So, all the news outlets are carrying the story of Obama compromising on Social Security

[Matariki]

Yet anyone who brings it up on DU is somehow a troll, a Republican operative, or somehow at fault? I don't get it. Do we only believe the news when it suits us? Will someone please explain?


Obama puts Democrats in bind with Social Security concession

Obama agrees to cut Social Security, largely spare the Pentagon, and retain many Bush era tax cuts

Social Security reform: What 'chained CPI' proposal by Obama means

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&gl=us&tbm=nws&q=obama+social+security&oq=obama+social+security&gs_l=news-cc.3..43j43i400.5557.9850.0.10105.21.6.0.15.15.0.103.539.5j1.6.0...0.0...1ac.1.WE848JgSis4

[RomneyLies]

1. It is the DUMBEST thing I have ever seen a president do.

I simply cannot fathom how incredibly STUPID this move was.

I can never trust Obama again.

[Matariki]

3. I'll hold my judgement on that until we see where this goes.

At this point though it really should be motivating people to react - to make calls and so forth. Certianly it's not the time to stick our heads in the sand and hope it will all work out. Or stifle criticism of this in a knee-jerk way.

[RomneyLies]

6. I've made the calls and sent the emails

Lot of good that'll do.

[jberryhill]

5. After all the posts you made over the years trusting him...

...this must be a difficult reversal for you.

[RomneyLies]

14. I started supporting Barack Obama for elected office on October 2, 2002.

After hearing him speak at Federal Plaza in Chicago. He was exploring the idea of running for the Senate at that time and had my immediate support.

I went so far as to vote for a man I knew to be criminal for governor in 2006 so that a Democrat would appoint his successor should he run for president as I surmised he would.

I donated to his presidential campaign for the first time on February 10, 2007.

Yes, it's a damned difficult reversal for me.

[jberryhill]

19. How did you survive the last round of "Obama is cutting SS"

Or were you in a coma when Simpson was appointed to the "cat food commission". It's a good thing you weren't at DU then, since you'd have been betrayed a lot sooner.

[RomneyLies]

21. I simply disbelieved he would ever do it.

I was wrong.

On Edit: I also believed the catfood commission was a head fake.

[jberryhill]

24. You were wrong?

Okay, so tell me. By how much has social security been cut?

[RomneyLies]

27. The chained CPI will result in ~$3000 less per year per senior within the next ten years

That means instead of being able to retire as planned in 15 years, I will have to work another 30 based upon my calculations.

Either that or I die in the next ten years while still working with my current life insurance, my wife gets that payoff, our 401K, and the widow's SSDI benefits and she can retire in about 20 years.


That assumes the company I currently work for doesn't "lay me off as a reduction in force" because I'm so old.

Same thing could be accomplished if I die any time in the next ten years, whether a few weeks from now or ten years from now. The sooner it happens the less likely my company "lays me off as a reduction in force" because I'm too fucking old.

I plan to stop taking my blood pressure medication as of tonight.

[jberryhill]

32. So, you are going to go off your meds

Despite the fact that ink has not hit paper, let alone have been introduced in either body of the legislature?

[RomneyLies]

37. Can always go back on if there's no cuts

It's not like the effects of me going off the BP meds will have any real effects immediately and I'll be prepped for if it does go through.

[plethoro]

34. A few of the people my diabetic website have

indicated they'll opt for suicide if Obama cuts their Social Security. I've been telling them for two years that that was his plan.

[RomneyLies]

35. I don't look at my choice as suicide.

I'm simply making a business decision and allowing nature to take its course.

[plethoro]

52. I understand. I will be doing the same with my medications. I have had

insurance that has grown expensive with my aging that I can afford for one more year. I've had it since 1985, so I will simply let nature take its course also with a little help from me. The thing about it, buddy, is that a lot of my diabetics voted for Obama because of me. I made a very bad call and am hearing about it now every ten minutes. I feel as though I have betrayed these people as I in turn have been betrayed by Obama. And I do not believe he is done. But the Party will be if they agree to the SS cuts. Good luck to you, RomneyLies.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

36. Now is when we need to make our voices heard.

Not toss in the towel. As of now it's a possible threat. I'm not planning on letting it become a reality without dissent.

