies which the Republican leadership would relish having a chance to put into effect in the United States.
1
Obamacare was the cruelest law ever passed. It kicked millions off their health insurance, and made everyone else's insurance so expensive they could not afford to use it. And it was so bad that now most Americans have no choices in purchasing health insurance, it created monopolies that benefit the insurance companies. That is why they gave so much money to Obama.
1
I am surprised that the Byzantine rules of the Congress allow for such a major piece of legislation to be enacted in the dark.
1
Wisdom delivered with the bite of wit. Thank you, Prof. Krugman.
1
A line from the indomitable Nancy Mitford, about the House of Lords:
"Why do they call them die hards? Because it takes them so long to die."
"Why do they call them die hards? Because it takes them so long to die."
Yeah, neither the House or Senate bill is about fixing healthcare, or making things better for the majority of Americans. Both are bills are all about McConnell and Ryan delivering a "Win" for Trump to try and keep the base motivated for 2018. What a sham. I am so ashamed of our Government!!!
1
I enjoyed Professor Krugman Paul's fable about voodoo economics featuring zombies and vampires.
Another good story is Tinker Bell Economics practiced by liberals like Mr. Paul. You know Tinker Bell, Peter Pan's sidekick who sprinkled fairy dust all over fantasy to freshen up reality.
Tinker Bell Economists pretend, thanks to fairy dust, that a $20Trillion debt is not real. Neither is the $587Billion deficit last fiscal year, or the $500-600Billion deficit this year. Much less the $437Billion in INTEREST on the debt. A little fairy dust makes our $500Billion trade deficit a feel good fantasy. And the $3.2Trillion health care debacle is just a minor headache - take two aspirin and get some bed rest. The student loan debt? Aw, kids are the future, a little debt will teach them fiscal responsibility. 43Million living in poverty - most of them are deplorables who didn't see the wisdom of accumulating career crippling student loans. Besides, if we would declare a tax holiday for the $3Trillion in obscene corporate profits parked offshore, there would be enough money to stretch from The Hamptons to Hollyweed.
In Tinker Bell Economics, the only reality is that all woes are the fault of those Captain Hook Republicans. If we could prod them to walk the plank in the next two elections, all would be fairy dust and fantasy in Never-Never Land.
Another good story is Tinker Bell Economics practiced by liberals like Mr. Paul. You know Tinker Bell, Peter Pan's sidekick who sprinkled fairy dust all over fantasy to freshen up reality.
Tinker Bell Economists pretend, thanks to fairy dust, that a $20Trillion debt is not real. Neither is the $587Billion deficit last fiscal year, or the $500-600Billion deficit this year. Much less the $437Billion in INTEREST on the debt. A little fairy dust makes our $500Billion trade deficit a feel good fantasy. And the $3.2Trillion health care debacle is just a minor headache - take two aspirin and get some bed rest. The student loan debt? Aw, kids are the future, a little debt will teach them fiscal responsibility. 43Million living in poverty - most of them are deplorables who didn't see the wisdom of accumulating career crippling student loans. Besides, if we would declare a tax holiday for the $3Trillion in obscene corporate profits parked offshore, there would be enough money to stretch from The Hamptons to Hollyweed.
In Tinker Bell Economics, the only reality is that all woes are the fault of those Captain Hook Republicans. If we could prod them to walk the plank in the next two elections, all would be fairy dust and fantasy in Never-Never Land.
Today's oxymoron is "principled Republican." Dr. Krugman suggests that President Trump is "just an ignorant bystander." Yes, but he is willfully and willingly so, and therefore no less accountable for the health care debacle it will create, when signed by him, for tens of millions of Americans.
The president neither knows nor cares anything about policy or legislative substance. "Kill Obamacare" is as deep as his thinking goes, exactly along the lines of "Kill Cuban rapprochement," "Kill the Paris Accord," and kill all and anything else associated with President Obama for no other reason than that he is Obama, to be hated because he is so much better a president, and man, than Trump could ever imagine even in his wildest dreams.
The president neither knows nor cares anything about policy or legislative substance. "Kill Obamacare" is as deep as his thinking goes, exactly along the lines of "Kill Cuban rapprochement," "Kill the Paris Accord," and kill all and anything else associated with President Obama for no other reason than that he is Obama, to be hated because he is so much better a president, and man, than Trump could ever imagine even in his wildest dreams.
236
McConnell will go down in history oas one of the worst, meanest senators.
Deservedly so.
Deservedly so.
12
The Republicans are additionally, Pirates that are pillaging the nation for their "Captains of Industry" and ilk, and burying the treasure in foreign ports.
4
Principled and Republican just do not go together at all.
My Grandfather was a lifelong Republican. I never understood why since he was a child of the Great Depression and fought Nazis at the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.
However, he was the sane, centrist Eisenhower Republican type, something that does not exist any more. There is no way tom know for sure if he would change his party identification were he with us today, but it is a positive that he would not support what the party is doing to our great country and our people.
My Grandfather was a lifelong Republican. I never understood why since he was a child of the Great Depression and fought Nazis at the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.
However, he was the sane, centrist Eisenhower Republican type, something that does not exist any more. There is no way tom know for sure if he would change his party identification were he with us today, but it is a positive that he would not support what the party is doing to our great country and our people.
3
Oh those horrible, awful, cruel heartless republicans...they want to fix ACA. And by doing so, some people will lose their subsidies. OMG, millions will now die. I wonder where was the outcry from 1776 to 2010? We went 234 years without government control of healthcare. I guess billions died during that time frame but we never heard anything about it.
3
Yes, they did, and, if you didn't hear, you weren't paying attention.
7
Harry - So you are saying billions died? Be serious. The people were much happier with health care before Obamacare than they are now.
1
Yes, so let's just continue the trend of people dying unnecessarily because that's the way it's always been done.
1
The entire Republican party lacks principles? Give me a break. A far more reasonable explanation is that Krugman is hyper partisan who can't get his head around the principles that guide his opponents. We'd all be better off oif we first tried to see the world from others' perspectives.
1
At about $1 billion per month saved divided by about 20 million uninsured, the blood suck nets out to about $50 per month per uninsured person. Surely our society can afford this investment to prevent 40,000 extra deaths and billions in lost productivity and added disability every year. Surely Republican senators can understand this and do the right thing. If not we have to ask ourselves why and act accordingly in future elections.
1
Truth be told. Just last week, Paul Ryan emoted, an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us (note by us he means congresspeople, lawmakers).
"King wrote in his letter from the Birmingham jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Heschel suggests that we should be mortified by the inadequacy and superficiality of our anguish when we witness the suffering of others, the sort of anguish that should make us weep until our eyes are red and swollen and bring sleepless nights and agonizing days. He writes, “We are a generation that has lost the capacity for outrage.” https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/19/opinion/is-your-god-dead.html
Further, “Make America Great Again” is a call for law and order buttressed by a white nativist ideology. The lie on which the Holocaust began is still with us....At least in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, it is believed that human beings were created in the image of God. Not just the faithful of these religions, but all humans: Syrian refugees, whom our current administration have deemed threats, were created in the image of God. Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, members of the Ku Klux Klan and Bashar al-Assad all were created in the image of God. So even as we ask God to bless America, surely we must ask God to bless those whom we have deemed threats or enemies. Our blessings must be scattered across the entire world, inclusive of all of humanity."
Note to Paul Krugman, Republicans too were created in the image of god.
"King wrote in his letter from the Birmingham jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Heschel suggests that we should be mortified by the inadequacy and superficiality of our anguish when we witness the suffering of others, the sort of anguish that should make us weep until our eyes are red and swollen and bring sleepless nights and agonizing days. He writes, “We are a generation that has lost the capacity for outrage.” https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/19/opinion/is-your-god-dead.html
Further, “Make America Great Again” is a call for law and order buttressed by a white nativist ideology. The lie on which the Holocaust began is still with us....At least in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, it is believed that human beings were created in the image of God. Not just the faithful of these religions, but all humans: Syrian refugees, whom our current administration have deemed threats, were created in the image of God. Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, members of the Ku Klux Klan and Bashar al-Assad all were created in the image of God. So even as we ask God to bless America, surely we must ask God to bless those whom we have deemed threats or enemies. Our blessings must be scattered across the entire world, inclusive of all of humanity."
Note to Paul Krugman, Republicans too were created in the image of god.
1
Xenophanes [Greece, 6th century BCE]: “Ethiopians have gods with snub noses and black hair, Thracians gods with gray eyes and red hair,”and remarked, “But if oxen (and horses) and lions had hands or could draw with hands and create works of art like those made by men, horses would draw pictures of gods like horses, and oxen of gods like oxen, and they would make the bodies [of their gods] in accordance with the form that each species itself."
Devastatingly clear, succinct, reasonable reasoning.
Yet another reason to deep-six it, Mitch, you son of a greedy party.
Yet another reason to deep-six it, Mitch, you son of a greedy party.
Why, exactly, are the citizens of our nation supposed to simply do without healthcare, when every other advanced nation in the world provides it?
Why? Because we so desperately need more work on the F-35? Because war hasn't already cost us enough? Because if we're earning too little and the health insurance companies are demanding amounts that few people can pay, that's just our own faults and we'd better suck it up?
We're already putting up with doctors visits that cost $200 and that give us roughly 7.5 minutes of a doctor's attention, which results in too many failed diagnoses or non-diagnoses. That alone has led to worse care. So why is this deemed not to be a problem?
Why? Because we so desperately need more work on the F-35? Because war hasn't already cost us enough? Because if we're earning too little and the health insurance companies are demanding amounts that few people can pay, that's just our own faults and we'd better suck it up?
We're already putting up with doctors visits that cost $200 and that give us roughly 7.5 minutes of a doctor's attention, which results in too many failed diagnoses or non-diagnoses. That alone has led to worse care. So why is this deemed not to be a problem?
2
"Conservatives with conscience"--apparently they do not exist, despite reports to the contrary in your paper as in many others (for balance's sake).
2
Our country will not see improvement until the give and take process returns to Capitol Hill. The GOP obstructed everything when Obama was in office and now the Dems obstruct everything from the Trump administration. We use words like zombies, vampires, maniac and a lot worse on a daily basis. Nothing gets done....Nothing.
The GOP controls the field in every elected office from state legislatures all the way up to the White House. At some point the Dems may figure out that you cant win campaigns based on selling the negative about the GOP. Construct a simple platform, and stick with that platform, and eliminate the constant hate talk. One more thing...the Dems are always saying they are the "smart" party. More educated and open minded, yet they cant win an election for dog catcher. You want the smart label...Prove it, and win something!
The GOP controls the field in every elected office from state legislatures all the way up to the White House. At some point the Dems may figure out that you cant win campaigns based on selling the negative about the GOP. Construct a simple platform, and stick with that platform, and eliminate the constant hate talk. One more thing...the Dems are always saying they are the "smart" party. More educated and open minded, yet they cant win an election for dog catcher. You want the smart label...Prove it, and win something!
1
Exactly what have the Democrats obstructed since January 20? A couple of hearings for eminently unqualified cabinet appointees. Everything else that has slowed to a crawl is due to the incompetence of Trump's administration--putting together unconstitutional EOs and failing to recruit and nominate people for key positions is not obstruction by the faithful opposition, it's chaos by the party in power.
Remember, trump finally realized that health care is complex and he doesn't do complex. he is far to lazy and incapable of doing the hard work necessary to develop a plan. anything that cuts his taxes is ok by him also. despite being a racist, he doesn't think to well of whites that aren't rich - obvious LOOSERS. let the poor die off, then America will be great again - at least in some sick minds.
Are there three 'reasonable republicans' who might stop the ACHA idiocy? Of course not. Reasonable and republican parted ways decades ago. The GOP is the party of zombies and vampires indeed.
1
Zombies and Vampires? How about vermins.
There is a big push by scientists to understand what a complex system is (Ants, Economics, Congress, Immune System, ACA) it would seem reasonable to say that if the overarching "axioms" are not viable, then the system will collapse (read -> Titanic going down).
So, mantras such as lower Taxes, Less Government, everything is local, Guns without control, an enterprise is a voting "citizen", etc, "erected" as supposedly crucial precepts for a vibrant country, will take us down because they are not true. The evidence does not support the claims (such as trickle down economics as Krugman points out)
They are NOT the "axioms" that make a democracy vibrant.
One thing is for sure, you can kill any complex system involving human by continually repeating mantras such as the ones seen above.
On the other hand, Mantras like Equality for all, Health care for all, Respect for all, first do no harm, are not sexy enough because then you do not get necessarily reelected. You get more mileage for yourself by being contrary than by honoring and supporting the Common Good.
With many "idiots" who "knew" there was a difference between Affor. Care Act and Obamacare, (one was peddled by a black person) when, in fact, ACA=Obamacare, I think the Titanic is on its way down.
There is a big push by scientists to understand what a complex system is (Ants, Economics, Congress, Immune System, ACA) it would seem reasonable to say that if the overarching "axioms" are not viable, then the system will collapse (read -> Titanic going down).
So, mantras such as lower Taxes, Less Government, everything is local, Guns without control, an enterprise is a voting "citizen", etc, "erected" as supposedly crucial precepts for a vibrant country, will take us down because they are not true. The evidence does not support the claims (such as trickle down economics as Krugman points out)
They are NOT the "axioms" that make a democracy vibrant.
One thing is for sure, you can kill any complex system involving human by continually repeating mantras such as the ones seen above.
On the other hand, Mantras like Equality for all, Health care for all, Respect for all, first do no harm, are not sexy enough because then you do not get necessarily reelected. You get more mileage for yourself by being contrary than by honoring and supporting the Common Good.
With many "idiots" who "knew" there was a difference between Affor. Care Act and Obamacare, (one was peddled by a black person) when, in fact, ACA=Obamacare, I think the Titanic is on its way down.
