Cutting Medicaid?

 It's a terrible idea. 

Medicaid is being targeted because, well gee, we can't afford it with all those tax cuts. 

Ten Things to Know About Medicaid

Over 80 million Americans depend on Medicaid. A majority of the recipients of the aid go to children, the disabled and the elderly. But hey, the wealthy will be able to keep up with the Russian oligarchs.

BTW around 77 percent of Americans have a positive view of the Medicaid program. Cuts will be like hitting the hornet's nest with a stick.

This is from Kaiser Family Foundation

Percent who say they have very or somewhat favorable views of each of the following:

Total

77%

Party ID

Democrats 87%

Independents 81%

Republicans 63%

Race/Ethnicity

Black        86%

Hispanic  85%

White       73%

2024 vote choice

Harris voters   89%

Trump voters  62%

Household income

Less than $40,000   82%

$40,000-$89,999     81%

$90,000 or more      70%

Here's an idea. How about finding ways to tamp down fraud? A little more oversight and enforcement might work.  Punishing the recipients is wrong headed, Just follow the money.

Fraud against Medicaid is mostly committed by providers – to crack down on fraud, Congress and the Administration should follow the money. There are no reliable estimates of the amount of fraud against Medicaid, but there is one data source that provides visibility into who the bad actors are. Every year, DOJ and HHS-OIG publish a report on their efforts to hold to account bad actors in Medicare, Medicaid, and other Federal health care programs. The December 2024 report lists examples of the different kinds of fraud against Medicaid (and Medicare) that the agencies have identified and prosecuted.  Among those convicted are ambulance service providers, durable medical equipment suppliers, diagnostic labs, nursing homes, pain clinics, pharmacies, physical therapists, physicians, and substance use treatment providers.  No beneficiaries are in the listing. (Georgetown University McCourt School)

The Tipping Point

Are we at the tipping point?

 As flawed as Thomas Jefferson may have been, he nailed it in the Declaration of Independence. 

"Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" is a well-known phrase from the United States Declaration of Independence. The phrase gives three examples of the unalienable rights which the Declaration says have been given to all humans by their Creator, and which governments are created to protect.

Elon Musk and Donald Trump think we're reenacting Animal Farm, or The Lord of the Flies, where some are more equal than others. Clearly, it's exceptionalism. Exceptionalism is the perception or belief that a species, country, society, institution, movement, individual, or time period is "exceptional" (i.e., unusual or extraordinary). The term carries the implication, whether or not specified, that the referent is superior in some way. That's why Trump says, "I alone can fix this." 

His delusions are dangerous. If that weren't bad enough, he is taking away our unalienable rights, our livelihoods, based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnic background. I think I just described the aspirational goals of DEI. Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. DEI encompasses people of different ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, cultures and sexual orientations. 

One final note. Nowhere in here do these thoughts and ideas say anything about excluding white people.  

(I used a variety of online sources.)

DEI Declared Dead

Donald Trump told Fox News that DEI is dead. Why, exactly, did he kill it? Trumpians would have us believe there's no discrimination, that the system is totally fair, that all of us are treated equally. Then, why is there a wealth gap between women and men, between whites and people of color? Scratch beneath the surface, you will find fear, racism, sexism, and all the other ism schisms and phobias.

It's easier to throw out pejoratives if you don't really allow DEI to be fully defined. Maybe if I name them, you will pause for a moment and think about this. Let me shed light on what these words actually mean. 

(From Chally)

• Diversity: This is when people from all different backgrounds come together. It includes people of different races, genders, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, visible and invisible disabilities, class, or status.
• Equity: The understanding that providing equal treatment or resources doesn’t necessarily deliver equally matching results is the foundation of equity. While many people share the same goals and dreams,  show us who you really are. path isn’t always the same, and one might experience more hardship and obstacles than another.
• Inclusion: Celebrating diversity requires thoughtful inclusion. Everyone must be recognized and appreciated for their talents, be provided with opportunities to get involved, and have their perspectives valued and heard.
• Belonging: A sense of belonging ties diversity, equity, and inclusion together. Each group member is respected, valued, and cherished while being their authentic selves. Belonging is a feeling of a shared community.

Is DEI illegal because there are people who would like to bring about the best in us? Is it illegal because it builds community? 

As defined, these all seem to be positive terms, looking for the best in all of us. As a Christian, this is what it means to love one another.  

Instead of hiding behind a pejorative, why not come out and show us who you really are, and what you really represent? 

(Forgive me. I see somebody else got to this idea before I did with a meme on Facebook, but as this situation rapidly evolves, I thought I should add my voice.)

Trust

There are dark days ahead when it comes to trust.

Trust is the cement that binds relationships, keeping spouses together, business deals intact, and political systems stable. Without trust, marriages fails, voters become apathetic, and organizations flounder. Without trust, no company (or country) can ever hope for excellence.

Our democratic republic is built on trust, and a distrust of the King that ruled us all. That trust is ensured by a system of checks and balances that are supposed to hold our leaders to account. That system is eroding into one party rule, and that party is genuflecting to a would be oligarchs. That party used to talk about a smaller government with minimal government interference. Not anymore. The end game, a few will have power over the rest of us. There will be no one to represent us.

How to be trustworthy?

I found these factors at a veterinarian website. A successful vet succeeds if they exude trust.

 
Key indicators of trustworthiness:
Consistency: Do their actions align with what they say?

Accountability: Do they admit when they are wrong and take responsibility for their mistakes?

Honesty: Do they openly share information, even when it's difficult?

Reliability: Can you count on them to follow through on promises and commitments?

Integrity: Do they demonstrate strong moral principles and ethical behavior?

Respect for boundaries: Do they respect your personal space and decisions? 

We have none of this

We have toxic leadership.

Toxic leaders often display traits such as narcissism, manipulation, aggression, and a lack of empathy. They devalue people, stifle creativity, and breed a culture of fear, mistrust, and resentment. Toxic political leadership can have a range of negative effects including: decreased public trust in government, increased societal division, erosion of democratic institutions, reduced civic engagement, economic instability, and a decline in overall wellbeing due to heightened stress and anxiety within the population. (Variety of online sources)

The final questions, No matter your political leanings, why would you ever trust a liar? And, why does Elon Musk have control of our Treasury Department data, or anything else for that matter?

There is some seriously bad stuff going on. 

"Last time I checked, no one voted for Elon Musk. His “DOGE” was never actually authorized by Congress. He has not been confirmed by Congress. Democrats (and any Republicans with a spine) need to step in and stop this madness. Call your rep now (202) 224-3121"

Robert Reich