Framing: We should not let the SCHiP Swiftboating thing go

[LuckyTheDog]

Here is something I have been posting on message boards:

For years, GOPers have been screaming at people to "define rich," but have refused to do so themselves.

Well, we now know what the right's definition of "rich" really is: It's a family of 6 with massive medical bills, no health insurance and an income of less than $50,000 per year.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.frosts10oct10,0,2541063.story

[ixion]

1. I support the idea of SCHiP, but not how it was to be paid for...

and I won't support it until they come up with a better way than taxing cigarettes.

[LuckyTheDog]

2. Why not tax cigarettes?

I fail to see what is wrong with that.

[ixion]

3. because it's not fair, that's why

if you want to provide a program for kids, tax the people who have the damn kids.

[Vinca]

4. The people who have the damn kids wouldn't need the program

if they could afford to pay more taxes. You sound like the Republican talking point of not taxing cigarettes because it will primarily "hurt" poor people because it's mostly poor people who smoke. Of course their motive is killing off all the poor people. We ought to tax smokes, booze, chewing tobacco, snack foods, soft drinks and bottled water (a "save the planet" move) and have health care for everyone.

[ixion]

8. no, I don't really believe in excise taxes

and NO I'm not a republican talking point, thank you very much. I'm simply stating my opinion.

[LuckyTheDog]

6. The cig tax is 100% voluntary

Nobody has to pay it who does not want to. Seems more than fair to me.

[ixion]

7. if it's voluntary, I'd be okay with that...

even though I think it would be a nightmare for anyone who sold cigs. :)

[LuckyTheDog]

9. It IS voluntary -- 100% voluntary

Anyone who does not want to pay it can simply choose not to buy cigarettes. Problem solved.

[Zywiec]

5. Why not change the name of the program to be more accurate?

It's called a Children's Health Insurance Program, but also covers adults. Doesn't that already open it up to swiftboating?