We can always count on Mitch "The Obstructer" McConnell to exploit rules which stop progress in The Senate and in The United States of America.
The man is simply a menace.
The man is simply a menace.
3
Dear Mr. Krugman,
You left out "Werewolves".
This neglected group feeds on the 'body politic' and include;
a. Investment bankers
b. Pharmaceutical companies
c. Lobbyists
d. Super Wolves, er, excuse me, Super PAC's
e. The One Percent.
The voters don't count, the 99% certainly don't count (Heck, they don't even own ONE yacht much less three or four) and the zombie/vampire party, the GOP, exists to serve a. through e.
I'm sure, if the head vampire, Count McConnell, could have his way, "healthcare" for anyone besides themselves would disappear at dawn and no longer be a problem.
But, alas, the Democrats brought it to everyone's attention years ago and the Bill that will be passed will be "fresh from the grave", stinking, rotten and really deserving to be buried once more.
It would be amusing if this were a 1930's movie.........
You left out "Werewolves".
This neglected group feeds on the 'body politic' and include;
a. Investment bankers
b. Pharmaceutical companies
c. Lobbyists
d. Super Wolves, er, excuse me, Super PAC's
e. The One Percent.
The voters don't count, the 99% certainly don't count (Heck, they don't even own ONE yacht much less three or four) and the zombie/vampire party, the GOP, exists to serve a. through e.
I'm sure, if the head vampire, Count McConnell, could have his way, "healthcare" for anyone besides themselves would disappear at dawn and no longer be a problem.
But, alas, the Democrats brought it to everyone's attention years ago and the Bill that will be passed will be "fresh from the grave", stinking, rotten and really deserving to be buried once more.
It would be amusing if this were a 1930's movie.........
1
"the Affordable Care Act went through extensive discussion, and Democrats were always very clear about what they were trying to do and how they were trying to do it" Really Paul? Is lying transparency? Was it transparent for the President to repeatedly tell people that they could keep their insurance and doctor? Jonathan Gruber, one of the principal architects o the ACA admitted that they lied to the American people in order to pass the bill.
the vampires and zombies are controlled by the target of the "witch hunt"
the evil Witch
the evil Witch
Dr. Krugman dubs Donald Trump as “just an ignorant bystander” in the rush to bring forward the Senate’s plan to replace the Affordable Care Act. However, in my view, Trump will be entirely culpable for whatever he signs. Why? First of all, he knows that the House version is “mean” and a “son of a b—-h,” according to senators with whom he met last week. He knows, therefore, that whatever Congress passes has no resemblance to the healthcare he promised on the campaign trail. Secondly, he’s wedded to the tax cuts for the wealthy that come from repealing the Affordable Care Act — they’re a component of his tax reform plans under which he is a significant beneficiary. If Trump’s annual income is anything what we saw in his 2005 federal tax return — the only year the public has seen — Trump would rack up $1.5 million in tax savings just from repeal of the ACA https://nyti.ms/2pdMj4j Granted, that’s only 1% of the $153 million in income he reported that year, but he will undoubtedly grab that money with both hands. Trump is vampire-in-chief.
2
Calling on Collins, Graham and McCain to save America, again.
1
Rumor that Mattis and Tillerson have decided to basically ignore Trump "because he is not in charge" makes sense. Who is in charge? Bannon? Jared? or Congress? Hard to say as it is all, at this point, a confusing mess.
The smirks on McConnell and his comrades are sickening to see. Ryan has a perpetual smirk except when he appears totally stressed out. A madman strikes out against GOP ball players and Ryan and Pelosi make a horrible, false, display of unity. We have a keystone cops congress who should be our hope for sanity but they fail to do anything but rape and pillage on behalf of Koch, Walton's, Mercer's, etc.
A beautiful, young Muslim girl is beaten to death and I attribute this and other horrible, racist acts to the hate and fear mongering by Trump, GOP Congress, hate radio, Fox News, and the ugly alt-right.
Reclaiming our country from this madness needs to be our focus now. Bloomberg, a Republican, seems altogether too rational to actually be a Republican. Maybe he can mount a credible 3rd party effort. Democrats seem confused and leaderless. Perez does not inspire confidence.
The smirks on McConnell and his comrades are sickening to see. Ryan has a perpetual smirk except when he appears totally stressed out. A madman strikes out against GOP ball players and Ryan and Pelosi make a horrible, false, display of unity. We have a keystone cops congress who should be our hope for sanity but they fail to do anything but rape and pillage on behalf of Koch, Walton's, Mercer's, etc.
A beautiful, young Muslim girl is beaten to death and I attribute this and other horrible, racist acts to the hate and fear mongering by Trump, GOP Congress, hate radio, Fox News, and the ugly alt-right.
Reclaiming our country from this madness needs to be our focus now. Bloomberg, a Republican, seems altogether too rational to actually be a Republican. Maybe he can mount a credible 3rd party effort. Democrats seem confused and leaderless. Perez does not inspire confidence.
1
Zombies. vampires and republicans aren't they one in same when it comes to the too stupid to be laughed at middle class voter is concerned.
Zombies, Vampires and Republicans? Makes sense, Krugman, like many Democrats, wants Republicans to join the ranks of the dead.
Fellow Americans will die.
If this sits well with you, then so be it.
If this sits well with you, then so be it.
2018 will be here before you know it, Republicans.
The depths to which the publicans have sunk is beyond belief.
"G.O.P. Remember, it would take just a few conservatives with conscience — specifically, three Republican senators — to stop this outrage in its tracks."
*******
Well, Diogenes will have to keep walking. Being honest and upfront about something that is very wrong is hard to do when you might be voted out of office and the rich perks it offers when you stand up to wrong.
*******
Well, Diogenes will have to keep walking. Being honest and upfront about something that is very wrong is hard to do when you might be voted out of office and the rich perks it offers when you stand up to wrong.
Donald Trump will sign any law put in front of him that will undo the Obama legacy. He is patient zero for Obama Derangement Syndrome, a condition whose symptoms include resentment, jealousy, and spiteful retribution.
DT's political claim to fame was pathetic birtherism. Trump's "campaign" hired a casting agency to pay extras $50 to clap as he delivered his announcement of candidacy. Are there no political party standards for a person who is allowed to run for the highest office in the country? The candidate at least needs to have held a significant position in government and to have been a member of the party for five years.
Doesn't matter to the President what the new bill might say or do. As long as it's presented to him in a leather menu type folder that he can sign, hold it up for approval all the while getting the chance to improve his Mussolini defiant look, he'll consider it a huge success.
As usual McConnell will croak that he's doing it for "the American People"....even if they have no clue what it is he's doing. Despicable.
1
I'm reminded of Phillip Knightly who, when he was at the Times of London, wrote a cautionary memorandum in 1983 when the newspaper was on the verge of publishing the Hitler "diaries." Concerned that the paper was making the same mistake it had made fifteen years earlier when it acquired an equally bogus "diary" of Benito Mussolini, he wrote: "The crux of the matter is that secrecy and speed work for the con man." And, apparently, for Republican legislators as well.
Perfect analysis of the facts, as always, since Professor Krugman is a brilliant person, and I am not being the least bit sarcastic when I say that. But, he is curiously unaware of the deep structure of human behavior which underpins all of the wars now playing out in our deeply divided nation. Without such understanding, there can be no hope of fixing our broken world.
At the deepest level there is really only one narrative, most perfectly expressed in French: Solitaire ou Solidaire. Hatred, war, and annihilation are at least as much a part of human nature as love and kindness, and I would say that they are far, far stronger when it comes to between-group behavior, meaning how groups treat each other.
The battlefield Professor Krugman describes so brilliantly is not, at its deepest level, animated by the greed of a few. Rather, it is powered by the hatred of the many towards the many others in our midst. We are not really one nation of 300 million, but instead ten million nations of thirty.
As the female character in the childhood fable, A Wrinkle In Time, finally realizes, you cannot in the long run defeat hatred by more hatred. You can only overcome it, as Mother Teresa and Pope Francis have both said, by an even greater love.
Finding that path, and embracing it, are our only real hope. All the rational discussions in the world, by themselves, will never suffice.
At the deepest level there is really only one narrative, most perfectly expressed in French: Solitaire ou Solidaire. Hatred, war, and annihilation are at least as much a part of human nature as love and kindness, and I would say that they are far, far stronger when it comes to between-group behavior, meaning how groups treat each other.
The battlefield Professor Krugman describes so brilliantly is not, at its deepest level, animated by the greed of a few. Rather, it is powered by the hatred of the many towards the many others in our midst. We are not really one nation of 300 million, but instead ten million nations of thirty.
As the female character in the childhood fable, A Wrinkle In Time, finally realizes, you cannot in the long run defeat hatred by more hatred. You can only overcome it, as Mother Teresa and Pope Francis have both said, by an even greater love.
Finding that path, and embracing it, are our only real hope. All the rational discussions in the world, by themselves, will never suffice.
Can the Gop hold the congress after this atrocity? Will they go too far this time treating Americans like trash?
This Gop congress is just play acting democracy and really belong in a dictatorship run by oligarchs. I know just the place! Deport the Republicans to Russia. The oligarchs will finance their relocation and welcome them with vodka toasts.
But just because the Gop is a criminal class, PK, don’t habitually idealize the Dems either. Sure they passed ACA with plenty of sunlight, and discussion, but it was still Lousy---a transfer of our taxes to subsidize insurance profits to expand the insured. Really the world’s most expensive h/c system, burdening millions with rising premiums, and leaving out millions. So for this the Dems are lauded as saviors.
You're so busy slamming the Gop Mafia, that you can’t tell the truth about the Dems. They are ALSO tethered to big insurance/pharma. They’ll have to get millions from those same sources to beat Trump---or whoever is in office in 2020. They must stick to policies their big donors set.
Sure the Gop is a criminal enterprise and as such is a centrist Democrat’s dream.
What’s the political soil that lets the Gop use health care as a big profit center and share in the proceeds of tax cuts? No TV news show or NY Times columnist ever discusses how Medicare for All or a public option or regulated premiums would work. Or how dozens of h/c plans work abroad. Verboten topics? What are they afraid of? Something.
This Gop congress is just play acting democracy and really belong in a dictatorship run by oligarchs. I know just the place! Deport the Republicans to Russia. The oligarchs will finance their relocation and welcome them with vodka toasts.
But just because the Gop is a criminal class, PK, don’t habitually idealize the Dems either. Sure they passed ACA with plenty of sunlight, and discussion, but it was still Lousy---a transfer of our taxes to subsidize insurance profits to expand the insured. Really the world’s most expensive h/c system, burdening millions with rising premiums, and leaving out millions. So for this the Dems are lauded as saviors.
You're so busy slamming the Gop Mafia, that you can’t tell the truth about the Dems. They are ALSO tethered to big insurance/pharma. They’ll have to get millions from those same sources to beat Trump---or whoever is in office in 2020. They must stick to policies their big donors set.
Sure the Gop is a criminal enterprise and as such is a centrist Democrat’s dream.
What’s the political soil that lets the Gop use health care as a big profit center and share in the proceeds of tax cuts? No TV news show or NY Times columnist ever discusses how Medicare for All or a public option or regulated premiums would work. Or how dozens of h/c plans work abroad. Verboten topics? What are they afraid of? Something.
84
Yes they're afraid of the avalanche of money that Citizen's United can use to drown out their message.
2
so, Meredith, you want "fair and balanced" reporting , don't you ? where have you been ? many people , including democrats, wished to have universal healthcare in US ,like many advanced countries in the world, but ACA was a compromise because it won't pass GOP blockage in congress.
Bravo!
One wonders how all those Republican senators can vote for this bill when it seems that they would destroy their own chances of re-election by alienating about 23 million voters.
But then you realize that they don't really care about those voters because they mostly vote for Democrats anyway. And those who don't will believe the G.O.P.'s lies that somehow it was all Obama's and the Democrat's fault that they lost insurance.
The deeper truth in all of this is that ultimately the evilness and cynicism of the G.O.P. works because a majority of the American people let's them get away with it and believes their lies. Every single one of those misguided voters could easily discover the truth; it is but a mouse click away. Never before in history was it so easy to stay informed and follow the facts. The internet in America is not censored like in many other countries. But they prefer to believe the lies and choose to use that mouse click to visit Breitbart or Infowars or Fox, or not get any information at all, not even Fake News, and instead just watch reality TV.
So yes, ultimately this is all the fault of the ordinary people. The G.O.P. wouldn't stand a chance if American voters were just slightly less stupid, ignorant and apathetic. They are getting exactly what they deserve.
But then you realize that they don't really care about those voters because they mostly vote for Democrats anyway. And those who don't will believe the G.O.P.'s lies that somehow it was all Obama's and the Democrat's fault that they lost insurance.
The deeper truth in all of this is that ultimately the evilness and cynicism of the G.O.P. works because a majority of the American people let's them get away with it and believes their lies. Every single one of those misguided voters could easily discover the truth; it is but a mouse click away. Never before in history was it so easy to stay informed and follow the facts. The internet in America is not censored like in many other countries. But they prefer to believe the lies and choose to use that mouse click to visit Breitbart or Infowars or Fox, or not get any information at all, not even Fake News, and instead just watch reality TV.
So yes, ultimately this is all the fault of the ordinary people. The G.O.P. wouldn't stand a chance if American voters were just slightly less stupid, ignorant and apathetic. They are getting exactly what they deserve.
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And the greedy churches that amass money from their impoverished congregations by yelling from the pulpit against anything that would actually help the members of their congregation. Remember the pastors screeching that Obama was the anti-christ?
The GOPs at this point are clearly a bunch of grifters allied with the Uber Wealthy stuffing their pockets with everything that they can get their hands on.
