I have seen news reports of hecklers shouting at Paul Ryan in some of his first campaign speeches with accusing words such as “Why do you want to destroy Medicare?” I suppose the origin of that question is from a Democratic ad on the Internet that accuses, “Paul Ryan’s plan would end Medicare as we know it.” The anti-Ryan ads are playing frequently in places such as Florida where the votes of older residents are crucial. I wonder how long it will be before they resurrect the ad that portrays a Ryan look-alike dumping an elderly woman out of a wheelchair over a cliff.

Both ads bring to mind the observation that it is easier to tell a lie than to explain the truth. Mr. Ryan’s proposals are intended to improve the fiscal strength of Medicare. There would be no changes at all for the older people the ads are intended to scare.  People under 55 would have the option enrolling in Medicare or being given a voucher to enroll in a private insurance policy.

So let’s get this straight. The Ryan proposal would not change anything for anyone over 55 and it would give people 55 and under the option to stay on the program or shop for health care coverage. The proposal is in response to the fact that Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will have insufficient funds to maintain benefits in twelve years. Apparently ending Medicare as we know it means that bankruptcy is preferable to fixing the program. My suspicion is that some politicians can’t accept the idea that people might chose to manage their own affairs instead of depending on government.

I want Mr. Ryan to respond to the hecklers “I want to save Medicare!” Politicians who refuse to do anything to fix broken entitlement programs remind me of the meek townspeople in the old Western movies who hide and watch while the hero takes his six shooters out to the street to defend the town. We need fewer politicians who hide and watch while criticizing those who take the risk of proposing changes. The Congressional Budget Office has warned Medicare will go bankrupt without changes. Is proposing changes to make the program better than hiding and watching while it goes bankrupt? I vote yes.