The power of Propaganda

 
Paul Ryan presented a coherent budget that was immediately attacked by the Democrats. This is legitimate - everybody has the right to express an opinion. One of the major points that was attacked is the Medicare vouchers idea.

The Democrats took charge of the issue and framed the debate in a way that will lead to a defeat for Republicans, unless they take it issue back.

There were two claims leveled against Ryan's plan:
1. It will harm seniors by reducing their Medicare benefits.
2. The Ryan plan takes away a good Medicare program and substitutes a questionable voucher one.

This is where the debate is now. The Republicans, as always, failed to respond to the propaganda. Their response was a nebulous statement: "Medicare as it is is unsustainable." This is not a response that explains anything or convinces anybody and indeed polls are already showing that the elderly are scared of the Republican budget.

People who listened carefully know that both claims are false:
1. Seniors will not be harmed since Medicare vouchers will kick in only for those who are now 54 years of age or younger. It will actually help the current beneficiaries by relieving some of the financial pressure on Medicare.
2. Ryan's plan doesn't substitute a "good" Medicare program for vouchers. It substitutes a Medicare program that is running out of money and, according to what the President said in several speeches, will require "death panels": severe rationing of services, procedures and medication. Medicare as we know it is dead and the choice is either severe rationing starting NOW or preserving present benefits and switching to vouchers in the future.

How often did you hear the Republicans state the above? Not very often. The Democrats on the other hand are on message and don't let facts confuse their propaganda campaign. They also don't mention the President's own statements on rationing. If the Republicans don't why should they?

It will not be the first time that a good idea dies because of inept public relations. One thing the Democrats learned well from the Socialists, Communists and Nazis (National Socialists) is the importance of propaganda. If you say something often enough and loud enough there will be enough people who will believe the message.