10/11/2021
My Friend & POTUS, JRB,
We are having one of our blustery fall days which puts my teeth on edge. Have you heard that wind makes us crazy? According to Voltaire the east wind of London created a, “Black melancholy (that) spreads over the whole nation.” Its effect on me may have to do with my bike riding, when I feel like I am fighting an invisible force trying to stop me. On top of that, autumn winds in CA have the added fire danger that evokes dread. Wind on a Mon – UGH!
Enough complaining, I have 3 new puppies in the house so I am exhausted & energized after quite a dramatic day yesterday. The miracle & tragedy of life enclosed in one whelping box. Amazing!
Enough about me, what do you think of the means-testing idea that JM3 & TX Rep Henry Cuellar (ERHC) are advocating to bring down the costs of the BBB? Tyler Cowen advocated for it back in 2008 claiming that we shouldn’t give the wealthy benefits to trick them into voting for something & suggests that benefits be tied to lifetime income to avoid people playing tricks to make themselves look poor. It makes sense to me that folks like my mom should pay her own dental bills, although she was delighted to learn that Medicare might pick up that cost for her. Being a depression kid, she pinches a penny with the best of them and hasn’t been to the dentist in a couple of years. Adding vision, dental & hearing benefits to Medicare might make elders like her healthier.
The G points out that JM3 & ERHC represent some of the nation’s poorest people & yet are blocking your agenda to help their constituents. They suggested that some special interest donors might be responsible. I wonder how you could get that word out in WV & TX so those 2 would get on board.
It’s too bad that your congressional advantage is so narrow. Unlike LBJ & FDR who had large Dem margins, you are going to have thread the needle to get these bills passed. I think it’s prudent to be patient.
Keep Calm & Carry On (KCCO)
