asked to extend drug plan sign up without a penalty Bush said "No"

[dajoki]

WP
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/15/AR2006031501575.html?nav=rss_politics

Bush Prescribes Family Help on Drug Plan

By Cameron W. Barr
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 16, 2006

Faced with a persistent questioner who asked him what could be done to help her elderly mother understand Medicare's new prescription drug plan, President Bush offered a suggestion that at first elicited shocked gasps, and then supportive applause, from an audience of retirees in Silver Spring yesterday.

"Look, I'm not going to tell you your business, but I think it's your responsibility to help your mom," Bush told Wendy Meyeroff. She had asked him to consider extending the May 15 deadline for registering for the new benefit without a penalty, but Bush refused.

"No," he said. "And the reason why is there's got to be a fixed time for people to sign up."

<<snip>>

Meyeroff's remarks about the difficulty of helping her ill, 75-year-old mother sign up for the benefit echoed criticism about the program from health care advocates and many seniors. "The thought of doing it is good, but the manner in which it's being carried out is not," said Doris Terry, a retired health education specialist, as she waited for Bush to arrive in a Riderwood hall draped in black and decorated with signs reading "Strengthening Medicare." "It's too complex," Terry said.

<<snip>>

Audience member Alan Mayers, a retired federal worker, said Bush's answer didn't account for seniors who don't have help from a child. "I think that was a little bit heartless, but consistent with the general approach of the administration toward safety nets," he said.

[AndyA]

1. Bush is always the caring individual, isn't he?

And quite a role model for Christianity, wouldn't you say? :puke:

[dajoki]

3. yes, isn't he?

:sarcasm:

[Canuckistanian]

2. What's the carrot without a stick?

What's the matter with this idiot? Why does it matter so much to him that people must get punished?

It's not like he's ever going to need it.

[Warpy]

4. My dad had a pile of papers and brochures two inches thick

all information about that stupidly written and administered drug benefit. He was a very smart man and he said he couldn't make heads or tails of any of it.

[dajoki]

7. he's not the only one n/t

[yellowcanine]

5. What assholish reasoning. Why does there have to be a "fixed time"

to sign up? Someone explain that to me.

[dajoki]

9. confusion n/t

[yellowcanine]

6. Let them buy health savings accounts! What an asshole. That response

alone ought to be good for another 5% drop in his approval ratings. Do I hear 29 % approval ratings anyone?

[dajoki]

8. that's compassionate conservatism n/t