Obama Tells Democrats They Must Be Open to Entitlement Changes
Source: Bloomberg
President Barack Obama told Senate Democrats that they should be open to changes in entitlement programs to achieve a long-term budget deal, according to several lawmakers who attended a meeting with him on Capitol Hill today.
Iowa Senator Tom Harkin said Obama told Democrats during the 90-minute meeting that he wanted a broad, bipartisan deficit-reduction deal this year. Harkin said Obama rebuffed his demand, joined by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, for an assurance that Medicare and Social Security benefits would be remain untouched in any “grand bargain” agreement.
“Of course some of us responded ‘yes, but, what is in that grand bargain?’” because “we don’t want to start whacking away at Social Security or Medicare,” Harkin told reporters. “He didn’t make a commitment but he seemed to indicate that, yes, there are other ways of solving the entitlement problems without doing that.”
<snip>
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, told reporters following the lunch that Republicans shouldn’t regard Obama’s words as an official offer to change entitlements since Republican congressional leaders have previously indicated they are “willing to do certain things” only to renege later.
Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-12/obama-tells-democrats-they-must-be-open-to-entitlement-changes.html
And it begins....
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MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)
Roy Rolling
(6,917 posts)Obama needs to negotiate with the Republicans and stop negotiating for concessions from his own side.
Why should he carry the water for the Republicans? Let them negotiate for themselves.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)Win by losing.
Democrats? What Democrats?
Autumn
(45,072 posts)He needs to knock that shit off.
glinda
(14,807 posts)from some Dems also. Words like "reach out" and crap like that make me want to throw a brick through my tv.
Downwinder
(12,869 posts)silvershadow
(10,336 posts)
FiveGoodMen
(20,018 posts)Tough pill to swallow but...
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)It is time for us all to step up lobbying efforts with our own representatives and senators.
Dustlawyer
(10,495 posts)AnotherMcIntosh
(11,064 posts)It's time for them to speak up.
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)Thank you!
rickyhall
(4,889 posts)Is she the only Dem with the guts to stand up to these pricks?
ChiciB1
(15,435 posts)steaming mad! I've felt all along that this kind of bargaining wasn't going to be very helpful to those who ARE NOT wealthy!
I can't say I'm stunned, but I am sick of this crap. Will it ever stop? Just feel like crawling in bed & covering up my head, let someone come in & take me away!
Actually I'm sincerely afraid. I know people who are worse off than me & I'm not doing all that well myself. Anyone think ROME????
xtraxritical
(3,576 posts)adieu
(1,009 posts)the path to a long term budget deal is they cede every position to the Democrats. Raise taxes on everyone over $225,000/year. Corporate taxes on all companies that earn money in the US, regardless of whether the profit is located off shore or at home. Drop the DoD budget by 20% annually until it goes down below $200B. Drop the age for receiving social security from the current 60-whatever to 58.
Arctic Dave
(13,812 posts)I think there is a poster or two here that needs to belly up and start eating some crow.
So. What to do, what to do...
Can we now officially say Obama was a fraud?
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)Response to Demo_Chris (Reply #38)
Post removed
Response to Arctic Dave (Reply #8)
Post removed
RC
(25,592 posts)That is the main reason they can say Social Security in in trouble in the first place. Because the S/S take is down. The take is down because of the loss of our Living Wage Jobs.
To do anything else, without getting our Living Wage Jobs back, is just diddling with symptoms and delaying the inevitable.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)chances are it IS a Republican.
jsr
(7,712 posts)Same old shit, different name.
Skittles
(153,160 posts)these "Groupies" apparently think we can only talk about it after it's been DONE
Arctic Dave
(13,812 posts)Then they go into, "what did you expect? Obama never said he was a Democrat(oops, I meant to say Liberal)".
840high
(17,196 posts)ronnie624
(5,764 posts)Thanks for posting.
840high
(17,196 posts)L0oniX
(31,493 posts)
OKNancy
(41,832 posts)“He didn’t make a commitment but he seemed to indicate that, yes, there are other ways of solving the entitlement problems without doing that.”
caseymoz
(5,763 posts)
Response to OKNancy (Reply #10)
demwing This message was self-deleted by its author.
Cha
(297,196 posts)need to vent. And, the part that totally stood out for me.
thanks OKNancy
Nihil
(13,508 posts)>> “He didn’t make a commitment but he seemed to indicate that, yes, there are other ways of solving
>> the entitlement problems without doing that.”
There is NO commitment in that statement.
There is an apparent hand wave that there is nothing to worry about.
... and yet the true believers are so confident that Obama isn't about to cave in again?
Some churches would pay good money for people with that amount of blind faith in their words.
yourout
(7,527 posts)MotherPetrie
(3,145 posts)TheProgressive
(1,656 posts)John2
(2,730 posts)is trying very hard to disunify the Democratic Party. He is not going to get a Deal because the numbers don't add up for these so called politicians claiming they represent the middle. Both extremes in both parties outnumber the middle. There are enough people in the House that don't want to raise revenues or even make a Deal with Obama and there are enough Progressives in the House to join with the Right. The people will have the last say and what can happen to the Blue Dog coalition over the Public Option can still endanger a lotta of Democrats that stab their constituents in the back. No sheep voted for him. He may not be able to run agan but he can destroy the next Democratic candidate after him by disrespecting the voters that put him in office. For the Democratic Party's own sake, they better set their President straight. That is just my advice. I rather put someone like Bernie Sanders in his place and I'm Black. So it is not about race.
bbgrunt
(5,281 posts)while we chortle about the problems of the pukes.....it is much easier than facing the facts on our own side.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)if the Republicans gain control of the Senate.
