To Die for the People
In a bold new proposal,
the G.O.P. urges seniors to
"Bite the Dust for the Budget"Washington, April 1, 1996
A House Republican task force has developed what party leaders say is the one plan that can balance the budget and save Medicare and Social Security. The proposal, called the "Patriotic Older Americans Family Values Act," is built around a tax credit for death. It would allow seniors agreeing to a voluntary exit to bequeath a credit worth as much as $250,000 to their children or other family members.
G.O.P. congressional leaders say encouraging seniors to sacrifice themselves for their families is the only way to restore the nation to fiscal solvency. "The projected Medicare cost-savings are illusory, and a direct assault on Social Security is politically unthinkable," a leading party strategist said. "As 77 million baby-boomers reach 65 in 2010, and entitlements and interest eat up most of the budget, simple arithmetic demonstrates that fiscal solvency is impossible unless the senior population is reduced."
The task force was mobilized by Speaker Newt Gingrich, who in the wake of his party's recent legislative setbacks concluded that Republican proposals have not been bold enough to really communicate with the American people.
"While watching 'Gandhi' the other night I suddenly had a revelation: would the Mahatma have gotten into a budget numbers game with Bill Clinton?" Gingrich said to task force members. "It's time to get back on message with a bold new proposal that can capture the public's imagination. Gentlemen, we need our own March to the Sea!"
Next page: Weaning seniors from their dependence on Washington -- permanently
