- #1
- 364
- 87
Is the flu vaccine shortage really a solution to the Social Security problem? 
http://tomburka.com/archives2/2004_10.php#000675 (Caution: humor)
http://tomburka.com/archives2/2004_10.php#000675 (Caution: humor)
Bush solution to Social Security?
- Context: News
- Thread starter BobG
- Start date
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- Tags
- Security
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread discusses a humorous statement made by Secretary of Health and Human Resources Tommy Thompson regarding the flu vaccine shortage as a potential solution to Social Security funding issues. The conversation explores the implications of this statement, the nature of political commentary, and the reactions to the humor involved.
Discussion Character
- Humor-related, Meta-discussion, Political commentary
Main Points Raised
- Some participants highlight the absurdity of linking a flu vaccine shortage to Social Security funding, suggesting it reflects a lack of serious policy discussion.
- One participant corrects the name of the Secretary, indicating a minor detail that may reflect on the credibility of the statement.
- Multiple participants express concern that the humorous nature of the statement may not be clear to all readers, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
- Another participant suggests that the policies leading to Social Security shortfalls began during the Clinton administration, indicating a longer historical context for the issue.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that the statement is humorous, but there is disagreement about the seriousness of the implications and the clarity of the humor for all audiences. Some express concern that the joke may be misinterpreted.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects a blend of humor and political critique, with references to historical policies and their impact on current issues. The context of the joke may depend on readers' familiarity with political commentary and the specific individuals involved.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in political satire, commentary on Social Security, or the interplay between health policy and political discourse may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
selfAdjoint
Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
- 6,843
- 11
The guy's name is Thomson, not Thompson. That lockbox line is hilarious. A modest proposal. Do I sense him becoming a little frustrated with his role as a Bush yes-man?
- #3
Gokul43201
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 7,213
- 25
I think you ought to tell folks that this is a joke. Someone might actually believe it...I nearly did !
- #4
kat
- 45
- 0
When I saw the "(Caution: humor)" I realized it was in fun...but then I saw a serious response and questions whether the humor was that someone was actually saying this Ala nader or if it really was "humor"...Gokul43201 said:
At any rate, I would suggest "Thompson" has it wrong...the policies that created the shortfall were started way back during the Clinton admin...and since they were all in the opinion that Gore would win ...I think it surely must be what Kerry was referring to in the debate when he said that they had "fixed medicare"