What to do, what to do.
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)They can EARN my vote or go home.
indepat
(20,899 posts)Dems will lose the Senate as lagniappe, a sort of death wish for Democrats imo. Of course naming Bowles and Simpson to the Cat-food Commission was the writing on the wall, a dead giveaway as to what was in store for the elderly, the frail, and the poor. This, imo, will be one of the darkest days for our country since WWII and history will be very unkind all those who precipitate and facilitate this treachery imo. 
zeemike
(18,998 posts)And I imagine our grand children will be taught that Bush saved us from the WMDs and Bohner saved us from socialism....and all the medial pundits will agree.
Let's face the facts...they are united and have a common purpose...we are as fragmented as can be...all of our liberal organizations are going after their own special interest and ignoring the facts that we are being punked on a regular basis...and have no interest at all in acting together for common interest...I suspect they know who butters their bread.
Amonester
(11,541 posts)on a day by day basis (and cursing the current generation for leaving it up to them) than anything else...
Tragically.
michigandem58
(1,044 posts)
yourout
(7,527 posts)stain of it squarely on the Republicans.
Either way we are fucked.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)simple fact. Waving the white flag even before negotiations are at work. How 2010.
Let's also not forget, beCAUSE some people didn't get their single-payer unicorn in 2009, they stayed home and allowed the Republicans to sweep into power which they used to gerrymander House districts so they couldn't lose an election even if they were caught red-handed with a live boy or a dead girl in bed. After that, Senate Dems refused to change the filibuster rule - again - and this has tied President Obama's hands, but now those same wailers want him to act like a dictator and tell Congress to go fuck themselves and pass all kinds of Liberal laws. Unfuckingbelievable.
God. Some Liberals are innate defeatists.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)before the negotiations are at work, during negotiations and after -that's the way he sold us Romney/Newt care and is trying to lead the congressional Democrats to sell cuts to a program that has nothing at all to do with the deficit, cuts that only the wealthy want.
Face facts or admit you agree to the fictitious need to cut entitlements and support cuts to the elderly and disabled, just to steal their trust fund.
You can't have it both ways. Sanders is the only one not waving the white flag.
Obama's agenda appears to be the same as Pete Peterson's, not surprising he appointed Simpson/Bowles, they have heavy connections to Peterson's various groups
If the Democrats lose 2014 it is because this idiotic Republican plan of Obama's is as popular as anal herpes in poll after poll, only the richest favor such cuts. He is making it a very unpopular Democratic idea, the polls are what they are, voters will hate the ones taking credit for this theft, and that is why it will hurt Democrats, most everyone that votes hates the crap out of what he is selling here.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)the better it will be for their blood pressure and their hair (which have seen too many lit matches to count). Stop focusing on President Obama. CONGRESS not the White House has the power to legislate, and the Dems we've sent to represent us are the ones selling us out in the Senate when they failed to change the filibuster rule.
Hair-on-Fire Leftists (who have infiltrated Democratic Underground and are spreading like a disease) have helped solidify Republican power in the House when they wasted time wailing (as they're doing in this thread) that they didn't get single-payer and refused to come out to vote. TeaBaggers had NO problem with that defeatism. They came out, en masse, put Republican governors and legislatures throughout the country (California wasn't that dumb - thanks to the Latino vote) in power and these fuckers immediately set out to gerrymander districts so they wouldn't lose it again in 2012, which should've been the case had gerrymandering not happened.
I'm sick and tired of the loud Left who don't understand how our government works. Once again, for the slow, the president IS NOT A DICTATOR OR A KING. Congress is. Period.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)Obama is selling this to congress, not the other way around, he has it on his site for Christ sake!
No one is buying the lie that it is not him offering what he himself claims to offer!
Try a little honesty with your apologetic manipulative third way sales pitch.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)American, but CONGRESS decides whether or not that's gonna happen.
And speaking of "third way", I'm in the MAJORITY, bud. That makes people like YOU third-wayers, not me. Again. Get a clue.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)just.... tell the truth.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)filibustered. But here you are, in your euphoric state, trembling in your boots that President Obama is going to "fuck with entitlements". Don't know if you remember, anti-Obamanite, but he already fucked with an entitlement - Medicare. HE MADE IT LEANER AND BETTER AND CLOSED THE DONUT HOLE. How's that kind of fucking for ya? Because that, too, is "fucking with entitlements" but HIS way, not the Republican way. But oh NOOOOOOES. You go and wail and light that match to hold to your hair the moment he, as you put it, wants to "fuck with entitlements" again. You anti-Obamanite ingrates would be funny if you weren't so sad.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)It has nothing to do with Senate reform, it has to do with the words that come out of his mouth.
I have to stop arguing with a wall, I think you need to believe what you need to believe.
So, believe what you will...
Carolina
(6,960 posts)Your responses to BCD are right on target and irrefutable which is why you didn't need resort to profanity or vitriol! 
There are none so blind as those who won't see
Skittles
(153,160 posts)seriously
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)I am actually worried about this person, I think cognitive dissonance is causing this person emotional if not psychological harm. Perhaps a sort of breakdown happens as the contradictory things one tries to get to coexist become ever more clearly in contradiction.