The GOPs at this point are clearly a bunch of grifters allied with the Uber Wealthy stuffing their pockets with everything that they can get their hands on.
The flaw in this argument is that there are millions of voters who are legally eligible to vote, but have either had their voting rights cancelled by throwing them off the rolls because the voters have characteristics that would predict they would vote for Democrats (Wisconsin, Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, Texas) or have been gerrymandered into enclaves that limit their political strength while the gerrymandering assures that Republican seats are safe and will outnumber the Democrats. In Iowa, where the districts are created without gerrymandering, 5400 ballots in one district were not counted in the last election because the 4 Republicans in charge simply "forgot" to count and report them.
1
If there was ever a term that proudly reflects the disdain of Republican economic theory toward the average American, it is "trickle down" economics.
Just think middle and working classes -- it represents the wealthy receiving the lion's share of the wealth through tax breaks, and you and your family getting a "trickle." And even that doesn't happen, as Prof. Krugman has documented.
As if they were having a champagne party on the deck of their beach houses, and you get to lap up any that is spilled.
And the House AHCA and the partisan companion bill now being secretly crafted by the Republican Senate does not even bother with the pretext that you are going to get your crumbs -- now they are quite candidly taking those crumbs away: In order to bestow their tax cut to the 1%, all they are doing is deciding how high premiums will go for the average Joe, how many millions will lose insurance, how coverage given under the ACA will be gutted, and how many elderly will be thrown off Medicaid over time.
Just think middle and working classes -- it represents the wealthy receiving the lion's share of the wealth through tax breaks, and you and your family getting a "trickle." And even that doesn't happen, as Prof. Krugman has documented.
As if they were having a champagne party on the deck of their beach houses, and you get to lap up any that is spilled.
And the House AHCA and the partisan companion bill now being secretly crafted by the Republican Senate does not even bother with the pretext that you are going to get your crumbs -- now they are quite candidly taking those crumbs away: In order to bestow their tax cut to the 1%, all they are doing is deciding how high premiums will go for the average Joe, how many millions will lose insurance, how coverage given under the ACA will be gutted, and how many elderly will be thrown off Medicaid over time.
3
It's not just the Republican assault on healthcare that is "unpresidented," Dr. Krugman, The entire population of the United States, Trump's Troops excepted, is also now unpresidented. Add to that the too-obvious fact that the "principled Republican" is extinct, an oxymoron, and a running joke, and we're all suppose to adopt the Alfred E. Newman philosophy of life: What? Me worry?
The amazing thing here is that every Republican senator will vote for this stealth legislation without even reading it. What's not amazing is that Trump would sign it, if a joint conference committee can reconcile the two bills, also without reading it.
We expect ignorant, head-in-the-sand, knee-jerk actions from Trump, but our senators, of both parties, should know better and do better.
We all know that Congress members of both parties are beholden to special interests to some extent. It's horrifying to see the entire Republican Senate caucus blatantly taking money -- and literally, life -- from the poor so the wealthy can be wealthier.
We expect ignorant, head-in-the-sand, knee-jerk actions from Trump, but our senators, of both parties, should know better and do better.
We all know that Congress members of both parties are beholden to special interests to some extent. It's horrifying to see the entire Republican Senate caucus blatantly taking money -- and literally, life -- from the poor so the wealthy can be wealthier.
4
The myopic, Obama hating republicans don't care about the American people. They are trying to make it so Obama didn't exist and their dream of returning to 1950's America can come true. The fact that they choose to do their work on secret and ignore the glaring disaster of Kansas says it all, They-Don't-Care. They are inventing a cure for a problem which doesn't exist. They-Don't-Care.
1
Mitch O'Connell should be impeached. Congress is there to represent the people and the majority are against this so-called health care plan that is thinly disguised as large tax credits for the wealthy. It is a mess as well as a disgrace. It is unworkable and will cause devastation in many households especially the households of 24 million people losing Medicaid.
MA Senator Warren already confirmed what this article states, no-one else has seen the entire bill, except the committee members, and there are no women on the Committee. This bill should not have come about in the first place, and despite the voices of the American people they are doing exactly what they want to do unchecked. They are as self-serving as the president they got elected. They personally have no worries about its impact on their households as most of them have considerable wealth of their own or income far above the median.
Trump and the GOP want to be the ruling class and they are not governing in our interests, only their self-interests. America is not operating as a democracy. How dare they ignore the voice of the people they were elected to serve.
They should be removed from office for not doing their jobs despite their oaths of office. Their cupidity and total arrogance is mind-boggling. We are being squeezed between them and a president who is against everything but his own self-interests, and who represents nothing.
MA Senator Warren already confirmed what this article states, no-one else has seen the entire bill, except the committee members, and there are no women on the Committee. This bill should not have come about in the first place, and despite the voices of the American people they are doing exactly what they want to do unchecked. They are as self-serving as the president they got elected. They personally have no worries about its impact on their households as most of them have considerable wealth of their own or income far above the median.
Trump and the GOP want to be the ruling class and they are not governing in our interests, only their self-interests. America is not operating as a democracy. How dare they ignore the voice of the people they were elected to serve.
They should be removed from office for not doing their jobs despite their oaths of office. Their cupidity and total arrogance is mind-boggling. We are being squeezed between them and a president who is against everything but his own self-interests, and who represents nothing.
3
"..it’s about the cynicism and corruption of the whole congressional G.O.P." It is but the GOP is devoted to the task of running the country for the benefit of the richest and so what they are doing makes sense.
How do we educate voters into supporting candidates that to do what they consider best for the country (not the rich). Neither Trump nor Clinton are the answer. Sanders seemed to be on the right lines but the Clinton machine demolished him.
How do we educate voters into supporting candidates that to do what they consider best for the country (not the rich). Neither Trump nor Clinton are the answer. Sanders seemed to be on the right lines but the Clinton machine demolished him.
Collins, Murkowski & Cassidy can stop this stop this universally acknowledged & unreasonable piece of trash from seeing the light of day. If it does see the light of day, Republicans chances in the upcoming elections are destined, even more than they already are, for the dustbin.
1
Paul accurately lays out the facts of what is happening, but not the why.
What we are seeing is the hand being played by McConnell et al for the Kochs, Olins, Mellon - Scaifes, Mercers, and other billionaire radical Libertarians who have finally gotten their Ayn Rand inspired dream come true. What we are not seeing is all the money they spent for decades on buying Congress, the SCOTUS and elections. Their power has blossomed beyond their wildest dreams. Jane Meyer's great book " Dark Money " explains the rise of these titans to controlling the Federal government, resulting in our semi-opaque Plutocracy. These families are behind the U.S. Paris Accords flame - out, behind the Healthcare debacle Paul speaks of, behind every cruel, regressive cut to the safety net that keeps less fortunate people alive in this country. Mitch McConnell et al do not worry about their elective seats, they know that the Kochtopus will buy them their next election, maybe with some dark cyber help, who knows.
The thing is, a plutocracy doesn't run on elections or votes, so it doesn't matter at all how unpopular the new"Health"care bill is. Elections will be held, but irrelevant due to gerrymandering, voter restriction laws, massive influxes of dark money to pay for the lying adds that will surely blame Obama. They have it all worked out. Why should they worry when truth and honesty are irrelevant in the public sphere ?
What we are seeing is the hand being played by McConnell et al for the Kochs, Olins, Mellon - Scaifes, Mercers, and other billionaire radical Libertarians who have finally gotten their Ayn Rand inspired dream come true. What we are not seeing is all the money they spent for decades on buying Congress, the SCOTUS and elections. Their power has blossomed beyond their wildest dreams. Jane Meyer's great book " Dark Money " explains the rise of these titans to controlling the Federal government, resulting in our semi-opaque Plutocracy. These families are behind the U.S. Paris Accords flame - out, behind the Healthcare debacle Paul speaks of, behind every cruel, regressive cut to the safety net that keeps less fortunate people alive in this country. Mitch McConnell et al do not worry about their elective seats, they know that the Kochtopus will buy them their next election, maybe with some dark cyber help, who knows.
The thing is, a plutocracy doesn't run on elections or votes, so it doesn't matter at all how unpopular the new"Health"care bill is. Elections will be held, but irrelevant due to gerrymandering, voter restriction laws, massive influxes of dark money to pay for the lying adds that will surely blame Obama. They have it all worked out. Why should they worry when truth and honesty are irrelevant in the public sphere ?
3
Republicans will never vote for a Public Option for healthcare because the word "Public" is a dirty word - except when it involves public money for them.
"When it comes to the Republican replacement for Obamacare, however, it’s not just the process that’s secretive; so is the purpose." Although Paul Krugman offers a Liberal's answer: "a big tax cut for the wealthy," he misses the true purpose of Republicancare: to make America healthier.
No one is going to deny that over 20 million people will be kicked off of healthcare. Millions of people with preexisting conditions will lose coverage. Old, frail, disabled people in nursing homes will lose Medicaid coverage and be put on the streets to be collected with the trash. This is all part of the Republican plan to make America healthier again.
Is it not obvious, ridding America of the old, the frail, the disabled, the people with expensive medical needs, the people who cannot pay for their medical care; is it not obvious, ridding America of these defective people will leave America with a healthier population?
So, Republicancare is a win, win for America. The wealthy will get a big tax cut, and America will get a big sick-disabled-old-people cut. In the end, America will be healthy again.
Get behind Republicancare...you surely do not want to be one of its targets.
No one is going to deny that over 20 million people will be kicked off of healthcare. Millions of people with preexisting conditions will lose coverage. Old, frail, disabled people in nursing homes will lose Medicaid coverage and be put on the streets to be collected with the trash. This is all part of the Republican plan to make America healthier again.
Is it not obvious, ridding America of the old, the frail, the disabled, the people with expensive medical needs, the people who cannot pay for their medical care; is it not obvious, ridding America of these defective people will leave America with a healthier population?
So, Republicancare is a win, win for America. The wealthy will get a big tax cut, and America will get a big sick-disabled-old-people cut. In the end, America will be healthy again.
Get behind Republicancare...you surely do not want to be one of its targets.
I'll say this again although like all strategies, it's a gamble. Hardcore trumpsters will never abandon trump no matter what, so that leaves the 2012 Obama voters in the 3 blue wall states and Florida who flipped to trump. The best way for Dems to win those voters back is twofold:
1. Dems should distance themselves from Hillary and Obama, which means new leadership. What's needed is a new "2008 Obama" aka a change agent ala Trudeau/Marcon.
2. Much like a drug addict who hits rock bottom and realizes he needs to change or die, the country needs to hit a rock bottom. And the way to do this is to have republicans enact disastrous legislation like the AHCA because only then will voters become angry enough to vote change.
1. Dems should distance themselves from Hillary and Obama, which means new leadership. What's needed is a new "2008 Obama" aka a change agent ala Trudeau/Marcon.
2. Much like a drug addict who hits rock bottom and realizes he needs to change or die, the country needs to hit a rock bottom. And the way to do this is to have republicans enact disastrous legislation like the AHCA because only then will voters become angry enough to vote change.
1
"Principled Republican" - an oxymoron if there ever was one! They are about to deprive 23 million people of health insurance. But they sleep at night and look themselves in the mirror every morning. Do not waste time appealing to their conscience; they have none. Their palms have been greased. Ah the power of money!
1
Sunlight. Let their " plans" be known, and disseminated.
Extreme sunlight, let them burn.
Extreme sunlight, let them burn.
2
What is violence and why is America so violent?
Taking away health care coverage from 23 million Americans is the epitome of violence. Who needs gun control when you can kill people with medical neglect?
Taking away health care coverage from 23 million Americans is the epitome of violence. Who needs gun control when you can kill people with medical neglect?
2
Middle & Lower Class Republicans, you are about to get devastated by the "Trumpcare" passage,if they can somehow pull it off by their greedy machinations. If this doesn't cause you to rethink your lockstep GOP attitude, Trump's behavior with the Russians with money laundering, hacking, etc. might(there's much more to be exposed). Eventually, the actions of these Senators will be challenged but it might take a complete overhaul of the representatives to do that.
The GOP's real agenda is coming out: Give more money to the Oligarchs. This is shameless, inept
representation. Mitch McConnell and co. should be embarrassed and feel guilty of their actions. But they don't. Their goal is to bring our Democracy to its knees and they are?How do they sleep at night?
Vote Democratic to save yourself.
The GOP's real agenda is coming out: Give more money to the Oligarchs. This is shameless, inept
representation. Mitch McConnell and co. should be embarrassed and feel guilty of their actions. But they don't. Their goal is to bring our Democracy to its knees and they are?How do they sleep at night?
Vote Democratic to save yourself.
1
I'm shocked shocked that Dumph would sign a bill he knows nothing of? But you're wrong that tax cuts don't work. They work for a short time for the greedy rich to stuff their pockets until it can be undone by some little do-gooders. But what for? The zombies and the vampires will be back of course they never die.
2
Thank you for maintaining the drumbeat. Its simple really, November 2018 just pull the D lever no matter what. The Republicans have got to go. 2018 RG2G
By not showing up to the polls, by believing that Hillary is a questionable candidate, by accepting whatever slime was released by the GOP machine, the Democratic base did this to themselves.
You may refuse to vote on some silly personal principle but your opponents will vote gladly.
You may refuse to vote on some silly personal principle but your opponents will vote gladly.
1
It is clear that there is no "bridge too far" for the Republicans in both Houses of Congress. But with good Democratic turnouts in 2018 and 2020 there just night be a bridge to nowhere for the willing abettors of the Trump Camorra.
So, to my fellow Democrats, I say, let's sharpen up those holly wood stakes and hone our techniques for performing frontal lobotomies.
