Obamacare: True or False?

1. The $716 billion to be saved (or deducted, or stolen) from Medicare by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare):
     
       Republicans call the reduction of spending increases to be taken over 10 years a theft.
   
       Democrats call this legitimate cost cutting that will reduce waste in Medicare, but will not harm patients who will continue to be entitled to the care they need. It will only restrict payments to doctors and hospitals.
     
       Republicans:  These cuts will reduce the incentive of healthcare providers to treat Medicare patients.
     
       Democrats: Paul Ryan's plan would make the same medicare cuts to reduce taxes (for the rich).



2. Paul Ryan charges Obama with failing to support his own commission; namely, Simpson-Bowles.
   
      Democrats:  Paul Ryan was on this commission and voted against it.
   
      Republicans: Four Democrats and three other Republicans also voted against the commission.  Those against felt the commission did not go far enough in controlling Medicare spending.
   
       Democrats: The main reason Republicans voted against the commission was their pledge to raise  no new taxes.

 According to Barron's, Editorial Commentary by Thomas G. Donlan, all the above statements from both Republicans and Democrats are true as far as they go.  But all are also false because of what they leave out.  That is to say, they are a perfect reflection of politics and politicians.