Not my field but I am worried enough to pull out the kid gloves during future encounters, I want this person to become well, not to inadvertently help a breakdown to happen by getting in the way of the internal contradictions.
I don't want to hurt anybody, I am simply trying to fight distortions and make sure that my old-school Democratic principles are shared with people that have only seen Clinton's brand of DLC Democracy and newer.
edited to add: I emphatically second every eloquent argument from Dragonfli.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)It was the pragmatic moderate centrists who stayed home in 2010 and gave Republicans the victory.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)And what makes up "the Left"?
I do recall that the majority of them here on DU alone, vowed to stay home in 2010 because President Obama didn't beat up the Dems in the Senate to shove single-payer down their throats - as if he could. Oh yeah, I remember all the Dennis Kucinich drones wailing that he "caved" too much, because they weren't educated enough to understand that CONGRESS IS THE MOST POWERFUL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT, not the White House. I guess too many Leftists were fooled by Duhbya Bush's stance of being a dictator rather than a president, but that's not President Obama's fault. That's their fault.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Many of which were trolls and a great many of which never post, there are maybe five thousand active posters here and that's being fairly generous.
If you are trying to discern voting trends among the general public from what posters on DU say then you are remarkably misguided.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)many here are trolls who are having a great laugh at Democrats by pretending to be Liberals and bashing Obama. I know that. I guess I'm just sick and tired of all the Obama bashing going on here. Too many good and solid and very informed DUers left here because of these Baggers.
bitchkitty
(7,349 posts)that if one is displeased with Obama warning Democrats to get ready for cuts to entitlements, and voices that displeasure, that they are teabaggers?
Is that really what you're saying?
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)the last one was blown out of the water by the interview President Obama gave George Stephanopoulos just a day after Senator Harkin's presser. That's what I mean. It was all hair on fire for nothing.
President Obama has said, again and again and again, that he will not cut benefits and does not stand for it. Sure, he messed with Medicare, but ask any senior citizen if any benefits were cut. None. NADA. He cut WASTE. That's what he means when he states that he wants to work on earned benefits reform. I'm surprised to read so many, who consider themselves staunch members of the Left, haven't figured this out yet and continue to believe the Republican fearmongering.
Response to BlueCaliDem (Reply #261)
sammy27932003 This message was self-deleted by its author.
Carolina
(6,960 posts)BTW, who tied Obama's hands when it came to Simpson-Bowles, or Jeff GE Inmelt as jobs czar, or Rahm or Summers or Duncan...
Spare me, Obama, pissed off his base which he continues to do while the haters are always there en masse.
Besides, lower turnouts are the nature of midterms. Obama doesn't care one way or another. He'll have the repukes to blame for his failure; and he and his will live comfortably ever after!
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)He's mentioned it ONCE at some gathering. And that was IT. I guess Leftists got a little confused between presidential candidate Obama and presidential candidate KUCINICH. But again, that's not Obama's fault. That's theirs. And to bash Obama for their misunderstanding of what his vision for America is just plain stupid.
Carolina
(6,960 posts)as you acknowledge. Moreover, in the campaign, he said he would not sign anyhting that did not include a public option!
To twist words is just plain stupid.
You lose!
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)As for the public option, what makes you think one isn't on its way?
Oh sweet Jeebus, you Leftists-anti-Obamanites are so blinded by your hatred of this president that it's all you can focus on these days!
Here's a Newsflash: President Obama has been silently setting up two health insurance companies to compete with corporate health care, and according to the Heritage Foundation, the AlwaysWrongRight are terrified this will be a ROBUST public option.
Didn't catch that news? Aw. But then again, it was hidden in THE NEW YORK TIMES.
But I'm feeling generous tonight. Here's a link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/health/us-to-sponsor-health-insurance-plans-nationwide.html?_r=0
So . . . (drum roll) . . . YOU LOSE. Bwaaaahahaha!
Carolina
(6,960 posts)traveler of that long river in Egypt...
And ah yes, the NYT... such a reputable rag what with Judith Miller and all the pro-Iraq war dribble. I should really believe the Grey Lady now. How convenient.
Spare me more of your tripe 
krawhitham
(4,644 posts)The president can not do much of anything without the House, you want to a progressive agenda, WIN THE HOUSE BACK
BTW
Changes ≠ Cuts
Lionessa
(3,894 posts)jsr
(7,712 posts)Carolina
(6,960 posts)How quickly some forget or perhaps it's selective amnesia.
WorseBeforeBetter
(11,441 posts)Wait, that's the *fringe Leftists*. The ones who caused 9/11.
markpkessinger
(8,395 posts)Autumn
(45,072 posts)coming up in 2014 and 2015, it's going to be done ASAP?
markpkessinger
(8,395 posts). . . in case you have forgotten. So I think your lecture is a bit misplaced.
forestpath
(3,102 posts)And this will do it.
Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)But you can certainly peruse your ballot thoroughly.
nyquil_man
(1,443 posts)He isn't.
Volaris
(10,270 posts)for DEMOCRATS to be relying on Republican levels of incompetence and stupidity to save us from our own worst decisions? (even IF the intention behind those bad decisions are indeed full of goodwill?)
I'll take it if I have to, but good lord gawd I would MUCH rather our side just be making better decisions OVERALL...