So, to my fellow Democrats, I say, let's sharpen up those holly wood stakes and hone our techniques for performing frontal lobotomies.
So! On July 4th we will celebrate 241 years of those hallowed words "When in the course of human events..........that all men are created equal.......the right to life, liberty and thr pursuit of happiness." Impressive!
Quaint?
241 years since that glorious day and our government and president can't seem to avoid behaving like Keystone cops.
Amazing!
Bring on the millennial generation.
Quaint?
241 years since that glorious day and our government and president can't seem to avoid behaving like Keystone cops.
Amazing!
Bring on the millennial generation.
"Remember, it would take just a few conservatives with conscience — specifically, three Republican senators — to stop this outrage in its tracks. But right now, it looks as if those principled Republicans don’t exist."
I honestly have a great deal of trouble remembering any action taken by a Republican based on honest-to-God principle. Having racked my brain, I remember John McCain telling a confused but adamant woman at one of his campaign rallies that Barack Obama was not a secret Muslim but a genuine American.
But in the greater political picture, the Republican Party of old, based on certain bedrock genuine conservative principles, went the way of the dodo no later than 1992. Now we are left with, as Krugman states, nothing but the zombies and vampires.
Sad! Not nice.
I honestly have a great deal of trouble remembering any action taken by a Republican based on honest-to-God principle. Having racked my brain, I remember John McCain telling a confused but adamant woman at one of his campaign rallies that Barack Obama was not a secret Muslim but a genuine American.
But in the greater political picture, the Republican Party of old, based on certain bedrock genuine conservative principles, went the way of the dodo no later than 1992. Now we are left with, as Krugman states, nothing but the zombies and vampires.
Sad! Not nice.
1
Call it what it really is, "republicare"., not "trumpcare". Make certain many remember those who really destroyed ObamaCare's possibilities.
1
To kill a vampire you have to dig up their grave and stab them through the heart with a silver sword. Reasonable people must do the equivalent to the senate--figuratively.
Jam their offices with demands to see the bill. Everyone call, email, visit offices and refuse to let them conduct their agendas other than providing us with what the bill is.
I hate to say it but the equivalent of a possee is required to go after the top 8 leadership complete with flaming torches and pitchforks--figuratively.
There is no national security risk associated with this bill so no justification for secrecy whatsoever.
They are getting away with it only because we are letting them. This must cease. Everybody: get you dialing finger, you email, your car keyes out and take action to stop this NOW!
Stop reading comments and DO Something! You can come back to read them later or post what you did!
Jam their offices with demands to see the bill. Everyone call, email, visit offices and refuse to let them conduct their agendas other than providing us with what the bill is.
I hate to say it but the equivalent of a possee is required to go after the top 8 leadership complete with flaming torches and pitchforks--figuratively.
There is no national security risk associated with this bill so no justification for secrecy whatsoever.
They are getting away with it only because we are letting them. This must cease. Everybody: get you dialing finger, you email, your car keyes out and take action to stop this NOW!
Stop reading comments and DO Something! You can come back to read them later or post what you did!
McConnell is the single most Toxic elected official in American history.
This is worse than any horror ever concocted in the world of fiction. The scary movies of my youth were thrilling and slightly disturbing.
Modern Republican practice is a ghastly, disgusting, shocking, terrifying, repugnant and reprehensible outrage that would make any vampire or zombie run for their undead lives.
Modern Republican practice is a ghastly, disgusting, shocking, terrifying, repugnant and reprehensible outrage that would make any vampire or zombie run for their undead lives.
I suppose we will have to pass the bill to see what's in it.
I find that when we use ''abstract'' terms such as zombies and vampires and the like, it just further fuels the disparity.
-----------------------------
Absolutely.
Paul Krugman gave up on being a rational economist years ago, even before his days at Enron, I reckon. He is a professional journ-o-list now, and he is not writing to persuade 3 senators to change their minds using these insulting terms.
The Republicans are right to circle the wagons now, and now break rank. Mr. Krugman has proven he cannot work with the other party, with the deplorables, or with anyone who does not share his mindset.
-----------------------------
Absolutely.
Paul Krugman gave up on being a rational economist years ago, even before his days at Enron, I reckon. He is a professional journ-o-list now, and he is not writing to persuade 3 senators to change their minds using these insulting terms.
The Republicans are right to circle the wagons now, and now break rank. Mr. Krugman has proven he cannot work with the other party, with the deplorables, or with anyone who does not share his mindset.
With any luck, in 2018, we can take all these Republicans pushing this vampire healthcare bill out to a good stake dinner.
The photograph tells the story, as photographs often do: these are malevolent, duplicitous men. Ghouls who cannot bear the sunlight outside of congress, where real life exists, and we, the people reside, irrelevant.
Who are the masters of the zombies? Who is eating their brains? I want to know if it's the Mercers, the Kochs, the Waltons...who is using their state-issued Citizens United card to deny Grandma's chemotherapy? And why? Do the Waltons need more money? Do the Kochs need less regulations? Do the Mercers and DeVoses believe God will send locusts and mammograms to the deserving? The writing of our Democratic nation's healthcare is being done in near total secrecy and even against the usual special interests of even the AMA, hospitals and insurers. Americans are going to die from this legislation, who shall we say has ordered this thinning of the herd? Who are you?
1
I can't believe Krugman still writes for this paper after how badly he has been discredited. And now another lie: "This doctrine should have died when Bill Clinton’s tax hike failed to cause the predicted recession and was followed instead by an economic boom." Clintron's tax hikes slowed the economy. The fastest growing quarter of the 90's was George H.W. Bush's last quarter, and it wasn't until the Republicans took over that we surpassed that record in 1999, after we passed ..... you guessed it - TAX CUTS!
1
AHCA stands for Anti Health Care Act.
To watch the United State of America crumple in the hands of these monsters is too much to bear. Shame on all of us for letting the vampires get us!
1
Paul writes “So this isn’t a Trump story; it’s about the cynicism and corruption of the whole congressional G.O.P., but why he continues to believe Congress pulls the power train defies all common sense. The power is all in the hands of the billionaire money men, who set policies,write the congressional scripts, and craft the laws at a high level. Zombie's and Vampire's are all ancient history compared to today's congressional Tadpoles and Todies, who jump high to kiss the Billionaire's rings. There will be no light until the press digs deeper into that dark , shadow world and see the jumping toads more clearly as the puppet masters’ puppets.
1
When they start killing Americans by pulling health care expect some pushback.
We have a winner take all society and more than one gun per person. Once in a while the losers are gonna scream. In a language everybody knows.
We have a winner take all society and more than one gun per person. Once in a while the losers are gonna scream. In a language everybody knows.
If you try to write the phrase "principled GOP congressman" your pen will explode. To steal and re-work a quote from William F. Buckley (first said of John V. Lindsay), "Senator McConnell is an oxymoron."
Remember, Bloodletting used to be Healthcare, and now the Vampires are back.
The question is why does a good portion of the Republican base, especially the middle class and below, keep voting against their interest by sending these people to Congress?
As long as that keeps happening, with gerrymandering help, the bad ideas will continue. It wins elections.
As long as that keeps happening, with gerrymandering help, the bad ideas will continue. It wins elections.
A Vampire, a Zombie, and a Republican walk into a bar. The bartender asks, "What can I get you?" The Vampire says, "The U.S. health care system on the rocks." The Zombie says "U.S. citizen's brains, completely fried and shaken." The Republican just sits there calmly and quietly.
The bartender finally asks the Republican, "Well, don't you want anything?"
The Republican smiles and says, "Just the check please."
The bartender finally asks the Republican, "Well, don't you want anything?"
The Republican smiles and says, "Just the check please."
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Thank you Dr. Damiano. That made my day.
1
... and promptly passed it to the poor sod over in the corner booth.
1
I laugh, so I don't weep...
Great and informative essay, as usual, Paul. Well, I think that you've answered the question for Republicans on what problem this legislation is supposed to solve: it reduces taxes on the wealthy.
Your metaphor raises the image of that classic camp movie, "The Night of the Living Dead" (shot in Pittsburgh, incidentally) in which the zombies come from the graveyard (a feature of the movie is that we never find out why) and, I guess, try to consume human brains without properly cooking them.
"The Night of the Living Dead" sounds like a good, descriptive title for the Republican healthcare bill. It will enable people to have lives, of sorts, beyond the graveyard. Presumably they'd live in a nation of great economic success due to lower taxes on the wealthy. You mention the folly of this reasoning, Paul.
We could ask, "Are Republican congressmen saying that they've raised their healthcare legislation from the dead?" But you are right, Paul, Trump isn't the Dr. Frankenstein who is going to supply the lightning bolt that makes this legislation live. And it won't perform the ol' soft shoe, the way the great Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder made Peter Boyle's hilarious monster do.
We're all in for a lot of dark, stormy nights until we unseat this Republican nightmare.
Your metaphor raises the image of that classic camp movie, "The Night of the Living Dead" (shot in Pittsburgh, incidentally) in which the zombies come from the graveyard (a feature of the movie is that we never find out why) and, I guess, try to consume human brains without properly cooking them.
"The Night of the Living Dead" sounds like a good, descriptive title for the Republican healthcare bill. It will enable people to have lives, of sorts, beyond the graveyard. Presumably they'd live in a nation of great economic success due to lower taxes on the wealthy. You mention the folly of this reasoning, Paul.
We could ask, "Are Republican congressmen saying that they've raised their healthcare legislation from the dead?" But you are right, Paul, Trump isn't the Dr. Frankenstein who is going to supply the lightning bolt that makes this legislation live. And it won't perform the ol' soft shoe, the way the great Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder made Peter Boyle's hilarious monster do.
We're all in for a lot of dark, stormy nights until we unseat this Republican nightmare.
Krugman writes that the new bill "would take coverage away from 23 million Americans", taking it as obvious that this is a Bad Idea. But most middle class Republicans do not see it that way. It's not that they want people to be deprived, but they have been convinced that the decline in the American middle class is due to their being exploited by the Liberal Elite on the behalf of undeserving poor people. And they want that to stop.
The spikes in health insurance premiums for a fraction of middle income Americans provides "proof" that this exploitation is happening. Krugman may know that those spikes have more to do with deliberate sabotage of the ACA by Republicans in Congress, but the listeners to Fox News don't know that. His argument will fail with those who have been bitten by the Vampires (to extend the metaphor). And there are a great many of such people; enough to get Trump elected.
The spikes in health insurance premiums for a fraction of middle income Americans provides "proof" that this exploitation is happening. Krugman may know that those spikes have more to do with deliberate sabotage of the ACA by Republicans in Congress, but the listeners to Fox News don't know that. His argument will fail with those who have been bitten by the Vampires (to extend the metaphor). And there are a great many of such people; enough to get Trump elected.
168
That vampire analogy is great. If your healthcare bill was really just a $1 trillion tax cuts for the rich and a similar benefit cut for the poor, you'd hide it in the dark as well.
Do we know enough about conservative ideology to consider it a failed theory? After all, tax cuts for the rich don't pay for themselves or drive much growth since much of it is saved, cutting taxes for the rich to fund benefit cuts for the poor is another method of upward redistribution (which we don't need with record income inequality), deregulation has resulted in oligopoly and monopoly that have swollen corporate profits at the expense of consumers while fattening rich shareholders further, etc.
I would have thought the crisis of 2008 would have been the end of conservatism, but it keeps shambling along, with a little help from Fox News and a lot of people that care more about guns and abortion than economics.
Do we know enough about conservative ideology to consider it a failed theory? After all, tax cuts for the rich don't pay for themselves or drive much growth since much of it is saved, cutting taxes for the rich to fund benefit cuts for the poor is another method of upward redistribution (which we don't need with record income inequality), deregulation has resulted in oligopoly and monopoly that have swollen corporate profits at the expense of consumers while fattening rich shareholders further, etc.
I would have thought the crisis of 2008 would have been the end of conservatism, but it keeps shambling along, with a little help from Fox News and a lot of people that care more about guns and abortion than economics.
It's hard to imagine what things will be like in this country in four years given the Reactionary nature of the regime in DC. The core problem as I see it is an increasingly toothless opposition in Congress that is preparing to do nothing more than hold its breath and wait while the other side acts.
5
If by opposition GlennK of Atlantic City means the Democrats, it is unfair to say they are doing nothing. The Republicans have done away with the filibuster on their healthcare bill, and there is nothing that Democrats can do except complain in the media and make plans for the elections in 2018 and 2020. We are witnessing a power grab as never before. Our democracy is in trouble. America must rise up and vote these Republicans out as soon as possible, starting with the special election in Georgia.
The Left continued to endorse communism in the face of overwhelming evidence, such as the need to build walls to keep people in. That is where the Right and it's voodoo economics has been since Reagan was elected 37 years ago. "Good"ideas become ideology when people continue to believe them, long (long!) after real evidence proves them wrong.
Which Left? Which Left continued to endorse Communism? A more Socialist agenda, perhaps, but an endorsement of Communism in the age of Reagan?
Bad ideas live on far beyond their usefulness if bad ideas are all that you have. The purpose of the Republican party is to enrich the wealthy and comfort the comfortable while pretending to cultural identification with those who find change too rapid and frightening. The latter is a completely empty promise, stopping change in society, but the former, protecting the wealthy, is really all they have to offer.
There are no conservative principles and no bedrock beliefs. All is well with Republicans s long as they accomplish something, anything, for the wealthy, the merchant class, the industrial scale farming operators, the stockholders and those who draw income from owning assets or loaning money. The goal is the protection of a social and economic order and it really doesn't matter who gets trampled in the process.
Since they can't admit openly that these are their goals, the political process is a long dance around the obvious designed to obscure the actual objective.
