News Sheet

Planned Panic: Medicaid Cuts and Manufactured Outrage

Written by Scott K. James

Colorado’s moaning over HR1 is less about real harm and more about protecting the gravy train. Non-profits cry ‘cruelty,’ but maybe it’s time they tried a little self-reliance.

Imagine my shock—another article from CPR (yes, that CPR) lamenting the collapse of civilization as we know it because the federal government dared to tighten its bloated belt with HR1. The piece is one long therapy session for Planned Parenthood reps, nonprofit CEOs, and activist organizers who apparently think free government money is a human right.

The Bullet Point Brief

  • Planned Parenthood bemoans funding cuts… while paying full-time activists to protest funding cuts.
  • Metro Caring’s CEO clutches pearls over SNAP reductions—as if $34 trillion in national debt isn’t also a moral dilemma.
  • CPR warns that “100,000 Coloradans will lose Medicaid”… but never mentions how many were illegally or temporarily enrolled in the first place.
  • Inner City Clinic—a faith-based group—might be impacted? Welcome to the club. Now, maybe try operating on faith and efficiency. Speaking of faith, did Jesus say that the government should care for the least among us? NO, we should care for the least among us. Society has co-opted its humanitarian role to a bloated, inefficient government.

My Bottom Line

Let me put this politely: this article is emotional blackmail in paragraph form. It trots out quotes like “It’s personal for all of us” — yeah? You know what else is personal? Watching your paycheck get mugged by federal withholding so bureaucrats can fund programs that sometimes cover people who shouldn’t even be eligible. If Planned Parenthood has enough cash to pay salaried activists named “Raiz Organizers,” then it has enough to fund a pap smear without crying foul over losing taxpayer subsidies.

Look, I’m not heartless—I believe communities should care for their most vulnerable. I believe churches should step up (they’re slacking). I believe non-profits matter. But let’s not pretend HR1 is some “Hunger Games from Hell” scenario when in reality it’s about trimming waste and reining in a government running on monopoly money and Marvel movie logic. When the pastor’s kid wants another Xbox game, you teach him budgeting—not hand him your debit card. That’s where we are with Uncle Sam right now—the irresponsible uncle who maxed out your credit cards for his OnlyFans addiction while blaming systemic injustice for why he can’t make rent.

We’ve got $34 trillion in national debt (give or take a few billion—it changes by the minute). And everyone at these press conferences conveniently forgets that part of fiscal responsibility is making hard decisions. If you want generous safety nets paid for by charity—say it! But don’t hide behind puppies and poor children while burning down the economic house your grandkids will try to live in.

You want to help people? Great. Start learning how to do it without depending on Uncle Sam’s direct deposit schedule. Be resourceful instead of codependent. Because when DC runs out of Monopoly money—and they will—you’d better hope you know how to build something with actual volunteerism and community grit instead of hashtags and grant proposals.

About the author

Scott K. James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.