In response to Sen. Tom Harkin’s guest column of Aug. 17: What are you thinking, Senator? Your response to the Romney-Ryan plan shows just how shortsighted your thinking is. The status quo, which you subscribe to, will result in the Medicare program becoming insolvent in 2024. That means that if you were born after 1959, it will no longer pay you the promised benefit you have paid for.

Harkin’s attitude of kicking the can down the road is a disaster for future retirees. Big deal that the Obama Administration has extended Medicare solvency from 2016 to 2024. The Romney-Ryan plan will offer a choice to those people who are 55 and younger. This is sure to help the middle class, which you so adamantly profess to protect. Yes, we will have to make some sacrifices to extend Medicare. Instead of criticizing the Republican plan, why don’t you offer a plan?

Randy Carlson

Cedar Rapids