There are no conservative principles and no bedrock beliefs. All is well with Republicans s long as they accomplish something, anything, for the wealthy, the merchant class, the industrial scale farming operators, the stockholders and those who draw income from owning assets or loaning money. The goal is the protection of a social and economic order and it really doesn't matter who gets trampled in the process.
Since they can't admit openly that these are their goals, the political process is a long dance around the obvious designed to obscure the actual objective.
10
Virtually every policy GOP politicians propose fur there the interests of the GOP donor class--those enthusiastic accumulators of capital who, once the various debt bubbles burst, are best positioned to buy up the better parts of the debris at discounted prices.
GOP politicians will cling to the following economic principles no matter the evidence to the contrary.
(1) competition guarantees balance among all market factors, including prices, wages, rents, job availability, etc.;
(2) nonetheless, private monopolies--too-big-to-fail enterprises--are preferable to government regulation of the market;
[Note the tension between (1) and (2). GOP pols dismiss it.]
(3) corporations must pursue short-term profits, minimize the interests of employees and consumers, and thereby enhance shareholder value;
(4) if it is politically expedient to put a public-private initiative in place--say for healthcare reform or infrastructure repair--make sure the initiative is complex, and assures the socialization of all risks and the privatization of all benefits;
(5) always exaggerate the dangers associated with government debt and minimize the dangers associated with ballooning private sector debt.d
(6) privatization, financial and environmental deregulation and massive tax reductions for the "makers" will guarantee maximal trickle-down benefits for the "takers".
Hence, the wealth gushes upward, while the trickle-down quickly evaporates.
GOP politicians will cling to the following economic principles no matter the evidence to the contrary.
(1) competition guarantees balance among all market factors, including prices, wages, rents, job availability, etc.;
(2) nonetheless, private monopolies--too-big-to-fail enterprises--are preferable to government regulation of the market;
[Note the tension between (1) and (2). GOP pols dismiss it.]
(3) corporations must pursue short-term profits, minimize the interests of employees and consumers, and thereby enhance shareholder value;
(4) if it is politically expedient to put a public-private initiative in place--say for healthcare reform or infrastructure repair--make sure the initiative is complex, and assures the socialization of all risks and the privatization of all benefits;
(5) always exaggerate the dangers associated with government debt and minimize the dangers associated with ballooning private sector debt.d
(6) privatization, financial and environmental deregulation and massive tax reductions for the "makers" will guarantee maximal trickle-down benefits for the "takers".
Hence, the wealth gushes upward, while the trickle-down quickly evaporates.
9
Come here to Ohio, where under Governor John Kasich and our Republican state legislature, zombie economics is alive and well. A series of tax cuts similar to Gov Brownback's failed to produce the economic surge they predicted. Instead, economic growth in Ohio lags the nation. Consequently, they have created a $2 billion hole in the budget. So far, our lawmakers have not admitted their mistake. Instead, they propose to balance the budget by slashing $200 million from Medicaid (with a $4 million token fund to fight opioid addiction epidemic.)
6
Ohio is booming economically compared to most states, and compared to the mess that was left by Strickland (Democrat). Maybe things are bad in Cleveland, but that has been a Democrat stronghold for decades.
Let us hope Dr. K is wrong, that is, three vampires can be found. One wonders what would have happened had the Dems just left this alone 9 years ago? Would they be in a moronity now had the really tackled the corruption in the banking system and the aftermath which brought on the recession. Who knows. What we know the ACA is being starved and the carcass we will be fed will be rotten meat guaranteed to kill.
Lol. I've never heard an advocate of trickle down economics refer to it as tickle down economics. That term is another one of the left's strawmen pushed by propogandists like Krugman. Real economists like Thomas Sowell have said that the term is silly. We believe in tax cuts for everyone because we believe in liberty. People should be allowed to keep more of the income they earn. The way to help the poor is to create access to wealth through the free market, not give them monthly handouts from the public treasury. The sooner liberals understand the sooner we can get away from their disastrous and costly social programs (obamacare, Medicaid, Social Security) and move towards a more prosperous future.
1
So I take it you'll take a pass on your own Medicare and Social Security when you retire.
7
Well that's just it, I cannot opt out of it. If I could, I would take the money I'm forced to pay into social security and Medicare and invest it. I would have far more to show for it then government debt. Ever notice that liberal policies are always so good that they have to be mandated by force? If Medicare, Social security and Obamacare are so great why force people to participate? I know I know, Krugman and Obama and the globalist elitists know how to govern our lives better than we do.
Registered Repubs 'propagandist', Mr. Krugman, won the Nobel Prize in economics. RR doesn't assail the principle point in the article, namely, that cutting taxes without decreasing expenditures does not improve the economy long term.
As RR suggests, lower taxes would be liberating--but spending must be reduced as well. Since Medicare, Social Security, Military, and the interest on the debt represent 75% of government expenditures, where would RR make the cuts? Does RR favor the increase in military spending announced by the President? Does RR realize that this increase alone is the same amount that Russia spends on its entire military? Does RR care that the US borrows from China to finance this debt? My guess is that RR would say that "the military is important" and that increasing its funding is essential.
As RR suggests, lower taxes would be liberating--but spending must be reduced as well. Since Medicare, Social Security, Military, and the interest on the debt represent 75% of government expenditures, where would RR make the cuts? Does RR favor the increase in military spending announced by the President? Does RR realize that this increase alone is the same amount that Russia spends on its entire military? Does RR care that the US borrows from China to finance this debt? My guess is that RR would say that "the military is important" and that increasing its funding is essential.
Republicans following Ryan and McConnell are hurting this country just so the billionaire class can accumulate more wealth that they will never be able to spend.
What I never understood is that they have children and grandchildren. They are hurting this country for their own offspring.
What I never understood is that they have children and grandchildren. They are hurting this country for their own offspring.
Tribalism not policy drives politics more than ever. Winning is everything. Welcome back Mr. Krugman.
2
What is truly dismaying about all this is that Republican legislators firmly believe that no matter how cruel and abusive are the laws they create, they have nothing to fear from the electorate. In other words, they are convinced that the combination of money, gerrymandering and voter suppression (and maybe a little help from Russia) guarantees that they cannot be dislodged from their specious "majority."
Sadly for America, they are probably right.
Sadly for America, they are probably right.
7
We are a nation that seeks knowledge, however unable to find and to believe facts.
We are a nation many believe was founded on Judeo-Christian teachings, but which denies human dignity to so many.
We are a nation many believe to be a just nation, but increasingly unable to care about and for each other.
We are a nation of hypocrites.
We are a nation many believe was founded on Judeo-Christian teachings, but which denies human dignity to so many.
We are a nation many believe to be a just nation, but increasingly unable to care about and for each other.
We are a nation of hypocrites.
Health care in general in the US is a complete disgrace. Whether it is Obamacare or this giant turkey in the dark festering oven of the GOP, it is all doomed to failure (except for insurance company executives, of course) due to the underlying cancer of an essential service being for-profit.
There won't be any meaningful change to this since the rich own the government. They paid for it and now they want their return. And they have no word for enough.
There won't be any meaningful change to this since the rich own the government. They paid for it and now they want their return. And they have no word for enough.
5
Professor Krugman, you seem to think Republicans have the interests of the country at heart (and thus question their stupidity in constantly voting for tax cuts--stupid indeed in that we now have ample evidence that tax cuts are harmful not beneficial, to the economy).
Republicans stand for one thing and one thing only: more money in their own pockets and in the pockets of their rich white male friends. That is quite literally it, and nowadays they don't even bother pretending otherwise.
It's partly money in their pockets for the sheer joy of having more money, and partly a way to ensure that black people and female people (who tend to have less money than white males overall) stay subordinate. Again, there is no attempt on behalf of the R party to even hide that anymore.
Republicans stand for one thing and one thing only: more money in their own pockets and in the pockets of their rich white male friends. That is quite literally it, and nowadays they don't even bother pretending otherwise.
It's partly money in their pockets for the sheer joy of having more money, and partly a way to ensure that black people and female people (who tend to have less money than white males overall) stay subordinate. Again, there is no attempt on behalf of the R party to even hide that anymore.
2
Agreed. Movement Conservatism is on it's last legs. Americans have finally realized that they have been buying snake oil from these people now for several decades. Expect changes in the present and near future.
To put is another way. Health Care is going to destroy the Grand Old Pirates as we know them. And some of their members who want to keep their seats are starting to realize this. Is it 2018 yet?
To put is another way. Health Care is going to destroy the Grand Old Pirates as we know them. And some of their members who want to keep their seats are starting to realize this. Is it 2018 yet?
6
The pure selfishness and pandering to their wealthy donors was best expressed by GOP ex-Congressman Joe Walsh: "Why should I pay for someone else's healthcare?"
6
He's right in terms of taxpayers providing Congress with a level of healthcare that is not available to all.
Replace each member of Trump’s cabinet with a leech, Trump with a vampire bat, and each Republican in Congress with some sort of zombie. What difference would it make? We can’t do much worse than we’re already doing in this infinite loop of horror.
It's like living in some sort of perverse amalgam of April Fools' Day and Halloween – but all the fools and all the vampires and all the zombies never go away.
Or maybe, like in the movie Groundhog Day, if we can learn to love others more than we love ourselves, we could find the exit to this madhouse? Maybe?
It's like living in some sort of perverse amalgam of April Fools' Day and Halloween – but all the fools and all the vampires and all the zombies never go away.
Or maybe, like in the movie Groundhog Day, if we can learn to love others more than we love ourselves, we could find the exit to this madhouse? Maybe?
4
Zombies and vampires kill people. Which is what Republicans plan to do with their health care law.
The column doesn't go far enough. And when McCain and Collins and whichever other Republican goes along with the vote, let's please stop calling them moderates or mavericks.
The column doesn't go far enough. And when McCain and Collins and whichever other Republican goes along with the vote, let's please stop calling them moderates or mavericks.
Zombies, vampires...whatever the tools, the tasks are the same self serving ones: How do I preserve my power? How do I profit?
5
What we have here resembles a chess board full of pawns that are used for interference and to keep their progress from going anywhere.
The king is gone, there never was a queen around.
There are no knights, or bishops too,
for inquiry as to where our castle is to be found.
Just this game now at its ending,
with these one step pawns still dancing and pretending.
The king is gone, there never was a queen around.
There are no knights, or bishops too,
for inquiry as to where our castle is to be found.
Just this game now at its ending,
with these one step pawns still dancing and pretending.
3
I think it's a mistake to assume that the end-point Republican goal is tax cuts for the wealthy. As bad as that is, I believe they have an even worse end-point goal: death to those Americans they deem as "unfit."
4
In terms of Dark Money, the end goal is more libertarian (and with the Koch brothers by way of the John Birch society). No government regulation and no taxes. No limit to greed.
1
Here is my little list of four Republican Senators who, at least according to an article in the NYT last week, have expressed doubts about how their colleagues are proceeding.
Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee.
Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin
Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona
Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine
They all have e-mail addresses which can be found easily on the net. I sent a polite e-mail to each of them over the weekend. I was clear that I was not a constituent, but that they, as Senators, are members of a very select group which is to be legislating in the best interest of all of the American people. When they vote to increase the military budget to fight terrorism, they are not legislating just for their constituents but for all of us. It is impossible to vote for a bill affecting the life and death of millions of Americans without any hearings, without any committee reports, without any draft bills which have circulated and without input from the CBO. The Senate is supposed to be one of the most well-respected legislative bodies in the world. Is this respect now just to go down the drain?
I would urge everyone concerned with this legislation, whatever your position, to e-mail these Senators. No one should buy a pig in a poke. Please, feel free to reply to this and add other names.
Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee.
Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin
Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona
Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine
They all have e-mail addresses which can be found easily on the net. I sent a polite e-mail to each of them over the weekend. I was clear that I was not a constituent, but that they, as Senators, are members of a very select group which is to be legislating in the best interest of all of the American people. When they vote to increase the military budget to fight terrorism, they are not legislating just for their constituents but for all of us. It is impossible to vote for a bill affecting the life and death of millions of Americans without any hearings, without any committee reports, without any draft bills which have circulated and without input from the CBO. The Senate is supposed to be one of the most well-respected legislative bodies in the world. Is this respect now just to go down the drain?
I would urge everyone concerned with this legislation, whatever your position, to e-mail these Senators. No one should buy a pig in a poke. Please, feel free to reply to this and add other names.
Counting on Ivanka to backstop this, she'll convince him to veto it.
That was ironic, right? Or at least satirical?
The excesses of the globalist-progressive collectivists are being reversed, Krugman.
309 electoral college votes.
The End.
The opposite of excess is of course deprivation. Is that what you expect those 309 votes to serve up to America? Certainly patriotic...
Deprivation ? Baloney. To suggest that the only result will be the polar opposite is just cheap theatrics.
Whereas purple prose like "The excesses of the globalist-progressive collectivists are being reversed" is a simple, common sense expression, right?
1
There are no principled Republicans. Point to any important issue--healthcare, immigration, taxes, gun safety, war, Russian influence--and you will find that there are no GOP spines or consciences. There's not much more to say. It's going to get even uglier here in America than it already is.
4
The shooting at the congressional baseball practice spawned a call for unification. That unity ended after the last called out in the 9th. No one interviewed the shooter, since he died, but my guess is he reached a point of rage due to these types of shenanigans in the Trump complicit Congress. Back to business as usual.
3
More than likely this repeat domestic abuser just directed his already existing rage based on the faux outrage and us v. them thinking that get clicks on the net. Ultimate purpose? Ad money.
Right on, Krugman. The present Congressional Republican ideology is not conservative or constructive. It's just self-serving.
4
What a tragedy for this country that we have such an unprincipled party. Their love of tax cuts is only surpassed by hatred of the poor ( leeches of society ) and their knee jerk opposition to whatever the Democrates are for. Hard to understand how they can still be a viable party given their anti middle class policies. Never underestimate the stupidity of the American voting public.
