An Associated Press story out of Helena states that the Montana Legislature may consider dropping Medicaid to help balance the state's budget. Granted, talks are only in the preliminary stages, but are we really aware of the human face of budget cuts?

On Tuesday's Talk Back show, we discussed the issue. Some thought all programs not specifically allowed by the U. S. Constitution should be eliminated altogether, while others wanted a more moderate approach. One woman, Pat, said she was once a strident opponent of government programs, but when her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, she entered a world where Medicaid was her son's only hope. So, before we chuck all the programs for the sake of saving money or principles, let's decide who's going to deliver the news to Aunt Martha that the program she depends on is on the chopping block.

Peter Christian

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