Forty-five tried his art of the deal (2-link)

“Forget about the little shit,” Trump said, according to multiple sources in the room. “Let’s focus on the big picture here.”

The group of roughly 30 House conservatives, gathered around a mammoth, oval-shaped conference table in the Cabinet Room of the White House, exchanged disapproving looks. Trump wanted to emphasize the political ramifications of the bill’s defeat; specifically, he said, it would derail his first-term agenda and imperil his prospects for reelection in 2020. The lawmakers nodded and said they understood. And yet they were disturbed by his dismissiveness. For many of the members, the “little shit” meant the policy details that could make or break their support for the bill—and have far-reaching implications for their constituents and the country.”

Inside the GOP’s Health Care Debacle
Politico Magazine

 


 

Forty-five tried his art of the deal
but Republicans finally got real:
No way to hold ’em,
know when to fold ’em.
Then rename ACA, snag a steal.

© 2017 Lily Beth Baker

Just rename ACA, snag a steal.
While pretending you aimed to repeal
and replace was a lie
that you knew would’t fly,
there’s no shaming of souls that can’t feel.

© Susan E. Eckenrode

 


 

Trump Dump

JUST HOURS BEFORE House Speaker Paul Ryan held a press conference to sell his health care overhaul legislation — using a PowerPoint presentation mocked for misrepresenting basic facts  — he was doing something he’s much better at: fundraising.

The two things were related. The Thursday morning breakfast fundraiser he attended was hosted by a lobbying firm working to unwind the Affordable Care Act on behalf of health insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield, one of the big winners of Ryan’s proposed legislation.”

Paul Ryan Fundraised With Health Insurance Lobbying Firm Just Before His PowerPoint
The Intercept


Now he claims it’s the Democrats’ fault
that the Paul Ryan plan came to naught.
Of course that’s not so,
some Republicans know
what a goat-rope their ignorance has wrought.

© 2017 Lily Beth Baker

The goat-rope their ignorance wrought
is exposed as a devious plot.
The corporate buy-in
of Speaker Paul Ryan
reveals what a lemon they got.

© 2017 Mary Boren

“Repeal and replace” was his boast. (3-link limerick chain)

“The Republican health care bill would not affect Americans equally. Older, poorer people would see big reductions in coverage and cost increases, according to a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.”

5 Charts That Explain The CBO Report On The Republican Health Plan
NPR

 


 

“Repeal and replace” was his boast.
Diabetes or cancer? You’re toast.
It’s an unjust dessert,
For TrumpCare will hurt
The people who trusted him most.

© 2017 Colleen Anderson

To the people who trusted him most
( ’cause at rallies he’s such a fun host)
it is all bait and switch,
a self-serving pitch.
Will democracy give up the ghost?

© 2017 Susan E. Eckenrode

Will democracy give up the ghost?
Will his followers, blindly engrossed
in his treacherous lies
pull the beam from their eyes
when he’s plundered from mountains to coast?

© 2017 Mary Boren

 


A Moment of Wishful Thinking

Just trump the term “Obamacare”
and stick with ACA,
’cause thus it was and thus it is;
it’s working every day.
Why not retain the good and where
it isn’t, make it better?
Your legacy can still be deemed
a positive trend setter
for future presidents to see
a man of true compassion.
(Retain your present course and find
your past will keep rehashin’.)

Your promises to shake things up
could bring you real acclaim
around the world if you’d aspire
to make your famous name
synonymous with empathy
for every living thing.
You’re president…for good or ill.
Which future will you bring?

*
*


© Susan E. Eckenrode, 2017

Image Credit

Repeal and replace it entire?

“Republicans in Congress have long vowed that they can make health care more affordable and accessible. Americans will now see if they can keep that promise.”

Who wins and who loses under Obamacare replacement bill
CNN Money


Repeal and replace it entire?
Just throw the whole thing in the fire?
There’s much that is good
Just admit it, you should!
Why not just repair, we inquire?

© Sandra Melville, 2017


 

So TrumpCare’s in trouble, we see

“AARP opposes this legislation, as introduced, that would weaken Medicare, leaving the door open to a voucher program that shifts costs and risks to seniors.

“Before people even reach retirement age, big insurance companies could be allowed to charge them an age tax that adds up to thousands of dollars more per year. Older Americans need affordable health care services and prescriptions. This plan goes in the opposite direction, increasing insurance premiums for older Americans and not doing anything to lower drug costs.

AARP Opposes Health Care Bill
AARP


So TrumpCare’s in trouble, we see—
Not surprising to Grandad and me,
For chances are high
That your project won’t fly
When you piss off the AARP.

© Colleen Anderson, 2017