2
It needs to be reiterated: virtually no one is in favor of Ryan/McConnell Care. Not the health experts, not the insurance companies, not the hospitals or doctors, not the constituents in even the Reddist of congressional districts, not even the majority of the wealthier taxpayers who would benefit from the tax cut it would deliver.
So why are Republicans doing it? There are many "good" reasons. The Koch brothers for one. The US Chamber of Commerce for another. The Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, plus all of the anti-government AstroTurf organizations they underwrite.
You keep the puppet-masters happy, Republicans have realized, and you get reelected. It all boils down to one "good" reason in other words.
So why are Republicans doing it? There are many "good" reasons. The Koch brothers for one. The US Chamber of Commerce for another. The Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute, plus all of the anti-government AstroTurf organizations they underwrite.
You keep the puppet-masters happy, Republicans have realized, and you get reelected. It all boils down to one "good" reason in other words.
3
Paul Krugman sounds, to me, like a pretty smart guy who knows what he's talking about. It is kind of amazing that there are so many people in power who continue thinking and doing the things he continues to point out are stupid.
Either the right people don't pay any attention to him or he doesn't seem to know how to convince them of anything.
Either the right people don't pay any attention to him or he doesn't seem to know how to convince them of anything.
2
Robert: Or they (Republicans) know he (Krugman) is right and they don't want too many people to catch on.
"Why this combination of secrecy and speed?"
Secrecy, because they are worried that any ray of light will act like a disinfectant and clean the entire bill. All nocturnal animals fear daylight, so do Republicans.
Speed, because it is difficult to impossible to see the sleight of hand. All magicians use speed and shift the viewer's focus elsewhere as they perform their tricks. So do Republicans.
Nocturnal animals live through the night to survive, magicians use speed and sleight of hand to entertain, whereas Republicans use secrecy and speed to inflict pain and harm.
Secrecy, because they are worried that any ray of light will act like a disinfectant and clean the entire bill. All nocturnal animals fear daylight, so do Republicans.
Speed, because it is difficult to impossible to see the sleight of hand. All magicians use speed and shift the viewer's focus elsewhere as they perform their tricks. So do Republicans.
Nocturnal animals live through the night to survive, magicians use speed and sleight of hand to entertain, whereas Republicans use secrecy and speed to inflict pain and harm.
1
"one of the worst, cruelest pieces of legislation in history" You're sounding a bit like Trump there, Paul. Looking back beyond the last six months, there was the Alien and Sedition Act, or consider the horrific results of the Fugitive Slave Law - my idea of the "worst, cruelest."
Remember McConnell's famous "I don't know how we get to 50..." quote? This is the best strategy he could come up with. Keep the bill secret and then strong arm Republican Senators by demanding unquestioned loyalty despite their objections. Most notably Sen. McCaskill but I'm sure others are fuming. They're gambling their careers on what everyone knows is a huge stink bomb. I'm sure McConnell padded the bill with plenty of election oriented time lines. At the end of the day though, there's no taking the sting out. This an unnecessary tax break funded on the backs of normal people.
To Republican Senators: Vote "No" on anything you haven't read. You're name is going on record. I'll be sure to remind voters when election day comes around.
To Republican Senators: Vote "No" on anything you haven't read. You're name is going on record. I'll be sure to remind voters when election day comes around.
2
they are not trying to replace obama care they are going to take public healthcare away. they realize that obama care, as flawed as it is? has given people a taste of forbidden fruit and they like it! more people now view healthcare as a right and something the government should be helping to provide. this is completely unacceptable to a party that hates government and believes that we should all live or die based on whatever quality of life we can scratch out within their rigged system
1
Mr. Krugman, how can you speak of zombies and vampires and ignore the role of private health insurance plans? A healthcare system based on private health insurance plans is an idea that should have been abandoned long ago in the face of evidence and experience, but it just keep shambling along. The practices of private healthcare insurers that deny coverage, micromanage medical treatment and protecting their profits through lobbying clearly cannot survive daylight and suck the blood from patients as effectively as the American Healthcare Act.
The dust will settle after the AHCA passes and some of the Republican who rammed it through in the dark have been defeated in 2018 and 2020.
The real question is will they be replaced by Republican-Lites who will whistle up the private health insurance zombie. Let's hope they will be replaced by Democrats who will enact Medicare for All.
The dust will settle after the AHCA passes and some of the Republican who rammed it through in the dark have been defeated in 2018 and 2020.
The real question is will they be replaced by Republican-Lites who will whistle up the private health insurance zombie. Let's hope they will be replaced by Democrats who will enact Medicare for All.
2
With Trump--to paraphrase Rumsfeld--there are the things he knows he doesn't know and the things he doesn't know he doesn't know.
Not Trump? Trump did force the House to pass that third-trimester abortion American Health Care Act to make sure Obamacare was repealed and is now calling it "mean, mean." So he's ceded decisions about health care to others
(just like he's ceded Afghanistan to the generals.)
What Trump does know is how to shift blame.
Not Trump? Trump did force the House to pass that third-trimester abortion American Health Care Act to make sure Obamacare was repealed and is now calling it "mean, mean." So he's ceded decisions about health care to others
(just like he's ceded Afghanistan to the generals.)
What Trump does know is how to shift blame.
2
Those who have taken even introductory calculus appreciate that we are in the far right tail of the "limits" curve, with only Fox News, Limbaugh, Breitbart and the like to keep lifting up the tail. It is there we are stuck in mathematical purgatory, where limit is never reached. We must have a return to the FCC "Fairness Doctrine" and until that is possible only boycotts can help.
2
Trump isn't a bystander, he's a hostage. I don't say this to defend our loathsome Dear Leader, but merely to pass on an observation made by another pundit somewhere (can't recall where). It's this: Whatever Trump thinks of any laws that hit his desk (if he thinks of them at all), he HAS to sign them. Why? Because Congress has him over a barrel. If he doesn't scratch out his polygraph of a signature then they can always threaten impeachment.
Again, not defending him. Just saying that, in part due to his own actions, he has even less power than he normally would. As a Bizarro-Trump might say on his Twitter: SAD!
Again, not defending him. Just saying that, in part due to his own actions, he has even less power than he normally would. As a Bizarro-Trump might say on his Twitter: SAD!
2
A tax cut disguised as healthcare. You couldn't make this up if it wasn't true.
3
So-called president trump's reassuring words still ring in my ears ... "Obamacare is an utter disaster folks. I will repeal it entirely and replace it with something much much better, believe me ... and very quickly". Ringing ringing ringing ... like an unanswered telephone.
3
If the AHA had been a Reagan initiative do you think they'ed be taking it apart?
You have to understand that Conservatives are old fashioned simple minded sapiens that can't handle the idea of thinking and the complexities of the future. They are just backwards thinking people who want a simple uncomplicated life where they don't have to think.
if this is true -- "And they’re trying to do it in total secrecy" and this "slides are flashed across the screens so quickly that they can hardly be committed to memory.”
How do you have any clue that it is such a terrible plan? How do you know what's in it?
Doesn't seem possible that you could know what's in it!
How do you have any clue that it is such a terrible plan? How do you know what's in it?
Doesn't seem possible that you could know what's in it!
So, it's not only unpresidented, it's inSenate, insane and senile.
We are all in a whacko submarine, a backroom submarine, a whacko submarine, where a bunch of coward Republican Senators are whacking our healthcare, so they and their wealthy friends can get even richer.
The doctors are against it, the hospitals, the nurses and the insurers are against it, every organization in the field is against it.
That's when you know the ultrarich and their GOPbler swamp full of faciligators are for it.
"Miraculously" the secret, short-sighted enrichment plan for the ultrarich by throwing millions off their healthcare, boosted by endless campaigning, calling Obamacare evil and trumpeting the need of repealing and replacing it with what is now turning out to be a truly disastrous alternative, for years on end got all the funding of media megaphonies, not even from American oligarchs, but even from their Russian colleagues, to the extent of investing in lawyers devising and pushing plans for voter suppression and gerrymandering to facilitate the smooth arrival of the ultrarich their messiah, aided by a witch hunt deflecting, rattling and rousing rabbles with fake indignation over insignificant emails.
"Miraculously" the sensible alternative of Medicare for all, versions of which are making healthcare a thriving system in so many other advanced countries, was also broadly dismissed and thrown under the bus by the MSM together with its vocal proponent, Bernie Sanders.
Happy now, PK?
We are all in a whacko submarine, a backroom submarine, a whacko submarine, where a bunch of coward Republican Senators are whacking our healthcare, so they and their wealthy friends can get even richer.
The doctors are against it, the hospitals, the nurses and the insurers are against it, every organization in the field is against it.
That's when you know the ultrarich and their GOPbler swamp full of faciligators are for it.
"Miraculously" the secret, short-sighted enrichment plan for the ultrarich by throwing millions off their healthcare, boosted by endless campaigning, calling Obamacare evil and trumpeting the need of repealing and replacing it with what is now turning out to be a truly disastrous alternative, for years on end got all the funding of media megaphonies, not even from American oligarchs, but even from their Russian colleagues, to the extent of investing in lawyers devising and pushing plans for voter suppression and gerrymandering to facilitate the smooth arrival of the ultrarich their messiah, aided by a witch hunt deflecting, rattling and rousing rabbles with fake indignation over insignificant emails.
"Miraculously" the sensible alternative of Medicare for all, versions of which are making healthcare a thriving system in so many other advanced countries, was also broadly dismissed and thrown under the bus by the MSM together with its vocal proponent, Bernie Sanders.
Happy now, PK?
1
Let's hope Ossoff wins, or at least gets very very close on Tuesday.
2
If you're conducting a witch hunt, you're on the right track. Who can look at Paul Ryan. Dr. Tom Price, the three eldest Trump children, and, of course, Donald himself in his signature long coat, and not be reminded of Count Dracula. I'm sure when Trumpcare is finally whelped, the family resemblance will have everyone whispering, "Rosemary's Baby."
2
Zombie and vampire more accurately describe the voters and special interests who keep these people in office. I'm cheering for the witch hunters.
4
Judge Roberts...is this what you envisioned when you insisted political money is Free Speech?
The RNC is corrupt. The koch brothers and little donnie demonstrate starkly why inheritance taxes are needed. Second generation money typically leads to selfish spoiled man-boys, whose love for money does a disservice to the word "love".
The RNC is corrupt. The koch brothers and little donnie demonstrate starkly why inheritance taxes are needed. Second generation money typically leads to selfish spoiled man-boys, whose love for money does a disservice to the word "love".
3
If this comes to a vote without any discussion, Democrats should walk out en masse.
Reporters should be ready on the Capitol steps.
Reporters should be ready on the Capitol steps.
1
By George, I think he gets it.
When Trump says the bill is mean, you know it may set the standard for Republican stealing from the poor to give to the rich.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
When Trump says the bill is mean, you know it may set the standard for Republican stealing from the poor to give to the rich.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
1
There is no discernible difference between the machinations of McConnell and the chaos of Trump. The tortoise (tortuous) slowly but methodically goes about destroying anything that could possibly benefit those who don't write checks to his reelection campaigns, is a closet racist and is disturbingly obsessed with destroying anything positive accomplished by Democrats in the last 20 years. The hare (hair) quickly and chaotically goes about destroying anything in its path, good, bad or indifferent and is utterly obsessed with destroy Mr. Obama and his legacy. It really doesn't matter whether the tortuous or the hair crosses the finish line first, the rest of are already losing badly.
1
Still have doubts our Congress can pass anything of substance, but, if they do, there "let them eat cake" signing ceremony in the Oval Office, will become the featured campaign ad in the 2018 campaign cycle.
2
I wonder if they'll serve real beer this time.
I like the vampire metaphor. Vampires belong to families that have stayed wealthy for generations; they live apart, in palaces, and have names like Count So-and-so. They prey on the powerless and sustain themselves with the blood of innocent folks who are unaware of the evil that surrounds them. If the Count snatches up a few peasants, no one asks questions. Who cares about peasants? Vampires prefer to victimize women, and they find pretty young women especially tasty. As the Professor points out, vampires do their mischief in the dark, avoiding the harmful light of day. I think someone could make a dandy movie called Night of the Congressional Vampires. Better watch out, though, Professor, while you're fashioning your cross and sharpening your stake, they'll be coming after you, first accusing you of spreading fake news but, who knows, later striking you with a Putin-umbrella, saying, "Perhaps you know too much, Von Helsing."
1
I hope these hysterical men can come to some conclusion, because I might need a hysterectomy sooner than too late if their plan is to take away preventive women's care. My condition makes me a sitting cluck for cancer and pre-existing conditional add ons and downgrades to my premium and policy. If I pull the works before they make me pay five times more for it, does that make me mercenary? These days, you have to include the worst possible scenarios if you depend on Trumpcare to win the cancer wars.
1
I am no longer surprised by the response of Trump's supporters, to whatever Trump and the Republican controlled Congress, says or does.
Instead of a better and cheaper replacement for the ACA, Republicans have come up with a healthcare policy that will see 23 million Americans lose their healthcare coverage. Central to the Republican health plan, is a $60 billion gift in tax cuts each year, to the mega rich.
Trump's supporters ignore the Republican healthcare plan, that is simply a transfer of more wealth to those who don't really need it.
The US healthcare system sucks up over 17% of US GDP, to deliver inferior health outcomes. Other first world nations, spend around 11% or less of their GDP, yet achieve much better health outcomes for their citizens.
The GOP are now working on their healthcare plan in secret, with no female representatives on their select panel.
