Twilight's Last Gleaming: An American Political RP Special

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Senator Ruskie Helms (R-NC)

"Right now, I would focus on malpractice reform, absolutely. I would also focus on tax credits and deductions to help families afford healthcare, while also aiming to assist small businesses in providing healthcare to people. Right now, we also need to cut the chaff from medicaid and medicare, and perhaps see if we can afford to cut the payroll taxes in the future and help reduce the burden on low-income taxpayers through a deduction from those programmes. As President, I would form a national committee in order to look into the issue, taking in the opinions of everyone across the country, from doctors to people who themselves are uninsured. We need a balanced, intelligent solution to this great issue of the future. Rest assured, as President, I will do my best to ensure that as many people have as good healthcare as much as possible ta the cheapest price."

[Melovinta]

Rep. Harold Pierce Gunsley (OH-5)

"What we need to do is slash regulations which will lower costs for healthcare, and combined with tax cuts will allow Americans to keep their money and spend it on whatever they like, healthcare included. All these factors combined will allow the private healthcare sector to innovate and make their services cheaper, better, and faster."

[New Luciannova]

The medical services industry is loaded with red tape. Treatments are restricted by corporate and government interests making quality of care often challenging to pay for. I would want to scale back regulations substantially to ensure healthcare is more accessible. I also think healthcare should be more tax deductible.
Although healthcare is best handled locally and state-wide, not as part of a federal program that is too distant from the people in serves to understand them and their needs.

[Meretica]

The medical services industry is loaded with red tape. Treatments are restricted by corporate and government interests making the quality of care often challenging to pay for. I would want to scale back regulations substantially to ensure healthcare is more accessible. I also think healthcare should be more tax-deductible.
Although healthcare is best handled locally and state-wide, not as part of a federal program that is too distant from the people it serves to understand them and their needs.

"Unfortunately, Congressman, sometimes the least expensive, the best way to do something is to have a few different options for people to choose from and then let the market take it from there. I think that Governor Calalo has the right idea, but the closer that we can get to a form of (Romney)care that is expanded nationally is best. That, combined with reduced spending elsewhere, is going to give Americans more money to spend elsewhere, which will help the economy elsewhere. I'll admit that (Romney)care needs improvements, and we can fix those by adding dental and eyesight plans to it."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

The medical services industry is loaded with red tape. Treatments are restricted by corporate and government interests making quality of care often challenging to pay for. I would want to scale back regulations substantially to ensure healthcare is more accessible. I also think healthcare should be more tax deductible.
Although healthcare is best handled locally and state-wide, not as part of a federal program that is too distant from the people in serves to understand them and their needs.

"I absolutely agree. Government interference in the healthcare industry has caused costs and premiums to skyrocket. That and malpractice reform will help reduce the burden on doctors and insurance companies, while both improving healthcare and making it cheaper. We cannot keep living in this fantasy that we must simply regulate, regulate, regulate. Sometimes, the best way to ensure quality is just to leave it alone and to let it regulate itself through the laws of the market."

[Meretica]

The medical services industry is loaded with red tape. Treatments are restricted by corporate and government interests making quality of care often challenging to pay for. I would want to scale back regulations substantially to ensure healthcare is more accessible. I also think healthcare should be more tax deductible.
Although healthcare is best handled locally and state-wide, not as part of a federal program that is too distant from the people in serves to understand them and their needs.

"I absolutely agree. Government interference in the healthcare industry has caused costs and premiums to skyrocket. That and malpractice reform will help reduce the burden on doctors and insurance companies, while both improving healthcare and making it cheaper. We cannot keep living in this fantasy that we must simply regulate, regulate, regulate. Sometimes, the best way to ensure quality is just to leave it alone and to let it regulate itself through the laws of the market."

"I think that you mean to say government interference in the wrong parts of the industry... (Romney)care has improved the quality of healthcare in Massachusetts and been an asset to the state without raising taxes. If it works, we should make use of it instead of just saying no. As I said earlier, we cannot pretend that government is the problem in every situation. If that was the case, none of us would be here, now would we?"

