By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers
TRUTH OUT: The bipartisans in Washington are currently focused on Social Security and Medicare – not to improve health care and retirement, but to cut them. There is constant, exaggerated “sky is falling” deficit commentary about purported out-of-control spending caused by these programs, while the real twin crises of poverty retirement and health insecurity are ignored. Popular solutions to these crises exist that would strengthen Social Security and Medicare and spur economic recovery.
Facts You Are Not Being Told About Retirement and Health Care
We are in the midst of retirement and health care crises that are projected to worsen in the coming years, but we do not hear any discussion of real solutions to these problems. We do not hear the truth about retirement and health care in the corporate media or from either party. Here are some facts that paint the picture:
- Senior poverty is growing: According to the Census Bureau, in last decade, there has been a 78 percent increase in Americans over 60 facing the threat of hunger. The Census Bureau puts the rate of poverty for seniors at nearly 16 percent , or roughly one in six seniors… (more)
When I see the “study” was done by a special interest group, in this case the California Nurses Union who will benefit immensely, I am immediately suspect. Although I agree with many of the points made by Zeese and Flowers, a slight variation of their social security points were soundly rejected by those on the Left just six years ago when George II was president. It’s fine to play with spreadsheets but not with my life to satisfy someone’s political goals.
Incidentally, my Canadian friends have single payer and they aren’t impressed. Their need for quality healthcare required them to buy a private health insurance policy. 3/4 of Canadians have private insurance.
Columbia University studied Canadian single payer.
EDITOR: The “private health insurance” is supplemental. It is not a substitute. It covers out of pocket expenses.
Moreover, the cited study indicates that health care costs in the USA approximates 18% of Gross National Product. In Canada, it only comes to 11%.
Studies indicate that Canadians are far more satisfied with their quality of health care than are Americans.