Thompson takes common sense stands on Social Security, Medicare, and Taxes; Will people take note he is the only cantidate with substance on government policies?

They really need to and soon as it only seems Fred's die hard supporters know any of his stand on these issues. It's got to get out there so everybody knows. I beginning to think that Fred and his views are purposely being ignored. Oh my, I've think I've caught LCTD (Liberal Conspiracy Theory Disease).

"Coommon Sense" My fat behind! Mess with Social Security and Medicare? He just lost any vote he may have had from Senior Citizens. You don't mess with what we bought and paid for.

A government with Real reform would quit stealing funds from the SS Trust Fund and the Medicare Trust Fund.

Well, actually, George, it's not technically stealing. There are IOUs , in the form T-Bills there. At any rate, whether it's cash or T-Bills there's not enough in the Trust Fund to fund Social Security payouts beginning in 2028. SSI starts eating into the principle in 2010. So, something has to be done.

What would you propose?

If Congress could magically buy back ever T-Bill with cash that's sitting the the trust fund. We're still looking at the same timeframe for the money running out.

What happens to those scheduled to retire in 2029 and beyond? That would include me. What about what I've "bought and paid for"? It's not feasible to increase the taxes on our kids and grandkids to make up the difference, is it?

Personally, I'm making plans as if Social Security isn't going to be there when I retire -- because its not. But, at some point we have to start leveling with the people and saying -- You're on your own after this date. We'll HAVE to honor the current system for those who are not in a position to adjust; i.e current retirees and those who will be there within say 10 years. There's not enough time for them to make alternate arrangements. But, for those 50 and younger, there's time, particualrly if the IRA and 401k type plans are expanded and given some tax incentives to participate.

We can discuss the carious different options that coiuld be used.

But, the fact remains. Social Security is going broke in 2028 without a massive and unsustainable tax increase.

What's worse ... the Medicare Trust Fund is in worse shape. It goes broke in 2015 at current benefit levels.

So, what do we have them do, George?

All that, and I forgot to say. At this early stage, I'm very intrigued with Fred.

Col. G. W.

Reform needs to happen for those of us that are not collecting. Any changes to the program will not be to those getting benefits it will be for younger generations. Your fear is unjustified and it is people who overreact that prevent those from working from actually getting a chance to fix the program.

Richard-

You take the anti-constitutional stance on that. I would repeal the federal controlled substance act. It is the states job to control that. And the Childrens health insurance bill is a whole can of worms that I wont discuss here. Just say Federal Power Grab.

Thompson is a buffoon. It's funny to watch the Republican group, though. They just keep multiplying and dividing. They have absolutely no chance in '08. Too bad they couldn't find anybody of substance. I guess they needed some front runners who would support the current idiot-in-chief so as not to make EVERYONE look ridiculous. They just don't get it, do they? The country is so far past the spiel that Bush put out there....they are all just little clones of Georgie with a little variation thrown in. All except Ron Paul. I give him some credit for having balls enough to stand up for what he believes in and not kiss the party's ass.

I guess Fred shouldn't expect a donation from Sheryl.

Ron Paul is the only Republican worth anything . . . which is exactly why he doesn't have a chance!

Regards,
Doyle I ~~~~~~

In my humble opinion (I bet you didn't know I had one did you,) Thompson has a great more work to do, before he's convinced anyone of his credentials. Numbers for this and numbers for that, these are the best laid plans of mice and men.

Show me instead your character, show me your convictions and the logic used to define those beliefs. Show me with your every action and every word. I don't care about your numbers, I want a glimpse inside your soul.

There is no common sense required for the survival of a nation, as long as you have bold decisive action. Mistakes will always be made. Sometimes, repudiating the past is exactly what is required.

Good ideas don't make a candidate. How will he enact his reforms? Rudy reformed several entrenched NYC bureaucracies, that people said could not be reformed. Wanna see State and the DHS straightened out? Vote for Rudy. I bet he could get a voluntary private account system for both retirement and health care, as well.

Now that I'm done shilling, I must say, I like Thompson's ideas. I don't hear them very often, however. He'll get my vote, if he's the Republican nominee. Until then, I'm sticking with Giuliani, faults and all.

I actually agree with his proposal. Say for people entering the system in 10 to 15 years.

Great idea . . . this country really needs an immoral, lying, unethical divorce-aholic in that office.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~

Yes Doyle he must really scare you. Go cheer for your communists and leave the hatemogering out.

Ooooh. I support Communists?? Which ones . . . I'd love to know. Hate mongering? Too bad the truth strikes you as hate . . . Group hug every one . . . Hillary, get in here, Mod wants to give you a big ol' hug!

I do agree that Thompson has some great views, but I feel that a lot of people don't take him seriously since they mostly know him as a television actor. Of course, the Democrats have supposedly found skeletons in his closet as with every other Republican candidate and want to expose him for the lying, cheating person he is, which shows you that the Democrats are willing to go to any measure to make sure they win. How pathetic! Sorry, the Democrats have their faults and skeletons, too.

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can't get on this bandwagon...Thompson's "conversion" to federalism is recent and very thin...his record damns him way too much to see otherwise