The problem, the core issue, is that trump has not consistently campaigned on these (in fact, one can point to cases where trump was on the opposite side across many issues), and where he has, he lacked a credible level of detail in explaining them.

Add to this that he lies on big things and on small, “unnecessary” things, and we have to take an incredible leap of faith to believe him on any of it.

So, the point is not, “Wow, what great and agreeable things he is promising!”

It is, “Why should I believe this version of what trump is saying?”

I agree with most of it. HSA’s should be encouraged. Lots of people don’t understand how it works and what a great option it is, especially for younger people.

1. Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to.

2. Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. As long as the plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to offer insurance in any state. By allowing full competition in this market, insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up.

3. Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system. Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions? As we allow the free market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have it.

4. Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate. These accounts would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate.

5. Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure.

6. Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources.

7. Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers.

Now you are tempting me. 😉

You’ve got some good company with James Madison (Fed. 10), who uses the term “classes” when describing faction, factions of interest, interested types (“landed”, “maunfacturing”, “mercantile”, “moneyed”, “lesser”), classes of legislators, etc.

We’ve also got those other (possibly vaguer) terms, such as sort, type, group, kind, genus, ilk, and so on.

Survey: 27% of Gov’t Workers Might Quit If Trump Elected

If Trump did nothing else but show up for work, his presidency will have been a success!

http://freebeacon.com/politics/survey-27-percent-govt-workers-might-quit-trump-elected/

“Can Bush, a proper product of Eastern prep schools, find a way to turn it around, to convince a broad spectrum of middle-class voters that he, too, knows what trouble is like?”

This is how I saw Bush back then, he was just misunderstood because he didn’t emote for the voters. Well, to be honest, that was a plus in my book. But since then I’ve come to undertand that his class holds mine in contempt.

Randy: To be sure. It goes back farther, if we’re playing that game, to “country club Republicans” during Bush 41.

http://www.csmonitor.com/1992/0814/14181.html

And back even farther, no doubt.

“Randy: True, the current Republican tensions have been mounting since Obama was elected. However, there is nothing so bad that it can’t be made worse, and Trump has done so since he began running in 2015. ”

My sense is that conservatives began to sense GOP contempt for them during Bush 43. At least I did. Much of my world view changed then. I have voted for my last Rockefeller Republican. I now feel that progress will be made on the ashes of the GOP party.