Despite the veil of secrecy on the Republican healthcare plan, Trump's supporters still holler their approval at merely the mention of President Trump. It seems that whatever Trump does, his supporters will see it as a positive for them. They cannot comprehend that Trump is for Trump, and his fellow 1%.
There may come a time when Republicans realise they have been conned by the Don. So far they just accept his conflicting tweets, while ignoring non fake actual news, that President Trump and his administration continues to struggle with the basics of government.
Instead of a better and cheaper replacement for the ACA, Republicans have come up with a healthcare policy that will see 23 million Americans lose their healthcare coverage. Central to the Republican health plan, is a $60 billion gift in tax cuts each year, to the mega rich.
Trump's supporters ignore the Republican healthcare plan, that is simply a transfer of more wealth to those who don't really need it.
The US healthcare system sucks up over 17% of US GDP, to deliver inferior health outcomes. Other first world nations, spend around 11% or less of their GDP, yet achieve much better health outcomes for their citizens.
The GOP are now working on their healthcare plan in secret, with no female representatives on their select panel.
Despite the veil of secrecy on the Republican healthcare plan, Trump's supporters still holler their approval at merely the mention of President Trump. It seems that whatever Trump does, his supporters will see it as a positive for them. They cannot comprehend that Trump is for Trump, and his fellow 1%.
There may come a time when Republicans realise they have been conned by the Don. So far they just accept his conflicting tweets, while ignoring non fake actual news, that President Trump and his administration continues to struggle with the basics of government.
189
Being Republican means you're dumb and poor. The real conservatives have abandoned ship but have culpability in this fiasco. They used the numbskulls to the best of their advantage. You reap what you sow.
1
What I want to know is where Trump's money is and why he will not reveal it.
“Tax cuts” sounds good. But ordinary wage earners can’t seem to comprehend that it’s not an equal-opportunity situation. They seem to think big businesses and billionaires will pay much less simply because they have more income. The relativity factor washes away when they dream they might get to keep an extra ten dollars out of each paycheck. When they don’t, their faith and foolishness causes them to believe whatever cover story is thrown at them.
As for healthcare, what use do these big businesses and billionaires have for a bunch of used up laborers who aren’t worth a cent to them anymore? Or frail old people who will never work again? Or people with other infirmities or special needs? They want to keep the masses poor and stupid (thank you, Betsy DeVos) and dispose of them when they’re no longer of value. Whether that disposal is an escort over our southern border or an early death due to neglect and poor healthcare is none of their concern.
The “death panels” Sarah Palin fervently warned her flock about really do exist. Another name for them is the Republican majority.
As for healthcare, what use do these big businesses and billionaires have for a bunch of used up laborers who aren’t worth a cent to them anymore? Or frail old people who will never work again? Or people with other infirmities or special needs? They want to keep the masses poor and stupid (thank you, Betsy DeVos) and dispose of them when they’re no longer of value. Whether that disposal is an escort over our southern border or an early death due to neglect and poor healthcare is none of their concern.
The “death panels” Sarah Palin fervently warned her flock about really do exist. Another name for them is the Republican majority.
359
But luckily they are a minority. It's DeVos job to make them a majority through less education, more religion, and fear.
1
I have an almost perverse desire to see this horrific trainwreck legislation pass and get signed into law. While it will be devastating to millions of Americans, and possibly me, it could be the final unraveling of the 50 year effort by Conservatives to fool working class folks with cultural straw men, (religion, race, culture) while devastating their lives.
Conservatives have been smart; destroying the middle class slowly enough that they can avoid blame. But one gigantic disaster will change a lot of minds.
So tragic that it may take widespread suffering, disease and death to get people to understand that they are not voting for Jesus, or a purely white America, but instead voting for the ugliest of greed and against their own family interests.
Conservatives have been smart; destroying the middle class slowly enough that they can avoid blame. But one gigantic disaster will change a lot of minds.
So tragic that it may take widespread suffering, disease and death to get people to understand that they are not voting for Jesus, or a purely white America, but instead voting for the ugliest of greed and against their own family interests.
539
I doubt it would change many peoples minds, or voting patterns (maybe for an election cycle, or two). But in the long term people at a level of development that says, "my group, religion, or culture right or wrong" will always resonate with the type of appeals to nativism and homogenity, no matter how phony or ill-informed they might appear to others.
1
So Javafutter, if I understand your argument correctly, you are saying that if Sam Brownback and his tax-cutting voodoo had somehow been run out of office after only a year or two, his prosperity dreams would have lived on.
But thankfully(?), he survived to stand by smiling and proudly pointing to one of the worst fiscal and social train wrecks to befall a state in many a year. So that even his own party brusquely overruled him in a surge of realism and common sense. And now this fully realized real-time example of folly can stand as a corrective (we hope).
But thankfully(?), he survived to stand by smiling and proudly pointing to one of the worst fiscal and social train wrecks to befall a state in many a year. So that even his own party brusquely overruled him in a surge of realism and common sense. And now this fully realized real-time example of folly can stand as a corrective (we hope).
They'll blame Obama; mark my words.
Sadly, this is hardly "unprecidented" nor unpredictable for anyone who has lived in Michigan during the current Republican reign over state government. With the current Republican governor and control of both houses of the state legislature, the kind of behind closed doors, pass legislation within minutes of it reaching the floor of each house and then a slam dunk signature by the gov. is standard operating procedure. Wait for the next act at the national level...in Michigan, Republicans have gotten so slick at this approach that they can do it all in one day or two with identical bills introduced simultaneously in both houses. Saw this strategy coming from a mile off.
12
Right. I worked with economists when Reagan was elected, and they joked that Murray Weidenbaum was the only supply-side economist that the new Administration was able to discover. The old name "political economics" still applies. Milton Friedman did some good work, but a macro prof said he was "slippery" in revising his justifications when one didn't hold well enough. Some principles of monetary economics seemed like blind faith to me. Investors don't pay the attention to the money supply that they used to, as the concept has changed drastically. Analysts serve politicians, and political action is necessary even in order to assure that clearly valid analysis is accepted and false rhetoric is rejected - as should be possible with the self-serving myth about the tax cut's magical power to put the economy on steroids.
5
Since the 1964 presidential race the Republicans have been fighting to defeat the government by starving it, drowning it, and, on occasion, shutting it down. Whether Tea party, Reagan Revolution, or Barry Goldwater, the Republican party has, after 53 years of effort, successfully poisoned half the population of American citizens to the brink of permanent toxic cynicism about their government, and in this past presidential year, they nominated and supported an ethically challenged, self deluded egomaniac. So, whether zoombies, vampires, or simply the ghosts of 5 decades of brainwashing, it's virtually impossible for the Republican party to exist without these basic un-American initiatives at the top of their agenda... they are essential elements of their collective DNA.
312
All the GOP efforts you describe here, whether intentionally or not, serve to unravel the great work and vision of our founding fathers which was to bring us together as a people and a nation.
2
Nearly everything about this piece is just, except except a few aspects of the rhetoric. One central. The central aspect of the rhetoric is this: the time for using "zombie" and "vampire" highlighted and in titles and headlines should be over now that sensitivity about shrill rhetoric as a trivializing force in our public forum. True, Krugman's use is refined in its application to ideas and practices, not persons; but the refinements are over some readers' heads (e.g., those whose comments indicate that they think the terms do refer to groups of persons).
Further, the attack on taxcuts, which I tend to support, especially poo specially in this era's GOP forms, overdoses it be not acknowledging that the tax cut can be a stimulative tool as well as a a certain suppressor of tax revenues and spending that requires them.
Further, the attack on taxcuts, which I tend to support, especially poo specially in this era's GOP forms, overdoses it be not acknowledging that the tax cut can be a stimulative tool as well as a a certain suppressor of tax revenues and spending that requires them.
"So this isn’t a Trump story; it’s about the cynicism and corruption of the whole congressional G.O.P."
Beyond a doubt those involved in drafting this secret legislation are in direct conflict with their oaths of office. Doing this back-room activity means simply that there are agendas involved that won't stand scrutiny, and that means vested interests and pay-offs are at work.
Investigative reporters should be pecking away at these scoundrels like crows over carrion.
Beyond a doubt those involved in drafting this secret legislation are in direct conflict with their oaths of office. Doing this back-room activity means simply that there are agendas involved that won't stand scrutiny, and that means vested interests and pay-offs are at work.
Investigative reporters should be pecking away at these scoundrels like crows over carrion.
11
Our congressman in New York's 19th district, John Faso, spoke at a Juneteenth festival at a church in Kingston, NY on Sunday.
Even though he had promised a constituent to vote against Trumpcare when it came up in the House, he voted in favor of the Bill.
Since he has refused to hold town meetings to discuss the healthcare situation, when he arose to speak in the church, even though he had not been invited, I spoke out, loudly, asking him who he had supported Trumpcare. Another member of the audience said,"Even Trump says it's no good!"
Congressman Faso chose not to respond.
I drew some criticism for raising the question in a church. However, I believe that when a Representative refuses to hold public meetings, we, as his constituents, must ask him for his reasons wherever we can catch up to this vampire.
Even though he had promised a constituent to vote against Trumpcare when it came up in the House, he voted in favor of the Bill.
Since he has refused to hold town meetings to discuss the healthcare situation, when he arose to speak in the church, even though he had not been invited, I spoke out, loudly, asking him who he had supported Trumpcare. Another member of the audience said,"Even Trump says it's no good!"
Congressman Faso chose not to respond.
I drew some criticism for raising the question in a church. However, I believe that when a Representative refuses to hold public meetings, we, as his constituents, must ask him for his reasons wherever we can catch up to this vampire.
16
Good analysis. It's concise, yet everything is there in language anyone can understand. This is a convincing argument. But Fox and Friends have their own reality and it is completely at odds with ours. And Fox has the bigger megaphone. I will email Krugman's op-Ed to the limit allowed, but we are outgunned. I don't know what else to do.
5
I just don't understand that their aren't three Senators who will stand up and say, unequivocally, "we will vote against this legislation if it doesn't get an ample airing to the public and if we ourselves don't understand what's in it." That is obviously the ethical high ground and the competency high ground. It is simply unethical and incompetent to vote for important legislation you know next to nothing about. And to oppose this travesty is not even falling on the sword: at worst, the Senators would lose their seats, but unlike most Americans, would retain a retirement pension and good health insurance--and have ample opportunity to revive their careers as genuine populist heroes. This kind of party bullying only goes on because the Senators themselves allow it. They don't need to: they are powerful people in their own right.
7
As a capitalist, it deeply saddens me that these Republicans will so damage capitalism as a brand that the swing to socialism, once these thieves are out of office, will be extreme. I call on our business leaders to prevent this.
2
The tax-cut-as-economic-boost will not go away until the Reagan myth regarding tax cuts in the 80's is slayed.
This is what they point to when selling their tax policy.
This is what they point to when selling their tax policy.
4
To do this we'll to exhume Reagan and drive a stake through his heart.
1
It's about subjugation and greed. Probably in that order.
The corrupt donors behind the Republican party at this time are not only wealthy, they're eager to put ordinary people in their place, especially minorities.
The middle class is necessary to a balanced society. But these corrupt donors don't want a balanced society. They want to put everyone else except their class off balance because they think that will put everything in their favor. They don't worry about a "French Revolution" outcome, because they figure they can loot till the last minute and then take a private jet out to some country they haven't plundered yet. Notice Russian oligarchs that have left Russia.
Russia is who they want us to become. A desperate people in a failing economy, where more money is spent on war and hacking than anything else, without real health care, that the rich loot, but leave.
Witness how Trump's administration is trying to kill not only healthcare, but education. The corrupt R's now in power don't want an educated public. Educated and middle class people rise up and demand rights. That makes it harder to loot.
Trump is working to kill worker rights, clean air and water rights. Having those benefits people trying to live here, but gets in the way of those trying to loot and run. He's also trying to sell the country for parts, like monuments and parks. They're part of the loot. Business will be hurt overall, but business isn't the point.
Vampires are exactly what they are.
The corrupt donors behind the Republican party at this time are not only wealthy, they're eager to put ordinary people in their place, especially minorities.
The middle class is necessary to a balanced society. But these corrupt donors don't want a balanced society. They want to put everyone else except their class off balance because they think that will put everything in their favor. They don't worry about a "French Revolution" outcome, because they figure they can loot till the last minute and then take a private jet out to some country they haven't plundered yet. Notice Russian oligarchs that have left Russia.
Russia is who they want us to become. A desperate people in a failing economy, where more money is spent on war and hacking than anything else, without real health care, that the rich loot, but leave.
Witness how Trump's administration is trying to kill not only healthcare, but education. The corrupt R's now in power don't want an educated public. Educated and middle class people rise up and demand rights. That makes it harder to loot.
Trump is working to kill worker rights, clean air and water rights. Having those benefits people trying to live here, but gets in the way of those trying to loot and run. He's also trying to sell the country for parts, like monuments and parks. They're part of the loot. Business will be hurt overall, but business isn't the point.
Vampires are exactly what they are.
7
The Thirteen Vampires of the Senate should explain how U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise would fare under their secret plan if he were not a Congressman.
No matter how Rep. Scalise survives, he will surely have to draw upon all of the health care system. As Rep. Mo Brooks explained, under Trumpcare: "people who have higher health care costs.. contribute more to the insurance pool that helps offset all these costs, thereby reducing the cost to those people who lead good lives."
To my knowledge Rep. Scalise has not legislated in the interest of his financial portfolio like Secretary Tom Price. Scalise might be in the sort of precarious financial position that made medical bankruptcy a much more important risk before Obamacare.
No matter how Rep. Scalise survives, he will surely have to draw upon all of the health care system. As Rep. Mo Brooks explained, under Trumpcare: "people who have higher health care costs.. contribute more to the insurance pool that helps offset all these costs, thereby reducing the cost to those people who lead good lives."
