Why does Bush care more about tobacco companies than children and senior citizens?

Question

President Bush on Wednesday said he will veto Senate legislation that would increase funding for SCHIP by $35 billion over five years because expanding the program would lead to more people dropping private health coverage, the Baltimore Sun reports (West, Baltimore Sun, 7/19). Senate Finance Committee members on Friday finalized a bipartisan agreement on SCHIP reauthorization that would increase five-year funding for the program from $25 billion to $60 billion by raising the federal cigarette tax from 39 cents to $1 per pack. SCHIP expires on Sept. 30.


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I say tax the he-double toothpicks out of tobacco and liquor if it means healthcare improvements for those who need them, right?

Answer 1

all you libs do is complain about bush, let me ask you this, have we been attacked since 9/11? the answer is no, how many lives have been lost , under 5000, and as far as social medicine is concerned would you like your pay cut to accommodate the mass public because they socialize you job, well think about it, you socialize medicine and all the sudden we have the same health problems as third world country's have. yet, you want this, for children and seniors. there are already child services and Senior services to help them didn't you hear of husky and medicare? or are those not enough. and as far as taxes if we conservatives let you Dem's get your way the amount of tax we pay would increase to about 50% of your pay do you really want that? didnt think so. think you questions through before you put them out there.

Answer 2

While I absolutely hate that tobacco companies make huge profits at the expense of the health of the people, socialism (as someone said above) in any form is unacceptable. To say that the government can steal money it has not earned from a private corperation and redistribute it as they see fit sets a very, very dangerous precident.

Besides... Do you REALLY think that tobacco companies, or any other company, will take a loss induced by the government? Not at all! Whatever costs they incur, they will pass on to the people, so what you're really suggesting here is that you want my taxes raised, and you want your taxes raised, and you want the taxes of the very people this legislation is purportedly designed to help to be raised.

If we want to see Tobacco companies flushed down the tubes, we need to step up efforts (WE the people) to educate and to help those who are addicted get over that addiction to cigarrettes and cigars.

In addition, this legislation would simply be one more step in the growth of government, again, leading toward socialism.

Answer 3

Ever hear of the "crowding out" effect?

Maybe you should research the implications of expanding the bill before making ignorant assertions.

The fact is, Schip was designed to help cover low income children whose parent's make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. The bill's expansion, however, would increase the coverage to children whose parent's make up to $84,000, or 4 times the poverty level.

The problem is, a vast majority of these kids are already covered, and ALL of these children's parents have the income available to cover their children.

The expansion of this program clearly demonstrates the Democratic agenda of slowly converting our health care system to government-run.

The fact that you buy their drivel shows that you are either ignorant, or that you too support Socialism (in this case anyway.)

Edit: BTW, I can counter your straw-man argument. One other proposal is to replace the tax hike on cigarettes by taking money from Medicare Advantage. Why don't Democrats care about seniors????

Answer 4

The SCHIP makes no sense. Yes, it will provide coverage for kids in need. But it will also fund coverage for over a million kids who already have health insurance. So the government will tax us to pay for kids who are already insured....

Just because he's vetoing this doesn't mean he doesn't care about children, it just means the bill sucks. Come up with a bill that isn't a waste of tax payer dollars.

Answer 5

I have always agreed with what are called "sin taxes". If I choose to drink , it is only fair that I be taxed at a higher rate since that is a personal choice - not a necessity. Of course you already know the answer to your question. How much money do you think little old ladies and kids donate to the Republican party? Check out a website called opensecrets.org. It lists up to date campaign contributions to each candidate and/or party. It is a non-partisan site that is a real eye-opener. They report accurately on BOTH parties - like it or not.

Answer 6

The facts you set forth do not support any type of argument taht Bush cares more about tobacco thatn children and seniors.

Answer 7

Well, like it or not, tabacco is a cash crop in the South and many people's livlihoods still depend on it.

However, he's just a proponent of privatization. We'll just wait until he's out to get things done at this point.

Answer 8

Excuse me???

I smoke AND I pay for my own insurance thank you!

Don't make me pay for those that can't pay for themselves. I have done what I needed to do in life to ensure the financial stability of my family.

Making those that smoke or drink pay for the healthcare of others is discrimination. If you are wanting the country to pay for the insurance of those that don't have it....do it equally.

Answer 9

The Tobacco States are so much a part of Bush's political base, overlapped with the conservative Christian Right. Neither he, nor any conservative Republican in his mold could afford to lose that power base, financially or geographically. Sad, isn't it, the nation's health is far secondary in this scenario?

Answer 10

Gee, could it be political donations and " gifts" ? The good old boys sit around smoking and working new ways to screw all of us .