The House that Dubya Built

With the GOP's newfound gospel of defunding government while fighting to increase the control it has over people's lives, it's no surprise that we're running astronomical deficits. But the obvious results of those deficits are coming home to roost.

Low-income Medicare beneficiaries around the country were often overcharged, and some were turned away from pharmacies without getting their medications, in the first week of Medicare's new drug benefit. The problems have prompted emergency action by some states to protect their citizens.

Although there are no hard numbers, concerns expressed by state officials and complaints from pharmacists suggest a widespread pattern of problems.

At least four states - Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Vermont - acted this week to make sure poor people received the drugs they were promised but could not obtain through the federal Medicare program.

It's simple,really. Take away federal income, giving it away to wealthy businessmen. Make cuts in social programs to make up part of the difference. Present new, tougher restrictions on the working class. Finding themselves unable to purchase life-saving medication, they turn to the state government for help. The state government bails them out, now facing its own deficit. State now further cuts other social programs or raises taxes on those without the cash and clout to protest-- the working class.