House budget committee chairman unveiled his budget for 2012. His budget is the first honest attempt to address the fiscal crisis facing the country. While I don't agree with all the proposals in the budget, he actually has a serious proposal. Same can not be said of administration or democratic controlled senate.
Last year President appointed Bowles-Simposon bipartisan commission to develop a framework to address our looming fiscal crisis. Commission submitted its findings to the President who has been missing-in-action on its recommendations. His budget blue print, submitted to congress in February, made no serious attempt at tackling what some have called "most predictable fiscal crisis". We just learnt that President will address the nation this week with his own proposal for deficit reduction. He is finally coming around.
As expected, Chairman Ryan is being blamed by democrats for balancing the budget on the backs of seniors. I think it was courageous of him to submit his proposal knowing that it will be used as ammunition against him. Some have even called his proposal "suicidal". It is little disheartening to note that nobody from Republican leadership, including 2012 potential Presidential candidates, have come out in support of the plan. It is clear that his plan will not be adopted as it is. Compromises will be made. However nobody can deny that he has set the agenda for the debate and others are following.
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I agree that Chairman Ryan should get some credit for taking on tough subjects full of political peril. But, his plan is woefully short when it comes to practical considerations, and issues of fairness. He does little in his plan to change the underlying escalating cost trends of health care. Rather he resorts to eroding the social contract underpinning Medicare and Medicaid instead. Leaving the old and poor even more vulnerable and/or reducing access is hardly a plan of fiscal bravery. Nor, is it a realistic policy scenario.
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