Boomers have a job to do, before we exit stage SSI

I had a rude awakening Saturday morning; I got my AARP card in the mail. I didnt ask for it, but apparently my 49.65 years triggers the computer to add me to the roster of what has become and will continue to be a very powerful group of citizens.

Sunday evening I had another jolt, as I watched 60 minutes air a segment featuring the US Comptroller General (David Walker) and his efforts to inform the public as to our pending fiscal crisis, no really this time.More than the War on Terror, the Impact of Illegal immigration or geo-political hot spots...Mr. David M. Walker made a compelling case (and to my mind a call to action) that our greatest crisis are the promises (financial commitments) made and IOU's written by our government on OUR behalf.

As we Boomers enter into this transitional stage (between the years when we produce the most, earn the most etc.) to an almost full throttle reversal, where we consume the most from the government dole, we have an ever shrinking window of opportunity to give our children a "chance at prosperity". Perhaps we can stave-off a class war based on age.

Mr. Walker suggests (and apparently with very little opposition) that our current promises for SSI and Medicare will bankrupt this country (beyond our ability to even borrow to operate) by 2040. Apparently Medicare is an even bigger financial crisis than SSI. These promises, our aging demographic and other mitigating issues have been discussed in other venues multiple times, but the clarity and logic driven by Mr. Walkers' presentation was very impactful to me.

What is almost worse, is that we arent even getting a fair deal for our current overspent dollar (I dont mean the current devalued currency exchange). I refer to the BLOATED ENTRENCHED AND BROKEN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. Despite paying 50% more than any other nation (both per capita and collectively) on Health Care we do not enjoy better health results; (infant mortality, life expectancy, and other metrics all suggest we are "middle of the roaders"). That is the metaphorical equivaliant of paying $800 a night to stay at a Ramada Inn.

Of course, we can mitigate some of the damage but, the numbers and weight of us aging "gimme mores" is a financial tsunami of biblical proportions. Our children and grandchildren will not be able to earn enough to sustain the weight of this gray directed flushing water. Compounding this issue is the rate of inflation for Health Care being 2x the nations general inflation rate. We have set the stage for political patricide. The hordes of us needy grays vs. the vigors of a minority but youthful generation pressed against each others need to not just exist, but to enjoy the level of consumerism we have come to expect.

Oh and unless you havent noticed the solidification of the family unit aint at an all time HIGH.This financial squeeze, the politics of pandering and a culture of "whats' in it for me" will reach an apex and something will have to give (or be given back).

Here is what I suggest;

1) immediately take the experts and lobbyists out of the health care debate. They are too entrenched in their own agendas to be grounded enough to find a solution.The AMA, ABA, HMO's and the Drug Companies have wrestled each other to a "stale mate of inaction".

2) Cap litigation at $250K per patient

3) Establish independent medical review boards (retrain or toss bad doctors, stop simply raising their insurance rates)

4) Provide Universal access to "preventative medical services" (I dont care if that sounds socialists, better a little red, vs drowning in red ink).

5) Build the flipping border fence, if we cant take care of the promises made to the citizens, how do we justify more promises for non-citizens

6) Make the FTC acknowledge that the drugs made by company ABC and sold in Canada are just as safe as the drugs made by company ABC in the USA

7) Change medicare to a "service of last resort" as opposed to a "first choice" provider/payer. Allow and compel medicare to reimburse for generic drugs. Today, they dont allow Dr.s to prescribe generics (wonder who paid whom to make that rule).Hug your kids and tell them, please dont hate me for reaching into your 401K before you actually started one.

Commentary pro or con or off the wall...all are encouraged to ENGAGE