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"I absolutely agree. Government interference in the healthcare industry has caused costs and premiums to skyrocket. That and malpractice reform will help reduce the burden on doctors and insurance companies, while both improving healthcare and making it cheaper. We cannot keep living in this fantasy that we must simply regulate, regulate, regulate. Sometimes, the best way to ensure quality is just to leave it alone and to let it regulate itself through the laws of the market."

"I think that you mean to say government interference in the wrong parts of the industry... (Romney)care has improved the quality of healthcare in Massachusetts and been an asset to the state without raising taxes. If it works, we should make use of it instead of just saying no. As I said earlier, we cannot pretend that government is the problem in every situation. If that was the case, none of us would be here, now would we?"

"Well, of course not, but I'd argue there are very limited circumstances in which government is not the problem. We have a lot to learn from the success in Massachusetts, but I do think malpractice reform and cutting red tape ought to be our first priorities, along with tax credits for small businesses to help them provide healthcare for their employees along with cutting bureaucracy in medicare and medicaid to ensure that the service performs up to what people want of it."

[Sarenium]

GOP DEBATE 1 QUESTION 3

Do you believe the economy is on the right track? As President what would you do to improve the economy?[/size]

---

Deborah Feyrer (R-AL)

---

"The economy may be doin' pretty decent on paper, but there ain't no sugarcoatin' how it's gettin' that bit more tough for some folks. Gas prices are up since the start of the year, sales of houses are slowin', folks are feelin' a crunch in their pockets as they try to make ends meet. Some folks' pensions aren't cuttin' it and families are takin' on more debt. I'm here because an economy that looks good on paper, needs to look good in y'all at home's pockets. While Representative Gunsley happily runs for re-election to an office that ain't his to begin with," she demurred, "I've got some pretty good ideas to help our households who might be doin' that little bit rougher."

[Kavanis]

"Well, of course not, but I'd argue there are very limited circumstances in which government is not the problem. We have a lot to learn from the success in Massachusetts, but I do think malpractice reform and cutting red tape ought to be our first priorities, along with tax credits for small businesses to help them provide healthcare for their employees along with cutting bureaucracy in medicare and medicaid to ensure that the service performs up to what people want of it."

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

“Senator, with all due respect, that sense of restraint didn’t stop you voting for the largest expansion of Medicare in its history, with a price tag of nearly three quarters of a trillion dollars. The Medicare trust fund has a shortfall in the tens of trillions, a shortfall that, however much we all stand here advocating for tax cuts, will inevitably require tax increases of thousands of dollars for every American unless we either let the Medicare trust fund run dry and break promises to generations of seniors, or engage in meaningful, substantial reform of the program.

“In terms of my three health care priorities, they’re the same for Medicare. First, adding a catastrophic coverage benefit. Adding a benefit may sound a little paradoxical, but it will save money in the long run because it would create an incentive to switch to the Medicare catastrophic coverage option. The (he forgets the exact number, panics for a brief second, recovers) vast, vast majority of Medicare recipients enroll in supplemental coverage, and these are usually much more expensive than what a Medicare-negotiated benefit could offer.

“Then, embracing market reforms – getting away from the centrally planned fee-for-service model, moving to a premium-support program. Instead of a defined-benefit entitlement, Medicare should offer a fixed-dollar contribution, and leave the choice of program in the hands of the recipient. If they choose a less expensive plan, they pay a lower premium and keep the savings.

“Both of these would accomplish the third aim of reducing costs.”

[Meretica]

"Well, of course not, but I'd argue there are very limited circumstances in which government is not the problem. We have a lot to learn from the success in Massachusetts, but I do think malpractice reform and cutting red tape ought to be our first priorities, along with tax credits for small businesses to help them provide healthcare for their employees along with cutting bureaucracy in medicare and medicaid to ensure that the service performs up to what people want of it."

