Letter: Bush re-election a risky monopoly of political power

Monday, June 6, 2005 | 9:08 a.m.

President Bush is obviously fixated on privatization. First, it was Social Security and now it is privatizing Medicare. Neither plan is clearly structured nor definitively outlined on paper. They only exist in Bush's mind. Their ambiguity is a matter of record. But you can be sure they will not be to the benefit of their recipients. And Medicaid has all but disappeared.

Those who have never had the necessity for Medicare are not concerned, while many millions of the elderly who are just above the poverty line are truly in need of the program to maintain the health they have.

Americans are aware of the egregious deficit that the war in Iraq has caused. Ah, but we must remember that we are bringing democracy to tormented people. That must mean that we in this country should just bear not only the increasing taxation but as well the cuts in entitlements. Many Americans are finding the cost of living a bit unmanageable. Credit cards lock you into debt for the rest of your life. But, then again, who worries about health costs?

I must ask: Are those who voted for President Bush meekly enduring the residue of his presidency while basking in the euphoria that comes with justifying their presidential choice? This presidency can be construed only as exclusive power that represents a monopoly. Where are the checks and balances?

MADELYN OLDS