That's what we should all be doing right now in my opinion.

[JDPriestly]

53. You have no idea how frugal you have to be to live on Social Security in some areas of the country

like Southern California.

We eat very little meat. We never eat out. I have a small garden (in the middle of a city). We don't drive much. I take a train for 25 cents a ride when possible. We walk a lot. We had cable for the election and are now cancelling it. We have Netflix and don't go to movies. We saved some money but get no income, next to no interest on it.

You have no idea how tough it is already.

Most working people could not conceive of life on Social Security.

And if you are young, the cuts to the COLAs will reduce how much you get from Social Security quite drastically.

If you are rich, so rich you aren't worried about Social Security or if you have a pension of some sort, good for you. Your taxes need to go up. Don't cut people who are at the lowest income level (and we aren't nearly as badly off as many).

Make sure you have someone you love in your life. That is what makes your life good when you are older. Love is the most important thing. Money -- less so. But you still need some money.

I see homeless elderly people even women in the area that I live in. That is very, very sad. The younger women prostitute themselves. (Saw one trying to sell herself.) Older men and women don't have that option.

[Fumesucker]

62. Funny, I've used the term "head fake" several times in reference to Obama

I always thought the head fakes were to the left, not the right.

Go figure.

[RomneyLies]

63. Upon reflection

You were absolutely right. There were dozens of head fakes to the left.

It's pretty clear in hindsight.

[jberryhill]

2. Are these the same ones who had him tied with Romney?

[villager]

4. No they aren't.

n/t

[Matariki]

9. Meaning what?

Where do you get your news? I posted links to (what I would think are the fairly reliable) Reuters and OpEdNews, and a Google search link to many more. Are you saying that all these news outlets are making stuff up? Or are you just sticking your head in the sand because you view politics as a two team sport?

[Whisp]

15. I get my news from when something actually happens.

and not from the shitmedia who loves to stir, when it comes to anything about Obama.

we've been through this dance time and time again about how the President is selling us out so forgive me for not taking this jumping up and down seriously.

I wonder if Ed from MSNBC popped another vein in his blockhead over this.

[jberryhill]

20. Hey, butt out, this thread is about me

How dare you interrupt

[Whisp]

23. I must have wandered into a private room.

I do that sometimes, sorry about that.

[jberryhill]

26. Knock first! Jesus

[jberryhill]

16. Is this thread about me?

I love threads that are about me. You seem to have a lot to say about me.

Tell me more about me. It's fascinating, and you seem to enjoy the topic.

[JDPriestly]

54. Where do you stand on these other issues, jberryhill?

Unions?

Public schools?

Medicare?

Social Security?

An end to the empire?

EPA?

Alternative energy?

Minimum wage?

Taxing capital gains?

Taxing trades on Wall Street especially computerized trades?

Cutting military spending?

Cheaper college educations?

Equal opportunity?

Weakening the hold that Wall Street and the bankers have over our currency and our economy?

Which of these specific issues speak to you?

I would like to find some common ground with you, but we seem to disagree so often. I vaguely remember agreeing with you on a couple of things in the past. I would like to know your opinions. You really are an intriguing puzzle.

[liberal N proud]

7. The President needs to be reminded of what Eisenhower said...

Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are H. L. Hunt (you possibly know his background), a few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid.

1954

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

8. I have a question;

or a few actually,
has the deal been announced?
has the deal been approved?
has the deal been shown to anyone yet?

What we have here is speculation. Pure and simple. Nothing upon which to base a decision. We DON'T KNOW anything.

[jberryhill]

12. 1. No; 2. No; 3. No

[Matariki]

13. Which is why it's time for action

And no, it's not merely speculation - this news it about the negotiations that Obama made to Boehner on Friday. It hasn't been approved but we need to voice our opposition to this before it does. Denying it won't make it go away.