(getting something useful done on the Filibuster would have been a good start. HARRY.)
And you're right, Boehner's not so good at this stuff. By comparison, if roles were reversed, and "President Republican" had offered to dick around with raising tax rates (to the chagrin of his GOP "Base" because he just won re-election on the idea of NOT DOING THAT) you can bet that a Speaker Pelosi would feed that asshat his own heart, and call it bi-partisanship with a smile on her face.
Let's hope for Obama's sake, Boehner stays dumb.
olddad56
(5,732 posts)like tax incentives and free use of the US military.
Lionessa
(3,894 posts)BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)and a TeaBagger Party House? You're crying for the moon.
Lionessa
(3,894 posts)Cleita
(75,480 posts)If he signs anything like chained cpi or what can be an inroad for the Repukes to start privatizing everything, he's dead to me.
Lionessa
(3,894 posts)And all the fraud that came with and still goes on with that.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)and in the greater scheme of things, your lost vote didn't matter. The country was smarter and re-elected him.
You would've been sorrier had we gotten a President Mittney and his sidekick, the Boy (Non)Wonder.
Occulus
(20,599 posts)than a devil who wears a dress and a halo.
But you go right on ahead setting us out dishes of honey like you have on this thread. We're all awed by your gentle skill and thoughtful grace in handling people you disagree with. I'm sure if you keep trying you'll eventually win all of us over with your obvious tact and contagious charm.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Only an idiot would believe that people would vote for a candidate they so deeply abhor and won't hesitate to spew their gall over on every online site they can find (or are told to find by their superiors).
I'm not here to win friends. I'm also a believer in, a healer with a soft touch makes for stinking wounds. The truth is painful to some.
And by the way, if you don't like my posts, skip 'em.
MichiganVote
(21,086 posts)MotherPetrie
(3,145 posts)FUCK YOU.
TDale313
(7,820 posts)So fuckin' sick of this shit. The rich get richer and the rest of us get screwed, and told to be happy about it.
Myrina
(12,296 posts)Indeed.
Aquavit
(488 posts)And to any Democratic Congressmember/Senator who agrees with the President's sentiment, same goes for you.
TheProgressive
(1,656 posts)Need we say more?
Pharaoh
(8,209 posts)we are not "entitled"! we paid for that shit!
shawn703
(2,702 posts)When I see a thread like this I always wait for her input before I leap to conclusions.
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)up seniors on a platter.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)frothing at the mouth against Obama. Ya think?
This place has become a haven for the Leftists' TeaBaggers these days.
Get smart. The country is NOT as left as you or your cohorts here, Manny. If you don't like what President Obama is doing, you should've given him a Congress he could work with. You didn't. This is the result.
Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)Did you just say, "leftists' teabaggers?" You equate progressives with the teaklanners? Seriously? That is some seriously, and I mean some SERIOUSLY fucked up equivalencies you've made there.
First off, we're "frothing at the mouth" because Obama has signaled, in a THOUSAND different ways (Simpsons/Bowles, anyone?) that he fully intends on fucking with SS & Medicare. Those of you of the Blind Partisan Clan are constantly FROTHING AT THE MOUTH!!!111!!! (see how that works?) telling us we must be realistic yet you guys completely, and I mean completely ignore all of the signals that the inevitable cuts are coming or are at least going to be attempted.
"Get smart?" After equating Progressives with teaklanners, I don't think I'd be going around demanding others "get smart." Know what I mean?
L0oniX
(31,493 posts)Next thing will be that they want us to wear Dem swastikas on our arms.
Myrina
(12,296 posts)My jaw hit the ground reading BlueCali's post. WTF indeed.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Yeah, there's such a thing as Leftist Teabaggers - they share the same shitty attitude toward President Obama and the "morans" on the fringe Rightwing. A good example would be none other than Jane Hamsher herself - considered a Lefty, but who had mentioned she'd LOVE to team up with the likes of Bagger-Queen Palin and the TeaBagger Klan against President Obama - back in 2009! That's not a Lefty Bagger to you, then?
As for cuts . . . he PROMISED it would NOT be on benefits. He promised this again and again and again, and it hasn't happened despite the hard work of the Rightwing to push those cuts through (think Ryan). DUH. After all the hair on fire rants because of what one Senator said he heard at a meeting, and what was reported by a beltway media hack, Lefties are running around lighting their hair on fire when they so conveniently forget that President Obama HAS "fucked with" Medicare - and made it leaner, stronger, and affordable by slashing fraud and unnecessary costs. But does this matter to the FireDogBaggers? Oooooh noooooes. HE TOUCHED MEDICARE! AAAAAAHHHHHH!
Again, get smart. The day Lefties become Progressives is the day Rightwing TeaBaggers grow a brain. I still haven't forgotten the shit they did when they voted "their conscience" (just as the Powers that Be in the GOP wanted them to) and cast their vote for Nader against Al "no different than Bush" Gore. And I will never forgive them for it.
Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)I wouldn't even know where to begin. But I'm sure you've read the counters to your arguments countless times and if others didn't get through to you there's no reason for me to engage in what would ultimately seem to be an exercise in futility.
You display much anger, my friend, and your anger is pointedly towards those on the left -- it's called scapegoating and history is replete with it. I suggest that the source of your anger has nothing to do with the left and everything to do with, well, something else.
