Medicare change overdue

Several recent letter writers criticizing Republicans in general and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in particular have used a theme with the following refrain: The Ryan budget calls for the elimination of Medicare as we know it.

They are right, and it’s a darn good thing, because Medicare as we know it is unsustainable. Doing nothing simply sends us all over the cliff together, and soon. Medicare must change, and we need a thoughtful, bipartisan conversation on how.

Rep. McMorris Rodgers, vice chair of the House Republican Caucus, has an integral role in shaping that conversation and welcomes constructive input. Unfortunately, Democrat talking points seem to be focused on a strategy of ducking the problem and demonizing Republicans instead of buckling down to write a sustainable budget.

It is curious that the Democratic Party, as fond as it is of anything called sustainable, hesitates to seek sustainability for Medicare. It is not a kindness to those most in need of Medicare’s safety net to postpone facing reality. Here’s hoping for more bipartisanship, less partisan sniping.

Sue Lani W. Madsen

Edwall, Wash.