Merry Christmas to the Poor

Our elected scrooges in the Senate voted today to cut less than one-half of 1 percent from an estimated $14.3 trillion in federal spending over the next five years.

And who is paying for it? Surprise surprise, it's the poor.

Opponents said the poor would bear the brunt of the cuts -- especially to Medicaid, child support enforcement and foster care -- whereas original targets for belt-tightening, such as pharmaceutical companies and private insurers, largely escaped sanction. (Washington Post)

Hmm… I wonder why those cuts were eliminated? Lobbyists anyone?

So it's a very merry Christmas for rich. And as for the poor ... I guess the theory is they're used to it. Bah humbug.

44 Democrats, 1 Independent and 5 brave Republicans voted against the spending cuts. But the VP broke the tie. My Republican Senator (Gordon Smith) was one of the 5 "maverick" Republicans. Apparently voting your moral values makes you an outlaw. Go figure. Too bad there wasn't just ONE more brave renegade out there with the Christmas spirit.

Shame on the 50 Senators who voted for this. Shame on the VP who broke the tie. Shame shame shame.

Where are the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present & Future when you need them?