Regards,
LTH
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)They have done me and mine no favors. And everything I wrote is documented fact. If you don't know that then it's not me. It's you.
And no. There's no anger. There's immense frustration. I'm sorry you couldn't see the difference. And there's no scapegoating. I give credit where it's due. We are a left-of-center country, so how do you explain Bush? I'm sick and tired of the fringe on the Democratic side who can't help themselves and cut their noses to spite their faces by helping to sweep Republicans into power while thinking they're taking a principled stand by voting for a candidate that will NEVER win a nationwide election - but what did help put a dumbass Republican into the WH. When VP Gore's campaign stated that a vote for Nader is a vote for Bush, they laughed it off and wailed that it was all hyperbole. Who was ultimately proven right?
Because of their myopic view (it's all about me, me, ME), the country suffered through 9/11 and two unfunded wars. Now these very same Fringies have the unmitigated gall to blame President Obama because he's not ending it all fast enough. Ugh! I blame processed foods for this lack of analytical thinking and chronic tunnel-vision that's infested the fringe-Left who, in turn, have infested DEMOCRATIC Underground, not realizing that in their zeal to criticize President Obama every chance they get, and with fervor, they're still cutting those upturned noses in the hope to spite their faces. Again.
Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)was the point flying over your head.
You have yourself a nice day, now. Y'heah? 
truebrit71
(20,805 posts)"leftist teabaggers"...
Welcome to ignore douchebag..
noiretextatique
(27,275 posts)much?
WorseBeforeBetter
(11,441 posts)I wonder where it originates... probably some crap blog started by one of the delicate little flowers driven away by the meanie leftists.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)have you had such power anyway, as a poster just told us you are that powerful, I wondered how long you kept this power from us.
You are one powerful sob!!
noiretextatique
(27,275 posts)this poster is probably not a fan of Ralph Nader. goddamn idealistic liberals wanting ponies and rainbows and healthcare and social security 
madfloridian
(88,117 posts)Don't depend on someone else.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)Will be along shortly,
Pro will rationalize, Joe will claim the op is really a "widget" for hate or something and sid will accuse us all of being hannas (whatever that is) or trolls or zombies and laugh at us, oh how sid likes to laugh at our misfortune.
They will break from the huddle soon and claim the sky is purple, the talking points must be out by now.
L0oniX
(31,493 posts)Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)Marr
(20,317 posts)Skittles
(153,160 posts)Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)Oh goddess. Two words, my friend: original thought.
jwirr
(39,215 posts)
TexasBushwhacker
(20,186 posts)Raise or eliminate the cap and pass a financial transaction tax. Personally I like the idea of having an untaxed window between $115K and $250K because that income range hasn't really seen their income go up much over the last several years. However, the top 1% to 2% has seen their incomes go up dramatically. The untaxed window can shrink a little every year until all income is subject to FICA taxes. People have forgotten that the Social Security ACT established the OASDI program, which means Old-Age, Survivors and Disabled INSURANCE federal program. Like any insurance, maybe you'll get a payout from the insurance "company", maybe you won't. If you're lucky you'll live long enough to get the Old Age benefit. If you're NOT lucky, you or your dependents will get benefits from the Survivors or Disability parts of the program. I would think, as members of a civilized society, we would not want to see the elderly, the disabled or widows and widowers with school age children LIVE IN POVERTY. That is what the OASDI is for and NO ONE should complain about paying for it.
Coolest Ranger
(2,034 posts)a strong supporter of President Obama but if he goes though with this, I hope to God Bernie Sanders Fillerbusters. We need to rise up and just say NO.
rainy
(6,091 posts)Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)
WHEN CRABS ROAR
(3,813 posts)AnotherMcIntosh
(11,064 posts)Quite frankly, I think that he is the best con man that the world has ever seen. Nobody comes close.
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)Marr
(20,317 posts)
quakerboy
(13,920 posts)Its called the sequester. And clearly its the best deal available with the current group of corporate sell outs in office.
Swede Atlanta
(3,596 posts)When the fat cats continue to get richer, the corporations continue to hide their money offshore and the stock market soars to new highs, NO changes to "non-entitlement" programs such as Medicare and Social Security are acceptable.
These are not "entitlements" like they are a give-away from the haves to the have-nots. These are benefits that the American people have worked their entire lives supporting. Now is their time to enjoy the security of these programs.
I'm not for soaking the rich but minor adjustments to the tax code could do lots such as eliminating the cap on the SS tax or at least increasing it. How about eliminating the corporate welfare to the oil and gas companies? How about penalizing companies that hide their profits overseas but give them incentives to bring that money home and invest in American jobs?
We cannot let Obama who, despite his wonderful qualities, is, in my opinion, in his heart another corporatist, destroy the social safety net. He will have his millions and his cushy government retirement and health care. What about the rest of us?
No, No and Hell No!!!!!
msongs
(67,405 posts)Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)ANSWER: That's what his employers want him to do.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)technically all third way Republicans are Democrats simply because they register as such, ideologically they are pure Heritage Foundation and should register honestly as the Republicans they are.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Lionessa
(3,894 posts)madfloridian
(88,117 posts)That's a shame. It really is.
If the Democrats are doing this, there is no one standing up for us.
allan01
(1,950 posts)nonsense . i didnt elect him for that . and i wish theyd stop calling them entitlements , they are paied for benifits .
