Joe Klein: Let's Vote!

[babylonsister]

http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/02/08/lets-vote/


Let's Vote!
Posted by Joe Klein Monday, February 8, 2010 at 2:16 pm


Hmm. TPM reports some interest by House Democrats in getting a roll-call vote on Republican Congressman Paul Ryan's incredibly fabulous plan to privatize Medicare and Social Security, while giving Seniors a fraction of the benefits they now receive. This is a Republican idea that truly needs to be taken seriously, an opportunity to see just how many Republicans are in favor of shredding the social safety net for senior citizens--an opportunity to see how many Republicans support their own "ideas." ( A bit of context: Ryan's plan was celebrated at the Republican retreat that President Obama attended last week.)

So, by all means, let's give the Republicans a chance to show how concerned they are about social policy and budget deficits. Let's Vote!

By the Way: On a related note, in response to Karen's and Kate's posts below, the purpose of a White House summit on health care--as Kate writes--would not be to "get things done." The summit is a political tactic. The purpose is to further demonstrate the President's willingness to "listen" to ideas like the Ryan plan--which can be taken apart easily in a televised meeting--and the GOP's unwillingness to support any sort of compromise at all on health care.

[ohiodemocratic]

1. Here's a link to Joe Klein's 2005 article slamming Democrats for not supporting W's SS privatization

Klein supported the disastrous idea proposed by Bush.

KLEIN: Bush's private investment accounts, combined with a reduction in benefits or higher taxes, is one way for baby boomers to lighten the burden of our retirement upon our children. There are other ways, but none without pain. A far more profitable—and absolutely necessary—reform would be a market-oriented overhaul of Medicare, but Dems just say no to that too.

http://www.time.com/time/columnist/klein/article/0,9565,1025086,00.html

Why do we love Joe Klein so much? He is no liberal.

[babylonsister]

2. I never said I loved Joe Klein, so don't know who you're speaking

for. But he's a heck of a lot more liberal than a lot of other ones out there. He's allowed to change his opinion, too, just like we are.