Band Aids for Broken Arms?

Earlier this week, I came across a pretty good – and really funny – piece in the New York Times. In the post, Nicholas Kristof points out the absolute absurdity of the House Republican budget plans by explaining that they probably haven't "gone far enough."

For example:

"Why would we impose "job-crushing taxes" on wealthy Americans just to pay for luxuries like federal prisons? Why end the "carried interest" tax loophole for financiers, just to pay for unemployment benefits – especially when those same selfless tycoons are buying yachts and thus creating jobs for all the rest of us?"

Or this:

"...who needs socialized police and fire services? We could slash job-crushing taxes at the local level and simply let the free market take over:

'9-1-1, may I help you?' 'Yes, help! My house is burning down!' 'Very good, sir. I can offer you one fire engine for $5,995, or two for just $10,000.' 'Help! My family's inside. Send three fire engines! Just hurry!' 'Yes, sir. Let me just run your credit card first. And if you require the fire trucks immediately, there's a 50 percent 'rush' surcharge.'"

In addition to these, I think there are a couple of things Kristof missed that really show how under the House Republican plan, we'll all get by fine...more or less.

Under the House Republican budget plan, $1.43 trillion would be cut from Medicare and Medicaid. But honestly, what's the big problem? Here's what those cuts would mean for you...

More Quality Family Time. Poor Nana has been dealing with a chronic condition, but thanks to Medicaid, she's been able to get long-term care and to stay in her home. While that might seem great and all, Nana is lonely with only her cat, Mittens, and her friends and neighbors to keep her company. Under the House Republican plan, Nana won't be able to afford care at home, BUT, she'll get to move in with YOU. Nana, won't you be much more comfortable living in your son-in-law's game room anyways?

An End to America's (Prescription) Drug Problem. Way too many American seniors are dependent on "crazy" things like Plavix, Insulin, and Lipitor. Best way to kick the habit: make it so seniors can't afford the drugs in the first place. The House Republican plan would cut funding for prescription drugs through both Medicare and Medicaid meaning Pop-pop is going to have go cold turkey on his cholesterol medicine.

So thanks to Nicholas Kristof for providing a new perspective on the House Republican plan. Oh, and thanks to the House Republicans for developing "solutions" to the pressing problems facing America. Sigh...