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)We must strengthen them.
Lower the Medicare age.
Raise the cap for SS.
Useless in FL
(329 posts)I really can't believe I'm actually reading this about Obama. Why are the Dems always the ones who have to "give in" to the right's demands? Raise the money from fairly taxing the 1% who have been ripping us off for decades, and reduce the military spending, except for the health care of the veterans. It's such a simple solution....
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)We want so bad to make our life easy by thinking that the bad cops are the REpublicans and the good cops are Democrats. But think about it. The elite oligarchs have enough money to own the bad cops and have significant influence with the good cops.
If you understand that the Republican Party is made up of wacko's then you should wonder where the regular conservatives went. They slipped into the big D Democratic tent and they brought their ideologies with them. Those that grovelled before DimSon when he told them Saddam had WMD, were not true Democrats. They were conservatives dressed in Democrat clothing. The knew DimSon was a lying bastard but they went along. They have blood on their hands and I hope they live in regret the rest of their lives. How many innocent children's deaths are on their hands.
Do I sound bitter?
midnight
(26,624 posts)RebelOne
(30,947 posts)Teamster Jeff
(1,598 posts)Fire Walk With Me
(38,893 posts)AUSTERITY.
Meanwhile, wall street and banks are being bailed out to almost exactly the same amount of money as the austerity scam "sequester" forces upon the little people.
FUCK the corporatocracy/plutonomy!
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)Change. Pfft! 
John2
(2,730 posts)sentiments on this thread reflect a lot of opinions. Corporations did not elect Obama. The people did. It is no Deal. Either the Republicans give up the revenues and close those loop holes or face future Elections. Voters will have the final say and any Democrat wanting to cut the Big Three. You think the other side only has voters that have principles. If Bernie Sanders or someone like him ran in the Democratic Party for President, he or she would get my vote. Obama will end up with a legacy like George W. Bush or anyone associated with his Administration. People will see it as a betrayal by him.
bbgrunt
(5,281 posts)MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)our sacred cows.
Old people are a drain on the economy, anyway.
Regards,
Third-Way Manny
Swede Atlanta
(3,596 posts)Sounds a bit too reminiscent of Hitler's "final solution". Thanks but no thanks!!!
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)He befriended some former cannibals. They told him that old people don't taste good. Nor do natives. Young caucasians are delicious - like pork.
I will keep this in mind when we start serving up the elderly as dinner. I have my (gustatory) principles, you know.
Old Codger
(4,205 posts)will end up being screwing the poor and elderly.... added to the HUGE gift to insurance companies...
AnotherMcIntosh
(11,064 posts)
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts) AnotherMcIntosh
(11,064 posts)at least to some.
jsr
(7,712 posts)decayincl
(27 posts)nearing retirement or hopes to live long enough to retire needs to take action. Make calls, write letters, sign petitions, etc. Make all the noise you can make. And, be prepared to march. Get in shape; get the scooters and walkers oiled up and ready. Locate your marching shoes and be ready to hit the streets. Educate yourself and others. Find friends and others willing to march. If you need to march by yourself, you will find new friends. If it is going to happen for us, we need to fight for it, cuz the Prez is looking to his legacy.
aquart
(69,014 posts)Closed like a diamond clam.
NeoConsSuck
(2,544 posts)Did they discuss dismantling the military industrial complex and thereby saving trillions of dollars? Did they discuss closing corporate tax loopholes? Did they discuss anything other than raping the middle and lower class?
If this leads to cuts to the middle class, the poor, the needy, then shame on me for allowing Obama to fool me again on the 2012 campaign trail. I had given up on him during his first term, but campaigning in 2012, he seemed like a changed man, like he was ready to really try to push a progressive agenda in his second term, now that he didn't have to worry about another re-election.
Obama the candidate has absolutely nothing in common with President Obama.
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)Not everybody, but enough.
Carolina
(6,960 posts)He really is snake oil salesman. I gave up on him during the 1st term as well but held out hope for BHO Part II in large part because Romney was so loathesome. But now... all I see is the same old empty suit who spews the same BS to the masses while serving them up on a platter to his corporate masters.
The Civil Rights leaders who opposed him in 2008 were right: he is not a fighter. He reaped the rewards of what many of them fought, and some died, for, but he doesn't know how to fight or worse, doesn't care.
He's set for life so if he's going to 'lose' D/democratic programs, at least lose fighting. But he always cedes, always... which reveals his true lack of core principles, at least Democratic ones.
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Missed that did'ya?
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)They also know it's Republicans that are blocking everything.
The latest is that Ryan is putting forth an even more extreme budget in the hopes that "nice guy Obama" will try to meet them halfway giving them most of what they lost the election over.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)mouth in an interview with George Stephanopoulos on March 13, 2013 stutter and all:
Well– I understand. Which is why, at some point, I think I take myself out of this. Right now, what I’m trying to do is create an atmosphere where Democrats and Republicans can go ahead, get together, and try to get something done. And, y– you know– I think what’s important to recognize is that– we’ve already cut– $2.5– $2.7 trillion out of the deficit. If the sequester stays in, you’ve got over $3.5 trillion of deficit reduction already.
And, so, we don’t have an immediate crisis in terms of debt. In fact, for the next ten years, it’s gonna be in a sustainable place. The question is, can we do it smarter, can we do it better? And– you know, what I’m saying to them is I am prepared to do some tough stuff. Neither side’s gonna get 100%. That’s what the American people are lookin’ for. That’s what’s gonna be good for jobs. That’s what’s gonna be good for growth.
