Garamendi’s broken promises

It’s my turn. I would like to share some of my thoughts about what is happening to our country concerning Medicare and seniors. Throughout the years, prior to my becoming eligible for Social Security and Medicare, I heard many Democrats trying to scare seniors into thinking that Republicans would destroy these programs.

As a senior, frankly, I find this tactic by the president and John Garamendi to be offensive. This issue emerged in our local 3rd Congressional District race as I have seen a number of letters to the editor discussing Garamendi’s record in this area.

Garamendi voted for the health care law, which slashed $716 billion from Medicare. This funding for a highly valuable program, coupled with rising health care costs, is devastating for seniors who are dependent on the program’s essential health care services.

This district needs a representative who will fight for its seniors and not someone who moves in lock-step with the president to pander to voting blocs they wish to court in the years to come. I want an honest representative in Congress who will work to keep the promises that America has made to its seniors, and while Garamendi says he supports Medicare and seniors, his actions tell a different story.

He would like voters to forget the damage he has done to the program by “blowing smoke” and asking seniors to make additional sacrifices by rolling over for the greater good. Worse, he thinks the health care law is not comprehensive enough in its scope and should be expanded. One wonders what other cuts he would like to mandate.

I am not asking the president and Garamendi to restore these cuts to Medicare — I am demanding it.

Gordon S. Alder

Davis