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

“Senator, with all due respect, that sense of restraint didn’t stop you voting for the largest expansion of Medicare in its history, with a price tag of nearly three quarters of a trillion dollars. The Medicare trust fund has a shortfall in the tens of trillions, a shortfall that, however much we all stand here advocating for tax cuts, will inevitably require tax increases of thousands of dollars for every American unless we either let the Medicare trust fund run dry and break promises to generations of seniors, or engage in meaningful, substantial reform of the program.

"Or," Cassie said, "we could do what I've suggested and cut all the programs that exist and waste taxpayer dollars. Expanding Medicare does more for the coverage of our seniors, and that is a benefit to them. What is not a benefit is all the wasteful spending that we see in other areas. There is a happy medium here, so long as we actively search for it."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

“Senator, with all due respect, that sense of restraint didn’t stop you voting for the largest expansion of Medicare in its history, with a price tag of nearly three quarters of a trillion dollars. The Medicare trust fund has a shortfall in the tens of trillions, a shortfall that, however much we all stand here advocating for tax cuts, will inevitably require tax increases of thousands of dollars for every American unless we either let the Medicare trust fund run dry and break promises to generations of seniors, or engage in meaningful, substantial reform of the program.

"Or," Cassie said, "we could do what I've suggested and cut all the programs that exist and waste taxpayer dollars. Expanding Medicare does more for the coverage of our seniors, and that is a benefit to them. What is not a benefit is all the wasteful spending that we see in other areas. There is a happy medium here, so long as we actively search for it."

"I absolutely agree with Ms. Hepburn-Smith. We need to combat waste in the programme, and I stand by my MMA vote. It created HSAs, which millions of people are now enrolled in - and it is absolutely doing wonders for them - while providing subsidies to ensure that retired workers kept their health coverage. I don't apologise for my vote on that, not at all. There are ways of ensuring solvency of the budget without being a scrooge when it comes to healthcare for our seniors."

[New Luciannova]

The medical services industry is loaded with red tape. Treatments are restricted by corporate and government interests making the quality of care often challenging to pay for. I would want to scale back regulations substantially to ensure healthcare is more accessible. I also think healthcare should be more tax-deductible.
Although healthcare is best handled locally and state-wide, not as part of a federal program that is too distant from the people it serves to understand them and their needs.

"Unfortunately, Congressman, sometimes the least expensive, the best way to do something is to have a few different options for people to choose from and then let the market take it from there. I think that Governor Calalo has the right idea, but the closer that we can get to a form of (Romney)care that is expanded nationally is best. That, combined with reduced spending elsewhere, is going to give Americans more money to spend elsewhere, which will help the economy elsewhere. I'll admit that (Romney)care needs improvements, and we can fix those by adding dental and eyesight plans to it."

I’ve stated essentially that. Of course more options, many of the regulations in place are limiting options extensively.

[Kavanis]

"I absolutely agree with Ms. Hepburn-Smith. We need to combat waste in the programme, and I stand by my MMA vote. It created HSAs, which millions of people are now enrolled in - and it is absolutely doing wonders for them - while providing subsidies to ensure that retired workers kept their health coverage. I don't apologise for my vote on that, not at all. There are ways of ensuring solvency of the budget without being a scrooge when it comes to healthcare for our seniors."

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

Nixing a 70 million dollar soil program won't fix a 30 trillion dollar trust fund shortfall, Senator. We need to be brave enough to consider genuinely bold solutions, like raising the age of eligibility and concentrating Medicare's thinning resources on poor seniors first, even if it means we stop subsidizing the wealthiest who can already afford their own insurance.

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"I absolutely agree with Ms. Hepburn-Smith. We need to combat waste in the programme, and I stand by my MMA vote. It created HSAs, which millions of people are now enrolled in - and it is absolutely doing wonders for them - while providing subsidies to ensure that retired workers kept their health coverage. I don't apologise for my vote on that, not at all. There are ways of ensuring solvency of the budget without being a scrooge when it comes to healthcare for our seniors."

