Budget Bill Cuts Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP Benefits, Raises Deficit

A controversial new budget bill has sparked criticism for slashing vital programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable while providing significant tax benefits for the wealthy and expanding school vouchers. The bill is also accused of containing hidden provisions that undermine due process, free speech, and state regulatory powers, with predictions that it will drastically increase the federal deficit over the next decade (Article 1). Meanwhile, skepticism about promises of easy solutions extends beyond politics—personal essays highlight the prevalence of misleading claims in online courses and business advice, exposing how many programs and gurus offer recycled basics or 'shiny objects' rather than genuine value or actionable fundamentals (Articles 4 and 5). These critiques underscore a broader theme: whether in government policy or self-improvement industries, the vulnerable and everyday consumers often bear the brunt of deceptive promises while the powerful and wealthy benefit most.