[libdem4life]

17. And exactly when do you think we huddled masses will be informed? Better safe than sorry, IMHO.

I don't give a crap whether you are R or D ... they are after our benefits ... now and later. AARP. Check it out.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

45. I'm saying we (or you)

are responding to reports, hearsay, speculation, guesses, planted media information and so on.
We don't KNOW what is going on in those talks and I'm not saying we shouldn't continually remind the President we don't want SS touched or Medicare/Medicaid altered.
But we (or you) seem to be assuming you have facts. There are no facts, there is just SWAG............scientific wild ass guesses

[libdem4life]

47. Why does it matter? We know how their pointed little brains work...and seldom out in public.

or the light of day...even our beloved Progressives from time to time. Even less so for the elderly. There's a reason the largest PAC for seniors is making a very big deal out of this. And it's not just to get more insurance premiums, even though that would not necessarily be a bad thing.

So I don't have any problem publicizing and protesting and signing off on the fact that they MIGHT be going to steal our benefits...and Dudes, don't even think about going there.

Works for me.

[JDPriestly]

55. The press is announcing that Obama proposed cuts to Social Security colas.

Obama has not had the guts to say what he has proposed -- not yet.

He knows very well that if he proposes cuts to Social Security his name is mud and he will destroy the Democratic Party. So he is hiding in a corner. The fact that he has not denied the press stories pretty much means he has betrayed us seniors and all who ever expect to retire.

[libdem4life]

10. So everybody go sign up with the AARP...they are kicking butt and taking names...the Senior's PAC

Pre-seniors, as well.

OK, maybe just providing information, pre-written emails and links, text messages, to make it easy for us old folk.

[RoccoR5955]

25. Give me a break already.

AARP is just a front organization for United Healthcare.

[libdem4life]

33. Well, isn't that just peachy. Who the hell cares? Can you give us another PAC that stands for

specifically senior healthcare? I don't have United Care, but my son does, and it's done pretty well by him.

Please, do tell. I'll not only join, but I'll send their email and communication, too.

[RoccoR5955]

61. Good for you.

You should be a good shill for someone who has made a BILLION over the past ten years!
Off of sick, and old folks, by denying them coverage.
I hope you're still okay with it.

[libdem4life]

64. Cut the shill crap...we take the good with the bad and I can join the part that works for me.

This is not a purity pledge...just information. I like to know that 35 million are with me on this and I give not a fig as to which political party or leaning they have. You can take your chances on the "cliff" and "the deal" and the "rick roll" and our beloved Democrats are in on it, too.

Oh, and the same can be said of any insurance company, hospital, health care, old folks home ... it's terrible, and they whole system preys on more than the old folks...but at least Obama is trying. And AARP isn't an insurance company...it's the senior's version of the gun folk's NRA.

Again, find me a progressive PAC and I'll sign there, too. But this shit is going down right now and some of us don't get our little vote until 2016.

[RoccoR5955]

65. Right, and the NRA

is a shill for the gun companies.

You don't get to vote till 2016? You mean you don't vote for Congress? You don't get to vote in local and state elections? Or is it that you choose not to bother? You know, a lot gets done that has an effect on you in those little elections. Sometimes it reflects on what is done in DC. I believe it was Tip O'Neil, who said that "All politics is local."

No purity pledge, just wanted to make you aware that things are not what they appear to be.

[libdem4life]

66. How exactly does the NRA translate into sending emails for SS and Medicare? But thanks

for making me aware. Now I'll continue to join my Senior's PAC of 35,000,000...and even if NRA send out emails harassing congress about SS and Medicare...you betcha I'd send it in. This is war and seniors. But suit yourself.

Hello...they are cutting things, possibly as we email. Why are you so negative...I don't get it and the self-righteousness snark is uncalled for.

Over and out. Peace.

[TheProgressive]

11. It will end the Dem party if Obama/Dems cut SS...

At least in my book...

[MjolnirTime]

18. We've seen the rush to judgement before.

And we've seen those who do it wind up looking like fools.

It will be no different this time.

[Matariki]

39. I remember a certain time when I trusted the Dems to do the right thing

and yet they still voted to invade a sovereign nation that had nothing whatsoever to do with 9-11.

Point being, it's time to act. It's time to voice our displeasure with even the possibility of cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

It's not time to play at team sport politics and act like any criticism of this is 'hurting our team'.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

22. I've made calls emailed and even sent out two snail mails today

I signed and forwarded a petition, too.

I've been a supporter of the president. Both with my time and my money.

