In a post I highlighted yesterday by Washington Monthly's Steve Benen, he wrote:
The CBPP published a detailed report on the proposed cap a couple of weeks ago, explaining that if it were to become law, policymakers would have no choice but to enforce devastating cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, as well as every other domestic priority.
Ironically, Machin, whose depth of understanding on these issues appears to be less than an inch deep, said he supports the CAP Act but opposes cuts to Social Security and Medicare. In other words, Machin doesn't understand the effects of the very policy he's endorsing.
If Manchin really cared about the federal deficit and debt, he'd be pushing to let the Bush tax cuts expire so they'd return to where they were under President Bill Clinton.
Manchin and others can't claim the tax cuts are necessary to create jobs. The biggest job losses in decades occurred after those tax cuts went into effect and while they were in effect. They didn't cause the job losses, but they did nothing for job creation either.
But he's not doing that. Manchin wants to have it both ways, telling West Virginians we can cap spending while at the same time saying we'll keep spending on Social Security and Medicare.
I suspect, although not with 100 percent certainty, that Manchin does know the effect his support for the cap would have, but he's counting on West Virginians not understanding he is telling voters they can have their cake and they can eat it too.
That cynicism is not good for West Virginia and it's not good for the nation. It's the cynical ploy of a politician looking at only his next election.
Call, fax, mail a letter, or ask Manchin is he ignorant about what the cap does to Social Security or Medicare or does he think those of us in West Virginia are stupid and ignorant?
Washington, DC
303 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC, 20510
Phone: 202-224-3954
Fax: 202-228-0002
Charleston Office
300 Virginia Street, East
Suite 2630
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-342-5855
Fax: 304-343-7144
Eastern Panhandle Office
217 West King Street
Room 238
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone: 304-264-4626
Fax: 304-262-3039
Attend one of us "Commonsense" meetings and ask him why he is supporting a policy that would gut Medicare and Social Security.
Wednesday
Visit to Marshall University
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Marshall University, Smith Hall (1 John Marshall Drive), Room 333, Huntington
What: Senator Manchin speaks with students at Marshall University
THURSDAY, April 28
2011 West Virginia Leadership Conference
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Waterfront Place Hotel, 2 Waterfront Place, Morgantown
What: Senator Manchin will address the 2011 West Virginia Leadership Conference and unveil new jobs legislation.
2011 IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Lakeview Golf Resort, One Lakeview Drive, Morgantown
What: Senator Manchin will address the 2011 IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting and discuss his jobs legislation.
Visit IBM and Speak with Staff
When: 2 p.m.
Where: IBM Hilltop Office Complex, Building 200 (Allegany Ballistics Laboratory), Cafeteria, 310 State Route 956, north of Keyser
What: Senator Manchin will visit IBM, speak with staff and hold a media event to discuss jobs in the area.
FRIDAY, April 29
Coffee and Common Sense
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Becky's Café, Route 26 Tunnelton Street, Kingwood
What: Senator Manchin will host "Coffee and Common Sense" with local residents.
SATURDAY, April 30
Coffee and Common Sense
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Jerry's Restaurant, 242 Barrett Street, Grafton
What: Senator Manchin will host "Coffee and Common Sense" with local residents.
Maybe if enough voters talk some "commonsense" to Manchin, he'll begin exhibiting some. |
