Why Do Republicans Target Social Security and Medicare?

Since Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security and Medicare into law, the Republican Party has consistently opposed these programs, viewing them as 'entitlements' that must be 'reigned in' for the benefit of the wealthy. Their stance is in stark contrast to their own pro-tax cuts measures that disproportionately benefit the 1%.

Heckling the President and Republican Intransigence

During President Biden's State of the Union address, the two Republican members who heckled Biden were exposed for their relentless attempts to cut funding for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Despite this demonstration, the Republican Party returned to attacking these programs in June of the same year, using the threat of default as a negotiating tactic. This year, they agreed to push the budget to a later date, further emphasizing their intransigence.

The Republican Party's Divided Identity

The Republican Party is currently divided into three major wings:

Evangelical 'Christians': These are the religious conservatives who provide the broad base of Republican support, thanks to Reagan's efforts in the 1970s and 1980s. Nativists: Groups like the KKK who believe in white supremacy and the idea that whites are 'on top'. They often derive satisfaction from the suffering of non-whites and non-cis-gendered individuals. Money Men: This group views taxation and public spending as evils that must be minimized. They include people making over $200,000 annually and provide the financial backing for political campaigns.

There were three other groups in the past that have since been marginalized:

Conservatives: Focused on local governance and low federal spending, they were pushed out in 2016 as nativists took over. Institutionalists: Believers in government integrity and institutional stability, they fell out of favor between the 1930s and 1968. Radicals: Champions of freedmen and individual enfranchisement, their influence was diminished when Teddy Roosevelt ran for a third term under the 'Bull Moose' party in 1912.

Money Men in Control

Currently, the Republican Party is under the influence of the Money Men, who have the ultimate goal of dismantling the New Deal economic systems. They intend to reduce income and wealth taxes almost to zero, spiraling Social Security's 'trust fund', and leaving the economically disadvantaged at the mercy of the wealthy.

Conclusion

The Republican Party's push to cut Social Security and Medicare reflects a broader agenda to benefit the wealthy and undermine the economic systems designed to aid the disadvantaged. This issue is far from just a matter of rhetoric; it is a deeply ingrained political and economic strategy.

By understanding the power dynamics within the Republican Party, we can better gauge the true intentions behind their actions and advocate for policies that support social welfare and fair taxation.