But ultimately, it may be that– the differences are just– too wide. It may be that ideologically, if their position is, “We can’t do any revenue,” or, “We can only do revenue if we gut Medicare or gut Social Security or gut Medicaid,” if that’s the position, then we’re probably not gonna be able to get a deal.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/03/transcript-president-obamas-interview-with-george-stephanopoulos/
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)NeoConsSuck
(2,544 posts)When was the last time you checked? Silly me, I thought we had a Democratic majority in the Senate.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Were you asleep all this time when record filibusters were enacted by the GOP? The Dems control NOTHING. Republicans do, and thanks to a majority of corporate Dems in the Senate, it's going to stay this way no matter how many Senators the Democratic Party wins in coming elections.
The filibuster reigns supreme and the Republicans control everything.
kjackson227
(2,166 posts)President Obama still has to contend with the "conservative dems" which are somewhat more problematic than the Repugs.
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)so he works with them, as opposed to "has to contend with" them.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)It's either work with ConservaDems or he gets NOTHING done. Is that what you want? Would that make you feel better? It would help the GOP win back power, now won't it? Is that what you're hopin' for?
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)OK... So all of those cabinet appointments were forced upon him? It is not BS hyperbole at all. Surprised to even get an argument on this.
We can (and do, no doubt) differ on the best strategies for moving forward, but at this point it's hard for me to see anyone disagreeing that he is a conservative Democrat.
I don't see an easy way forward on these issues. My preference would be for him to champion the budget proposal of the Progressive Caucus. Will it pass the GOP-led House and the GOP-blocked Senate? Obviously not. However, getting behind those ideas would validate them, it would give us something to build on. And you'd be surprised how much the political ball can move when the interests of the people are given voice. It would NOT help the GOP win back power, quite the opposite, it would be much more obvious who is on the side of the people and who is on the side of the 1%. Right now it's not so obvious.
And I realize it isn't just Obama, it's the congressional Dems, too, that need to get behind the interests of the 99%.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)And they don't/didn't like President Obama, either. He's too progressive for them. But I guess when you're a pragmatic progressive; a politician who wants to progress but knows the limitations of this Congress' will to do so, then you're labeled a Conservative Dem.
Is he an ultra-Left Liberal? No. He wouldn't have won the presidency if that were the case, would he? Dennis Kucinich would've been president in 2009.
Taking a stand on either side without bending will result in a lame-duck term. As I've said in my previous post, nothing will get done. Nothing. I don't believe that's what he wants, and were you in his shoes, I'm pretty damn sure it's not what you would want, either.
Our only hope to move this country forward was crushed last January when the Dem elites in the Senate refused to reform the filibuster rule - again. Now we're looking at more paralysis in our government, and we can thank Reid and the Democrats for that, although I'm acutely aware that the blame should rightfully be placed on Turtleman's head and his band of do-nothing TeaBaggers. But Reid and Senate Democrats KNEW this and did nothing to stop it.
I just wished more on Left understood this and would place the blame rightfully where it belongs - Congress. It appears, by the angry "I hate Obama" posts on this site, that they don't.
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)You're entitled to your opinion. You apparently want to place all of the blame on Congress and none on the POTUS. Fine, whatever, have a good one.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)branch of government we have. That's a fact. Remember the "government of the people, by the people, for the people"? What branch of government is "of, by, and for the people" again? That's right. Congress.
So yes, I place the lion's share of blame on Congress. It's not an opinion. It's a statement of fact.
I wish you a good one, too.
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)It is an opinion no matter how many times you say otherwise.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)no matter how many times you try to make it fact in your deep-seated hatred for all things Obama.
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)So just stop with this assertion that your opinion is based on fact while other's opinion is based on hatred, that's very rude.
I am not an Obama hater. I don't like many of Obama's policies (almost none of them, sadly), and I would feel the same way about Biden or HRC. I see upthread that you deride corporatist policies from the Congress. So we probably aren't all that far apart politically, and should give it a rest, we have other forces to fight rather than each other. This argument isn't going to change the minds of either of us. We disagree about Obama.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)So yeah, let's just agree to disagree.
I've learned that if we really, really, really try hard enough, we can find fault with, even hate, everything and anything in anyone - even Mother Theresa and Ghandi. The trick is not to try too hard. What we need to be trying is to separate the wheat from the chaff and look at something from a broader p.o.v. rather than a myopic one. But above and beyond all else, we need to understand, first and foremost, what the most powerful branch of government is the U.S. - and it ain't the Executive.
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)I tried hard to be reasonable, you just won't stop. Myopic? Hate? Bye.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Occulus
(20,599 posts)The judiciary holds far more long term power than Congress does, and the decisions of the judiciary have farther reaching effects on our society than any law or Act Congress can pass excepting Constitutional Amendments, which are by definition not subject to the review of the SCOTUS. That exception aside, THAT IS WHY THE TOP OF THE JUDICIARY IS MADE UP OF LIFETIME APPOINTMENTS. The Founders knew (and you really ought to have known this yourself) how much more power interpreting laws has vs. passing and executing them, and made certain, as they believed at the time, to free the SCOTUS from the influences of the politics of the day.