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

Nixing a 70 million dollar soil program won't fix a 30 trillion dollar trust fund shortfall, Senator. We need to be brave enough to consider genuinely bold solutions, like raising the age of eligibility and concentrating Medicare's thinning resources on poor seniors first, even if it means we stop subsidizing the wealthiest who can already afford their own insurance.

"You would raise the age of eligibility for medicare?" Helms raised his eyebrow.

[Kavanis]

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

Yes, to 68, phased in over 10 years.

Thanks to the incredible medical advances of American innovators, new drugs and technologies, not to mention advances in medical education, Americans live ten years longer today than they do when Medicaid was introduced. By the middle of this century, average lifespan will be over 80.

If we keep treating an increase of just three years in eligibility as "the third rail", we will never enact the reforms that are needed to keep the trust fund viable -- and by that point, no one will be receiving Medicaid no matter how old, because there won't be anything to pay out.

[Sarenium]

"I absolutely agree with Ms. Hepburn-Smith. We need to combat waste in the programme, and I stand by my MMA vote. It created HSAs, which millions of people are now enrolled in - and it is absolutely doing wonders for them - while providing subsidies to ensure that retired workers kept their health coverage. I don't apologise for my vote on that, not at all. There are ways of ensuring solvency of the budget without being a scrooge when it comes to healthcare for our seniors."

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

Nixing a 70 million dollar soil program won't fix a 30 trillion dollar trust fund shortfall, Senator. We need to be brave enough to consider genuinely bold solutions, like raising the age of eligibility and concentrating Medicare's thinning resources on poor seniors first, even if it means we stop subsidizing the wealthiest who can already afford their own insurance.

"Well folks there you have it, vote for Eriksen and your parents can't see a doctor," Deborah shook her head.

[Kavanis]

This time Ben loses the battle not to roll his eyes.

Does that kind of hyperbole really help anyone, Senator? When the Medicare trustees' report comes out next week -- will you have anything more to offer than cheap digs?

[Meretica]

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

Yes, to 68, phased in over 10 years.

Thanks to the incredible medical advances of American innovators, new drugs and technologies, not to mention advances in medical education, Americans live ten years longer today than they do when Medicaid was introduced. By the middle of this century, average lifespan will be over 80.

If we keep treating an increase of just three years in eligibility as "the third rail", we will never enact the reforms that are needed to keep the trust fund viable -- and by that point, no one will be receiving Medicaid no matter how old, because there won't be anything to pay out.

"So someone that's literally days away from being eligible suddenly has to wait three more years? Is that what I'm hearing from you? Health issues and concerns start years before a person is in their 80s, let alone when they turn 68. Personally, my family is well-off enough thanks to the careers that my husband and I chose-- we were both lawyers, and he happily retired just last year at the age of 73. He is starting to have issues with arthritis that began in his mid-forties. I've been lucky enough not to have major or minor health issues, unlike my husband and others. But that doesn't mean I'm going to jump in and start making those who do work longer are harder. Do we want to live in a nation where the people work themselves to death and have more issues with their physical and mental health because they've had to work longer than planned? I certainly hope not."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

Yes, to 68, phased in over 10 years.

Thanks to the incredible medical advances of American innovators, new drugs and technologies, not to mention advances in medical education, Americans live ten years longer today than they do when Medicaid was introduced. By the middle of this century, average lifespan will be over 80.

If we keep treating an increase of just three years in eligibility as "the third rail", we will never enact the reforms that are needed to keep the trust fund viable -- and by that point, no one will be receiving Medicaid no matter how old, because there won't be anything to pay out.

"There are reforms that can be made without being so drastic. As President, I promise that I will not raise the retirement age to 68. We can work this out without such measures being necessary, in my opinion, and we can start it through looking at where we can cut waste and working with stakeholders to find a solution which is good for all groups."

[Madrinpoor]

MODERATOR

"There will now be a free discussion on the topic of healthcare."[/size]

[Meretica]

MODERATOR

"There will now be a free discussion on the topic of healthcare."

