From Bush, via the White House website:

“In the coming weeks and months, I will be working with the Congress to strengthen and improve our Medicare system. For nearly four decades, Medicare has been the binding commitment of a caring society.”

Let’s see … add that to what Paul Krugman says:

“Look at it this way: as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities points out, this latest tax cut reduces federal revenue as a share of G.D.P. to its lowest level since 1959. That is, federal taxes are now back to what they were in an era when Medicare and Medicaid didn’t exist, and Social Security was still a minor expense. How can we maintain these programs, which have become essential to scores of millions of Americans, at today’s tax rates? We can’t.”

And Bush again:

“By ’strengthen and improve’ I mean ’slaughter and devour.’ And by ‘work with Congress’ I mean strongarm the legislative branch expanding big pharmaceutical companies’ control over much-needed drugs. And by ‘compassionate conservatism’ I mean ‘fuck you, pay me.’ For nearly four decades, Medicare has been the binding commitment of a caring society. Medicare, your time is over. Hasta la vista, baby.”