If the government stopped taking money out of people's pay checks for wasteful programs like medicare would we

Question

other socialist programs to compensate?

Answer 1

Anyone that complains about Medicare will be complaining in 40 years when social security and medicare no longer exists.

I would rather pay for medicare and social security and be confidant that it will be there when I grow old and need it (not that I am confidant) then having it demolished immediately and see all the elderly walking, sleeping, living and eating on the streets. Not enough people are willing to help out the older members of their families.

Answer 2

I'm thinking that you don't even know what Medicare is, or who it benefits. (Because if you do, you are really too cold-hearted for words.)

I guess that you're really asking about welfare-type programs. Well, first of all, there is a time cap on those programs now, so all they can really do is give someone a helping hand when they are down. (No one can "live on welfare" any longer...)(Not that what they did on the paltry bit of help that they received could ever have been called "living"...but that's another question...) I don't think that you can honestly say that you are against "helping hands", can you? Heavens, with the way the poverty level is growing (see news on Yahoo!, yesterday...)you or your family might need it someday!

When we talk about "wasteful" programs supported by taxes, why don't you get into some of the really bad ones--like wars! Or BILLIONS in cash sent to Iraq with no way to account for it once it was sent. Or unnecessary trips, meals, hotel rooms, cars, for government employees. Or subsidies to farmers to keep them from growing things..or..or..or....

Look into some of the waste that are taxes are used for; you'll have a lot more to complain about than Medicare!!

Answer 3

Wasteful programs like Medicare??? Are you INSANE? First off, the elderly have contributed to Medicare all their lives, they are entitled to have it their for them when they need it. Second of all, there are a lot of business that depend on Medicare reimbursements and a lot of people who would be out of jobs if there weren't medicare. As it is, medicare funding has been cut so much that many of the elderly are in a lot of trouble physically and financially because of the Bush and previous administrations cutting back on Medicare. If anything should be cut, it's the military budget, since it is many times bigger than medicare, welfare, education,etc. Obviously you don't have elderly parents or grandparents or you wouldn't make such an asinine generalization. Who takes care of your elderly? Private nurses in their own home? Well, that's just a small minority of the elderly in this country. Many others are struggling. I'm guessing you're in the top 5% of wealthy in the US who won't have to worry about medicare reimbursements. Hooray for you.

Answer 4

I wouldn't mind the OASDI (Social Security and Medicare) as much, if it was guaranteed to be there for our generations. I doubt it will be, as I think the boomers will drain it.

And if Medicare was actually doing something for older Americans in terms of medical care, I might also feel better about it. But my two parents don't get much help from it.

And as a self-employed professional, I pay 15.3% of my gross income into SS/Medicare. I would love to have even half of that back to invest in my own retirement.

Answer 5

WHAT? At least when you ask a question like this come up with a better example than medicare. Maybe 4.5 billion dollars for an indoor garden or some other meaning less ear marked program some of our law makers used to get them selves elected.
Hopefully you are one of those great people who voted and you have a right to b#*ch.

Answer 6

why is medicare a "wasteful" program? have you any idea how many people rely on that just to survive? why should people people be made to suffer because they can't afford the capitalistic ways of this country. the fact that capitalism has turned health care into what it is should be to blame. do people deserve to die because they're not wealthy? capitalism is the real culprit you should go after. that's why we need "socialist" programs to begin with.

Answer 7

Do you understand what Medicare is? Maybe you are thinking of Medicaide. Either way there are strict regulations. You should get on the internet and study both until you get the true picture.

Answer 8

So I guess that all of the elderly should either have enough money or Die? I am a Conservative but even I know that this question is foolish...Medicare pays for the medical costs of the elderly and their meds...

Answer 9

Your point is moot. No one is going to take money away from the elderly. If anything, they are going to give them more through your so-called "socialist programs." I bet your granny looks forward to getting her Social Security check each month. Does that make her a socialist?

Answer 10

Good question, I am sure there would be something to compensate. I don't mind helping people but when certain people use those funds to further their laziness and breed complacency then thats when special programs must be viewed closely and validate their worthiness or eradicate it all together.