WSJ, “Why no one wants to repeal a program that everyone knows is a fraud”:
Since the CBO says Class’s front-loaded collections cut the deficit to the tune of that $86 billion, HHS has to pretend that the program is still alive to preserve these phantom savings.
Some Republicans are also nervous about repealing Class because, under CBO’s perverse scoring, they’ll be adding $86 billion to the deficit. Others would prefer not to repeal any of ObamaCare until they repeal all of it, on grounds that some of it might survive if the worst parts go first.
So an unaffordable entitlement that will be a perpetual drain on taxpayers may continue to exist because of a make-believe budget gimmick that everyone now admits is bogus. Congress can’t reduce real future liabilities because it would mean reducing fake current savings.
This is literally insane. It’s rare to get a political opening to dismantle any entitlement, much less one as large as Class. House Republicans ought to vote to repeal it as soon as possible as an act of fiscal hygiene, forcing Senate Democrats to vote on it and President Obama to confront (even if he won’t acknowledge) the fraud he signed into law.
Politicians being what they are, the political will to reform is a rare thing, indeed.
And Party doesn’t seem to matter on this account: establishment politicians from both political parties prefer the status quo — prefer to promise people ever more even as they know the money isn’t there to meet the obligations their promises create.
Which is why we need to nominate and elect conservatives or classical liberals — those who believe in the ideas and ideals of constitutional conservatism — and not just those who wear an flag pin and like to cut taxes.
(h/t TerryH)
We need people who are willing to serve for two years (or six years) and leave, because they will be punished for doing the right thing.
First, they have to recognize the right thing.
The stupid thing is that CLASS, although signed into law, hasn’t been in the least bit implemented. The AARP and Unions are demanding we implement something that the administration is even willing to admit is a fail. from stuff I found this morning:
(links at my blog)
Cost estimates for enrollees range from $89 to $215 for those under 30 years old depending on participation (the lower estimate is for FORCED participation) and for the elderly, that monthly cost goes up to over $400. Would anyone participate for $90 a month when they’re 25?
Insert 95325 fucking fuckers what fuck fucking goats. Good Allah. If it is bad electoral strategy to repeal a fraudulent dishonest budget-busting program, we are beyond fucked.