"Governor Eriksen... Do you truly want to be president and believe that, or are you looking for a way out, because I cannot for the life of me come up with a decent reason as to why the hell you'd want to raise the retirement age."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"My question to Governor Erikssen is how he can look those older people in the eye - the ones barely able to afford healthcare as a result of backfiring government interventions - and then go to them "I'm going to take away your healthcare"? Beyond that, it just shocks me the sheer brazenness of it, and I wonder if anyone, at all, with at least a hint of reason, would say that your drastic, disproportionate measures should be done now, rather than my proposals and the other candidates in this stage who I commend for having good healthcare plans' proposals. It's just not necessary, Governor, that's the thing. We must stand together and unify behind common sense, intelligent proposals such as malpractice reform rather than this madness Let us stand together in what is right, rather than be divided by what is wrong; to do what is necessary for the future of this nation."

[The Sarangtus Lands]

"My question to Governor Erikssen is how he can look those older people in the eye - the ones barely able to afford healthcare as a result of backfiring government interventions - and then go to them "I'm going to take away your healthcare"? Beyond that, it just shocks me the sheer brazenness of it, and I wonder if anyone, at all, with at least a hint of reason, would say that your drastic, disproportionate measures should be done now, rather than my proposals and the other candidates in this stage who I commend for having good healthcare plans' proposals. It's just not necessary, Governor, that's the thing. We must stand together and unify behind common sense, intelligent proposals such as malpractice reform rather than this madness Let us stand together in what is right, rather than be divided by what is wrong; to do what is necessary for the future of this nation."

"If you nominate me, I commit to not falling down into the 'nasty party' that the radical left stereotype us as being. I commit to not being a President who will take away people's healthcare. I commit to not being a heartless, soulless monster and I instead commit to caring for the heartland, to caring for the American people and to caring for our national spirit through reasonable measures which will ensure that as many people have ad good healthcare as possible, for as cheaply as possible and as easily as possible."

[Kavanis]

"My question to Governor Erikssen is how he can look those older people in the eye - the ones barely able to afford healthcare as a result of backfiring government interventions - and then go to them "I'm going to take away your healthcare"? Beyond that, it just shocks me the sheer brazenness of it, and I wonder if anyone, at all, with at least a hint of reason, would say that your drastic, disproportionate measures should be done now, rather than my proposals and the other candidates in this stage who I commend for having good healthcare plans' proposals. It's just not necessary, Governor, that's the thing. We must stand together and unify behind common sense, intelligent proposals such as malpractice reform rather than this madness Let us stand together in what is right, rather than be divided by what is wrong; to do what is necessary for the future of this nation."

Governor Ben Eriksen (OK)

Senator, I'm all for medical malpractice reform -- but that's mostly a state matter. As Governor I lobbied the legislature hard on malpractice reform. I didn't get as much done, as I wanted to, with a Democratic legislature, but I'm still proud of the steps I made. You've led a Republican majority in the Senate, with a Republican House, and a Republican President. What malpractice reforms have you produced in that time? What systemic reforms to safeguard the future solvency of Medicare?

Senator, how can you look young people in the eye, and tell them they will have to pay $10,000 a year or more in extra taxes in order to plug the shortfall that's grown on your watch?

[Meretica]

FIRST REPUBLICAN DEBATE
SENATOR CASSANDRA HEPBURN-SMITH

"I swear on the Bible that I would rather resign than see legislation passed that raised the retirement age. Many people struggle enough to make ends meet, and making them wait longer for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security-- it's not right! And the truth is that there is overwhelming bipartisan agreement that this should not happen. Overwhelming. Congress agrees on very little, but this? You can't touch this unless an act of God takes place to make it happen. Even then, though, by the time a bill sent from Heaven got through Congress, who knows what it'd even look like," Cassie added, hoping someone would get the nod to Ronald Reagan. We have dozens upon dozens of programs that are just eternally useless spending that we can put towards tax cuts and healthcare reform, but to be so radical, so heinous, so anti-American as to threaten to take away the retirement benefits that people have looked forward to their entire lives, to move it away from them? No. Just no. You might be well-off enough to do that, Governor, but the average American isn't."