GOP deserves blowback on Medicare, but I'm not happy about it

Republicans are reaping what they sowed. In the health care reform debate the GOP cynically tried to scare seniors into opposing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on the grounds that it would undermine Medicare benefits. They packed town hall meetings with angry tea party patriots to make their point.Now that some Republicans such as Paul Ryan want to have an adult discussion about Medicare financing they're finding that seniors are worked up and that Democrats are eager for payback. See Voters Attack Republicans on Medicare in the New York Times for details. I think the reaction is entirely reasonable. For the good of the country I hope we're able to engage in a productive, objective manner on the topic, but I'm not optimistic.Republicans could begin to atone for their sins by repealing Medicare Part D, the astoundingly unfunded outpatient prescription drug benefit. But I'm not holding my breath.