(via Virginia Postrel) The Gipper at his best - but this time, back in 1961 -

...The legislative chips are down. In the next few months Americans will decide whether or not this nation wants socialized medicine . . . first for its older citizens, soon for all its citizens. The pivotal point in the campaign is a bill currently before Congress. The King bill (HR 4222), another Forand-type bill, is a proposal to finance medical care for all persons on Social Security over 65, regardless of financial need, through the social security tax mechanism. Proponents admit the bill is a "foot in the door" for socialized medicine. Its eventual effect--across-the-board, government medicine for everyone!

...Once [this medicare bill] is passed this nation will be provided with a mechanism for socialized medicine capable of indefinite expansion in every direction until it includes the entire population."

...this appropriate quote from James Madison: "Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

Listen to the MP3's - they're great.  One can only wonder what Reagan would think of Bush's Medicare reform.   What rings loud and clear for me listening to this is just how deeply Reagan meant these words.   A few of my anti-Republican, cynical friends are dang quick to denigrate Reagan as "just another mouthpiece" for the for the evil, old, white men behind the curtains of the GOP - if so, he's been deliverying a startlingly consistent performance since the 60's.