Brunswick Beacon, 02.16.23
Before President Biden’s State of the Union speech, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy warned Republicans to behave, reminding them the "cameras are on" and the "mics are hot." They ignored him.
Republicans jeered when Biden told provable truths, like the fact that “nearly 25 percent of the entire national debt that took over 200 years to accumulate” was added under Trump. When Biden truthfully said “some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset,” some Republicans, led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, shouted “Liar!,” displaying all the class of the barroom scene from Star Wars. “Behave,” as Yoda would say, “they did not.”
McCarthy shook his head and tried to “shush” their shouts. He failed, demonstrating his lack of influence and his caucus’s lack of discipline, honesty and class.
Here’s CNN’s fact-check: “Biden was referring to Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott, who last year issued ‘An 11 Point Plan to Rescue America.’ As the president said, Scott’s proposal would sunset all federal legislation – including the two programs – every five years and require Congress to pass them again. Another GOP senator, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, last year suggested that Social Security and Medicare should be shifted to discretionary spending that Congress has to approve annually.”
Republicans didn’t heckle Biden for lying, but for telling the uncomfortable truth. They know Scott’s plan is wildly unpopular. What followed was the greatest Jedi mind trick since Obi-Wan Kenobi duped imperial stormtroopers at Mos Eisley spaceport.
“So, folks,” Biden said, “we all agree. Social Security and Medicare is off the books, right? Let’s stand up for seniors! Stand up and show them we will not cut Social Security. We will not cut Medicare. Those benefits belong to the American people. They earned it!” Republicans, including McCarthy, dutifully stood and clapped. Biden outmaneuvered Republicans on national television, and seniors won.
Biden beamed. The Force is strong with this one!
Vince Amoroso
Sunset Beac