Pre-Boomer Musings

Never before do I remember a special state election having so much national news coverage or offer the potential impact as the recent event in Massachusetts.  Of course, it was to fill the vacant seat of one of the stalwart US Senators – one held by him and his brother for 50 a half-century.  It was not supposed to be a close race let alone an upset.  But something happened along the way, which has set the stage for some interesting political races to come later in 2010.

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The winner, a good looking and personable candidate scored a convincing victory over a party insider in a state where her party outnumbers his by a 3 to 1 margin.  However, the dominate share of registered voters are Independents.  They seemed to be swayed by the health care issue; because the victor promised to fight to get reform out in the open, have an honest debate about the subject and bring common sense to the bargaining table.  Other issues also played a role: unemployment, run-a-way spending higher taxes, immigration and national security.  In the end, it was not a party that won; it was the people’s victory, because they believed their votes could make a difference.  And they did.
 
One new Senator is not going to single-handedly change the old ways of doing business in Washington.  However, a message has been sent by the people from a state with universal health care that the politicians work for them, not the other way around.  This should embolden folks throughout the country to let their voices be heard and let their representatives know that if they don’t listen they won’t be a member of Congress after the next election.

Health care, of course, is an issue of prime concern to pre-boomers (those born between 1930 and 1945).  We have been told $500 billion will be cut from Medicare, so it’s likely the quality of care will decrease in yet undetermined ways.  Folks with Medicare Advantage plans will be taxed, except for union members and government employees.  Higher taxes, additional fees or increased premiums can be expected in order way to pay for the millions of new names to be added to the health insurance rolls.

Pre-boomers can’t sit back and expect others to do the work on our behalf.  We stand to suffer if the proper health care reform is not enacted.  So, it’s the job of each of us to learn about what’s being proposed, understand what it means and tell our representatives what we think.  If they don’t seem to want to listen, get together with other New Seniors, contact the politician as a group and keep doing it until they acknowledge you – even if the answer is not one with which you agree.

After taking these actions, you’ll have a better idea as to what the issues are and whether or not you have someone in office that represents your beliefs.  Then, go out and vote for the person you believe in, just like they did in Massachusetts.   

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