To my knowledge Rep. Scalise has not legislated in the interest of his financial portfolio like Secretary Tom Price. Scalise might be in the sort of precarious financial position that made medical bankruptcy a much more important risk before Obamacare.
2
Scalise had his spleen removed when he was a teenager, therefore, under the R plan, he would not be eligible for insurance as he has a pre-existing condition. Hmmm, how many others in office would have the same problem. Oh, of course, I forgot, they have government insurance so it would not affect them.
1
There's nothing in the world more predictable than GOP hypocrisy unless it's the endless call for tax breaks for the wealthy for the purpose of them reinvesting them in jobs (wink, wink).
4
Kansas is an example of Republican ideas failing, but Republicans then point to Indiana to say how they work.
I wish Mr. Krugman would give some insight into what's wrong or different about the Indiana thinking.
I wish Mr. Krugman would give some insight into what's wrong or different about the Indiana thinking.
2
125,000 retirees per year, only 70,000 high school grads per year
Suggests that more efficient manufacturing requiring fewer factory workers may not be so bad, in spite of stagnant wages in some areas. Obama stimulus directed $4.3 Billion to Indiana. Federal dollars also flow to research in pharmaceuticals and medical devices at Indiana universities, creating a pipe-line for jobs in those industries locally. This may change with Trump cuts.
Suggests that more efficient manufacturing requiring fewer factory workers may not be so bad, in spite of stagnant wages in some areas. Obama stimulus directed $4.3 Billion to Indiana. Federal dollars also flow to research in pharmaceuticals and medical devices at Indiana universities, creating a pipe-line for jobs in those industries locally. This may change with Trump cuts.
Tax cuts for the rich and growing poverty among the rest. It works for the people at the top. The more desperate everyone else is, the more powerful they are. Welcome to the new guilted age.
4
"Principled Republicans"? Isn't this an oxymoron? A contradiction in Terms?
To be a member of the GOP one needs to have long since given up on the very concept of principled behavior. Nor are support and adherence to the idea of pushing second amendment rights to their absolute limits a form of ethical or intelligent and well thought out behavior. The 2nd,(second) Amendment to the constitution has basically morphed into a form of property rights in which those with the money may purchase expensive, if all but useless industrial artifacts, while pretending that their "right" to own, carry and use these devices is definitive proof that they are free men.
It is not enough for most Republicans to belong to and participate in a large mostly functional civil society. To most of them, only the ownership of ever more guns and the ammunition,(their fuel), to use in them constitutes proof of their manhood or existence .(This is an issue in which there seems to be a sort of "gender dichotomy", as even many GOP women tend to be far too busy with the mundane aspects of maintaining a life and family to spend time, scarce money and much of their lives , owning and celebrating expensive, high maintainence toys that get used once or twice a year .)
To be a member of the GOP one needs to have long since given up on the very concept of principled behavior. Nor are support and adherence to the idea of pushing second amendment rights to their absolute limits a form of ethical or intelligent and well thought out behavior. The 2nd,(second) Amendment to the constitution has basically morphed into a form of property rights in which those with the money may purchase expensive, if all but useless industrial artifacts, while pretending that their "right" to own, carry and use these devices is definitive proof that they are free men.
It is not enough for most Republicans to belong to and participate in a large mostly functional civil society. To most of them, only the ownership of ever more guns and the ammunition,(their fuel), to use in them constitutes proof of their manhood or existence .(This is an issue in which there seems to be a sort of "gender dichotomy", as even many GOP women tend to be far too busy with the mundane aspects of maintaining a life and family to spend time, scarce money and much of their lives , owning and celebrating expensive, high maintainence toys that get used once or twice a year .)
1
It's off-topic, but I wish gun control could be taken off the dem bucket list for awhile. I love you and your pubs, New Yorkers, but please comprehend the situation: as long as NRA does such a great job promoting fear and empowering people, the 'gun control' dog won't hunt. It is probably correct to say that gun violence is a symptom, not the root of our social problems. Looking at it another way, even pathetically weak and moderate efforts toward responsible gun ownership in the current political landscape, set the rent-seeking coalitions, of which Dr Krugman speaks, afire. 'How great a matter a little fire consumeth'. Also, I kind of distrust oxymorons: Carl Sandberg pointed out that Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, only claimed one abiding principle - unity; yet it would be hard to find anyone beside Lincoln himself who would argue that he was not a great man.
Tax cuts for the rich funded by stripping tens of millions of health care is nothing more than gratuitous cruelty.
5
I had a small manufacturing company employing 40 people for 13 years.
The only thing that would cause me to hire someone is if I had more business.
All tax cuts that I got went into my pocket.
The only thing that would cause me to hire someone is if I had more business.
All tax cuts that I got went into my pocket.
6
Basic Microeconomics!
The most important detail about this article, which applies across the board, is that Donald Trump is not responsible for the policies being implemented, this is GOP Republican policy. Republicans are successfully implementing republican orthodoxy and blaming it on Donald Trump. Democrats should be wary of falling into this trap. Donald Trump is a perfect window to the GOP Utopia. Democrats need to stop attacking Trump for GOP policy failures, and should properly levy blame where it is deserved; on the Republicans. Republicans are exploiting trump and democrats are enabling them. Similarly the republican moderates, e.g. Collins, Flake, etc, are cowards unable to stand up to party leadership, since every vote that matters they always fall in line.
3
An objective, scientific, thorough, and thoughtful look at about anything the Republican Party advocates for or enacts renders only these truthful high level conclusions:
if it is something that speaks to financial concerns the Plutocracy/Oligarchy will benefit at the expense of most of the People with tangential negative effects to the environment, worker protections, health, and/or overall quality of life
if it is something that speaks to military concerns the promotion of enemies, conflicts, and/or expensive equipment will trump other approaches for these reasons: so the Plutocracy/Oligarchy will benefit and/or the R base will stay fearful and fired up with tangential negative effects to social programs, long term security, and/or World serenity
if it is something that speaks to mores, individual freedom and autonomy of conscience, social diversity, and/or acceptance of scientific secular truth stances will be taken that shake the ground of modernity and commonsense simply to fire up or appease the R base with tangential negative effects to overall personal freedom, medical progress, health, and/or some groups (e.g. women, gays, etc.)
Is the D Party any better? YES! but I admit it leans toward the big money too, besides being sometimes plain stupid and weak. STILL it is orders of magnitude better because in a broad sense it is confined by modernity and a secular proper social conscience AND a base that will demand better!
The R Party has no such confines!
if it is something that speaks to financial concerns the Plutocracy/Oligarchy will benefit at the expense of most of the People with tangential negative effects to the environment, worker protections, health, and/or overall quality of life
if it is something that speaks to military concerns the promotion of enemies, conflicts, and/or expensive equipment will trump other approaches for these reasons: so the Plutocracy/Oligarchy will benefit and/or the R base will stay fearful and fired up with tangential negative effects to social programs, long term security, and/or World serenity
if it is something that speaks to mores, individual freedom and autonomy of conscience, social diversity, and/or acceptance of scientific secular truth stances will be taken that shake the ground of modernity and commonsense simply to fire up or appease the R base with tangential negative effects to overall personal freedom, medical progress, health, and/or some groups (e.g. women, gays, etc.)
Is the D Party any better? YES! but I admit it leans toward the big money too, besides being sometimes plain stupid and weak. STILL it is orders of magnitude better because in a broad sense it is confined by modernity and a secular proper social conscience AND a base that will demand better!
The R Party has no such confines!
1
You are correct in your assessment Paul yet everyone thinks the Democrats need to work with the Republicans. I say deny and obstruct until 2018 and turn out the vote because there is no working with these guys. They have a base that defends the indefensible and believes the same old lies over and over again. If the Democrats don't go left and make their base happy it's game over.
4
Agreed. As bad as Trump is, the most offensive thing about his administration is that so many Republicans are enabling him. Where are the moderates? Where are the principled conservatives? We are supposed to have two parties in this country, so voters can make choices. Today we have a weakened Democratic party and Donald Trump's scorched earth party that the GOP is cowering behind. Why?
2
Democracy is withering before our eyes. There is no need for debate or openness in a one-party state. We are approaching the culmination of years of effort by the well-organized and ruthless extremist right to implement one-party rule, first in the states, now in Washington.
5
Assuming this bill is as is expected, it has advantages for the political hacks of both parties. The Republican hacks can retain support of their radical base and remain leaders of the party, however trashed it is. The Democratic hacks can stand by and watch as the Republican Party trashes itself. Of course many people will suffer and die. But that's never bothered the hacks.
Maybe, once those who voted for Trump and the Republicans lose their health care, they will see the light. Some people need to be smashed over the head with reality when they refuse to listen to logic. It gets tiring to fight for them when they won't fight for themselves or come out to vote.
3
Majority whip Steve Scalise lies grievously wounded, felled by an assassin's assault rifle. But as a leader of the Republican caucus in Congress, he is undoubtedly receiving top-notch health care, the best that money can buy. Republicans are attempting to deny this service to millions upon millions of Americans. But it would be a lie to claim that the party is sitting on its hands. It is doing all it can to keep assault weaponry readily available to those who want it, be they mentally compromised or not. So in sum, the Republican mantra is Guns for all, Healthcare for the few. For shame.
2
I can't imagine why the Republicans would mess with the success they've enjoyed since Ronald Reagan started serving up this bilge. I've seen it working well in an up close and personal fashion. In my home state of Oklahoma, where I've taught for 35 years, I've seen my colleagues voting themselves first into penury and now, with massive cuts to education, out of jobs. In Republican land there seem to be only two great evils, abortion and taxation. Anything else is negotiable. It is heartbreaking but I see no end to it.
3
The "cynicism and corruption" of the current GOP leadership cannot be underestimated and unfortunately are the sinister qualities that helped keep them in power. Not that they know how to use that power humanely or constructively, as we're seeing every day. As for Mitch McConnell, nothing that he does or says should surprise anyone. I'll never forget Mitch McConnell's admission (some 7 years ago) that his driving purpose moving forward – his raison d'etre – was to prevent Obama from serving a second term. Chiller.
1
Where are the democratic parliamentarians, those knowledgeable and skillful enough to counteract McConnells Machiavellian wizardry? I get that the republicans have a (slim) majority in the senate, but can't democrats counteract these attempts to hide the content of the republican health care bill by speeches, interviews, tweets and whatever else it takes to let the public know they are being thrown under the bus? I don't get it.
1
I watched the Bernie Madoff movie last night and he is clearly a sociopath. He simply does not care about the people he so grievously harms. I wonder if Mitch McConnell is a sociopath, too. He is leading a group of people in making legislation that is going to grievously harm millions. And the people who he is going to harm already have little, he will ensure they have less. The help they have been given through health insurance will now be turned into additional money for those who already have a great deal of money. It's just plain cruel.
1
I'm sure "Conservatives" will be in a state of high dudgeon after reading Mr. Krugman's essay, but I'm afraid even a state of low dudgeon by the economic zombies & vampires is justified. Mr. Krugman's examples are called "empirical evidence"; sometimes the truth is a pesky thing.
1
Lack of transparency is an active form of deceit. The Republican party is now synonymous with ulterior motives and intellectual dishonesty. It appears that Republicans want to test the limits of their gullible supporters.
2
What struck me about the shooting last week was how odd it took place where Republicans were practicing baseball. GOP juxtaposed with baseball field made no sense. These are highly paid, generous benefits, pension, all nicely cocooned public servants elected to fix the nation's most urgent problems, health care topping the list.
Instead they were practicing to play against Democrats -- who GOP leaders, like Rep. Scalise, demonize, thwart, shut out, defy, insult, and lie to repeatedly.
A baseball friendly and it's kumbaya? Except it's not.
Despite patronizing articles explaining Washington ways and the need for a little bonhomie, BBQ and baseball bonding, it seemed a tad casual or uncaring.
Who can't get behind a few brews, an umpire joke, and a guffaw over Ryan not stealing base because he doesn't steal?
Maybe everyone just barely hanging on.
America's in the emergency room with grievous self-harm. Concussed by Trump, in shock from severe income disparity, a hopeless health care crisis, and half the nation in total freefall to where racism, hate, violence, ignorance, opportunists, and foreign sabotage promise combustion. We're in really bad shape here.
But they're out playing ball to foster non-partisan civility, which they savage? These guys not see The Titanic? They're in a cynical bubble, insulated from the life and death reality of their fun and games.
They deserve a special monument with all their names engraved in honor of their political depravity.
Instead they were practicing to play against Democrats -- who GOP leaders, like Rep. Scalise, demonize, thwart, shut out, defy, insult, and lie to repeatedly.
A baseball friendly and it's kumbaya? Except it's not.
Despite patronizing articles explaining Washington ways and the need for a little bonhomie, BBQ and baseball bonding, it seemed a tad casual or uncaring.
Who can't get behind a few brews, an umpire joke, and a guffaw over Ryan not stealing base because he doesn't steal?
Maybe everyone just barely hanging on.
America's in the emergency room with grievous self-harm. Concussed by Trump, in shock from severe income disparity, a hopeless health care crisis, and half the nation in total freefall to where racism, hate, violence, ignorance, opportunists, and foreign sabotage promise combustion. We're in really bad shape here.
But they're out playing ball to foster non-partisan civility, which they savage? These guys not see The Titanic? They're in a cynical bubble, insulated from the life and death reality of their fun and games.
They deserve a special monument with all their names engraved in honor of their political depravity.
4
The metaphor Zombie hides the issue of studied ignorance. How can people commit illogic and reject evidence, time after time? How do others tolerate it ad infinitum? The answers probably lie in the tribalism of human evolution, which many (perhaps most) Republicans deny. Perhaps by entertaining the causality, humans will learn to transcend it.
1