Brummett: A Conversation With The Congressman

Political columnist John Brummett of the Arkansas News Bureau recounts his recent conversation with Second District Congressman Tim Griffin at a recent town hall.

Brummett went to watch fireworks that never materialized, but offers a recap of the forum and subsequent one-on-one.

One particular point of discussion centered on cutting entitlement spending. From Brummett:

Then he said something interesting: We should define the debate about cuts in entitlements — Social Security and Medicare — by stressing that we are not talking about persons now receiving these benefits, or set to receive them in, oh, maybe 10 years, nor about changes in doctor reimbursements that would imperil existing provider services for this age group.

Instead, he suggested, we should define those we are talking about — those under 55, say, and the doctors who will serve Medicare patients after the next decade — so that we might stand a chance of getting somewhere.

Personally, I like defining the debate that way. I like taking 10 transitional years to change the world. The real policy problem is long-term and the real political problem is scaring today’s seniors.

You can read his full take at this link.