The first link provides literally NO information as to how the government would increase the number of people covered and the type of coverage, and yet cut spending in half. Instead, it is a list of tax increases. The closest the link comes to explaining the magic formula is the statement, "By moving to an integrated system, the government will finally have the ability to stand up to drug companies and negotiate fair prices for the American people collectively."
Seriously? The problem heretofore has been that the Federal government - you know, the one with the army, the U.S. Marshals, the FBI, and the jails - is not "powerful" enough to dicker with a ******* pharmaceutical company????
As to the proposed tax increases and the money that they will generate ... balderdash. Those with incomes that high will simply take more income as shares in the company, or deferred income in retirement, or whatever, and the actual tax revenue will fall short of what Bernie anticipates. Like this:
As Reagan proved, the way to a balanced budget is a much larger GDP - not more taxes. Increase economic growth, increase private wealth, and increase tax revenues:
Notice how Bernie has no "plan" to expand the economy, other than "making those rich guys pay." That is not a plan, it is a vendetta that will yield no benefit to America. The super rich will simply move more funds offshore, hide the money, hire more accountants and tax lawyers, etc.
The undeniable truth is this: The Federal government is spending more per capita than at any other time in its history - even when not funding a major war effort:
The Fed is now the 8 trillion pound gorilla. Bernie has lived off the government tit for so long he actually believes that the poor Fed is akin to pre-magic Harry Potter, living under the stairs and being taken advantage of. No, the Fed is the beast that consumes the population, as evidenced by this map showing the 100 wealthiest counties in America. Funny how so many are in that stretch of Virginia and Maryland, ehh?
And how about median household income in the United States ... I bet New York and California dominate, right?? Right??
Not so much:
Wow, seems like the wealthiest part of America is around some small district near Virginia and Maryland. Interesting ...
Tibs, the Federal government is not efficient, or underfunded, or looking out for the little guy. It is the monarch. It is the king that gobbles up the wealth generated by others. It is not the solution in terms of economic expansion any more; it is the problem.