I'm taking the threat seriously. I don't consider myself a troll.

[Matariki]

40. +1

All of what you said...

[tazkcmo]

60. Me too

Perceived or real, I also take this threat seriously because it will be too late to reverse it if it happens. The best defense is a good offense.

[OldDem2012]

28. Just curious, but why should we believe anything the MSM says after their behavior during the....

...recent presidential campaign?

[Matariki]

49. I'll take that as one vote for "we only believe the news when it suits us"

[OldDem2012]

50. How about you take it as one vote toward not trusting the MSM for the last five decades?....

....But that might be too much for you to comprehend.

[Matariki]

57. No, I comprehend denial just fine

Everything is fine as long as it's "our team" doing it. This change to Social Security COLA proposed by Obama has been confirmed btw.

[doc03]

29. He could take a lesson from Rush Limbaugh "We don't compromise, We won" n/t

[HiPointDem]

30. kr.

[Old and In the Way]

31. I'll reserve judgement until the WH announces their capitulation.

Lets see how tone deaf they really are.

[democrattotheend]

38. They already did. They leaked the details of the offer

BUT I am thinking that the fact that they leaked it means they may not be serious about it, or may be daring Republicans not to vote for it. I don't see any value to leaking it except to make the GOP look unreasonable for demanding even more, like to stop Congress from passing Boehner's crap plan to make permanent tax cuts on everyone making under $1 million (and then go back for the entitlement cuts when it's time to raise the debt ceiling).

[Matariki]

41. I'm really hoping you're right about this.

I'm wondering if Obama isn't trying to provoke an outrage from We The People that the Republicans HAVE to hear.

Let's not disappoint.

[question everything]

42. Yes, changes in SS are needed: eliminate the cap

Tax all income, including the one above $100K (or so).

I will email my two senators, though I doubt that they will even get it. One of them has a computer looking for key words so the staff will think that I need help with SS..

[Matariki]

48. Oh jezus, don't you hate that.

Maria Cantwell deals with her email that way too. It's infuriating.

[MannyGoldstein]

43. "These are not the droids that you're looking for"

Craziest thing. Human nature is fascinating.

[MotherPetrie]

44. Just remember: When Bush did it was BAD. When Mypresident does it is is GOOD.

[dawg]

46. We're not much better than the Repubs.

We live in a little bubble, too. We refuse to believe our own eyes when we don't like what we see, too.

And our guy is always right. (For some of us, anyway.)

[underthematrix]

51. There's an exercise you can do

to make you immune to mainstream media manipulation - it's called critical thinking

[Matariki]

56. I wouldn't call denial 'critical thinking'

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022030190

[sofa king]

58. And how many have discussed the RESULTS?

What is the end result of all this negotiation going to be? Congress has already gone home. No new compromise bill is going to be passed in this year, much less signed by the President.

Then in January, a new Congress moves in and the etch-a-sketch, heh heh, is shaken. All of the negotiations reported on now become obsolete.

The President can promise the GOP the moon today, but it is up to the GOP in Congress to make it happen, and they are too incompetent to do that.

So, one might ask one's self, what is the purpose of these negotiations? Whatever else the answer contains, the first part of it is, "it is a charade...."

[Matariki]

59. I sincerely hope so.

I believe it's our DUTY to make a stink at the very idea though. Just so Congress gets the point.

[sofa king]

68. Well, that was it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014344311

It's amusing to see Boehner even try. Even had he herded the House toward a compromise, some bitter Republican Senator would have placed a hold on it just so he wouldn't have to come back to DC over the holidays.

There was no real danger of the bill ever reaching the President's desk.

The President had better be careful about one thing, though. He is unlikely to find a better opposition Speaker than John Boehner. Much like Dick Armey was as House Majority Leader, Boehner is a special kind of fool who is unlikely to be replaced by a less effective leader.

The House of Representatives convenes every two years with no leader and no rules, which means John Boehner is up for reelection as Speaker in two weeks. I hope the President doesn't toy with the Speaker so much that he wrecks his reelection chances.

[cecilfirefox]

67. Actually, it's good, politically- it gives the impression that he is compromising on actual

golden calfs, while the other side is just demanding MOAR after having lost the election.