7 Reasons to Take 7 Seconds to Save Social Security and Medicare

[eridani]

http://www.nationofchange.org/7-reasons-take-7-seconds-save-social-security-and-medicare-1382971198

A broad coalition of organizations, including the Campaign for America’s Future and Social Security Works, is joining Sen. Bernie Sanders in a petition drive to resist cuts to Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. It only takes a few moments to sign; it’s that easy.

This is one of the most important and urgent issues facing us today. Republican leaders are pressing for these cuts, even though they’re opposed by an overwhelming 82 percent majority of Republican voters (according to recent polling by Lake Research). The President’s budget proposal includes some of these cuts already, despite the fact that Democrats and independents oppose them by similarly large majorities.

The threat is very real, and these cuts could take place with very little warning. On a personal note: I signed. I did it because a lot of people would suffer needlessly by the kind of deal they’re cooking up. I did it because I think it’s wrong to allow the privileged and powerful to overrule the will of the people. And frankly, I did it because I’m scared. This deal could be done before most Americans even see it coming.

Five Reasons Why Cutting Social Security Would be Irrational

http://www.nationofchange.org/five-reasons-why-cutting-social-security-would-be-irrational-1382971003

Even for Congress. They, and others who apparently don't study the facts, believe that Social Security is a government handout. But 'entitlement' means that people who have paid into a program all their lives are entitled to a reasonable return on their investment. A better definition, as pointed out by Mark Karlin at Truthout, is a "mandated retirement savings plan."

Cutting this popular and well-run and life-sustaining program would be irrational. There are many reasons for this.

1. Americans Have Paid For It Throughout Their Working Lives

As of 2010, according to the Urban Institute, the average two-earner couple making average wages throughout their lifetimes receives less in Social Security benefits than they paid in. It is the same for single males and same, by now, for single females. One-earner couples get back more than they paid in.

2. It's a Small Benefit, But Most Seniors Depend On It

The average Social Security benefit is less than $15,000 a year, but most of our seniors rely on this for the majority of their income. Even the second richest quartile of Americans depends on Social Security for over half of its retirement income.

[madokie]

1. Direct link to the Petition

http://www.americawantsnocuts.com/americasfuture/

[Laelth]

2. k&r for exposure. n/t

-Laelth

[eridani]

3. No such thing as too many kicks for a Social Security petition n/t