And while a sitting SCOTUS justice can be impeached by Congress because ham sandwich, the SCOTUS can completely strike down a law Congress passes because ham sandwich. They don't, but they can. This is also one of the reasons Thomas can say nothing at all during oral arguments, vote a case without writing a word, and not be impeached with any credibility of success. There's no requirement that a SCOTUS judge actually do anything visible to the public, nor is Congress capable of imposing one upon him. Congress can't, literally can not, force his active participation. Nice gig if you can get it...
What damned fool told you that, anyway? Whomever he was, he's a blithering idiot....
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)that you can't even begin to understand that, underscores the validity of my statement. Justices, even the president, can be impeached, a sitting Senator or sitting U.S. Rep CAN NOT. Getting the picture yet?
It's government "of the people, by the people, for the people", 'member? And the damned fool who told us that was President Abraham Lincoln. What idiot told you otherwise?
You probably even believe the president is a king or a mighty dictator, too, don't you? Looks like too many Lefty-fringes have drunk the Bush/Cheney koolaid and are continuing to do so, and that's just sad.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)filibuster reform last January - including my so-called progressive Senator Boxer and the dyed in the wool ConservaDem Feinstein. I was really shocked to discover Sen. Boxer had voted against any meaningful filibuster reform. I thought if any Senator would be for stopping the abuse of filibusters by the GOP, it would have been her. It was a sobering moment for me.
Keeping the filibuster intact and untouched effectively tied President Obama's hands and his vision of for our country. It guaranteed that unemployment will stay high and jobs bills, judges, cabinet appointments, etc., are doomed to fail. And they knew it.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)Senate party standings (at the beginning of this Congress)
53 Democrats
2 Independents, both caucusing with Democrats
45 Republicans
Are all of your opinions based on such 'facts' as the 'fact' that the GOP holds the Senate? Explains much....
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)I don't give a rat's ass how many Democrats are in the Senate. There aren't 60 of them and at least six are Rinos.
Fact remains, it only takes ONE Senator from the RightwingBorg to e-mail or call in that something is filibustered and nothing happens. Basta. Finito. DONE.
That's the glaring fact you appear to have missed. You should learn how your Congress works. It'll save you a lot of embarrassing posts.
liberal N proud
(60,334 posts)The GOP has one mission, destroy social safety nets.
SamKnause
(13,102 posts)Could someone please explain to me;?
When the Democratic Party is the minority party the Republiteas are in charge.
When the Democratic Party is the majority party the Republiteas are in charge.
When exactly does the Democratic Party have any power ?
Are we being played ?
Is this the old good cop bad cop routine ?
I don't think any of our politicians are in charge or have any power.
DC has been infested with lobbyists, CEO's, bankers, Wall Street traders, global corporations and war profiteers.
Our government represents their interests, not ours
Our government has repeatedly betrayed 'we the people'.
Our government has repeatedly betrayed 'what is in the best interest for this country'.
This country needs a Hugo Chavez !!!!
Have you read the labor laws for Venezuelans ? Excellent protections and benefits.
Obama should have put on his walking shoes and marched with the unions in Wisconsin.
He said that is what he would do.
Where was he ?
I knew whose side he was on when he did not.
Eric Holder the Attorney General has stated that the banks are too big to fail, too big to jail, too big to prosecute, and too big to legislate. He has effectively created a 2 tiered justice system. This is dangerous and insane.
This country is not permitted to bargain for the drug prices we have to pay. What kind of government would agree to that ?
Obama has already signed a Free Trade agreement with Korea, Colombia, and Panama.
They can't wait to sign the new Trade Agreement in the works (that has been cooked up behind closed doors). It will be twice as devastating as NAFTA.
I am sick of the political circus.
I am sick of the direction this country is moving.
We have ZERO choices when we vote.
It is time for the Bolivian Revolution to reach North America !!!
OWS tried to warn and help the masses of this country. They are still doing great things around the country.
The media right and left, and the propaganda machines kicked into high gear.
What will it take to wake the masses up ?
When will the work force of America unite and fight these thieves and con artists ?
krawhitham
(4,644 posts)donnasgirl
(656 posts)Last night i went on a miserable tirade and said things i shouldn't have,i apologize to anybody who seen my comments.I will also say i went on the tirade because of things just like this article,i am disappointed,tired,beaten,and just plain sick to my stomach over the working people of this country taking the shaft at every given turn.
So again please accept my apology for being a meatball.
The Second Stone
(2,900 posts)pay no income taxes. GE, Chevron, PG&E and Walmart and other pay no income taxes. None at all. Stop starving older people who have paid their taxes for their pension benefits.
cate94
(2,810 posts)or call the White House. Tell Obama you are opposed to benefits being cut. At least try to do something.
wasserman
(14 posts)
socialist_n_TN
(11,481 posts)a couple million angry people "occupying" DC while this is being discussed would do a WORLD of good.
They_Live
(3,232 posts)Hell no.
Time to make the rich pay for their wars. Let's close those loopholes and end the oil subsidies while were at it.
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)I'm certain that it's gonna be all hair on fire; but I will point out a little something:
And I'll add to that the possible motivation:
Doesn't it stand to reason that making these statements ... you know ... the one's that, like the title, are what some on the Left (particularly the one's just waiting for President Obama to betray them ... this time ... just like I said he would last year ... and the year before that ... and the year before that ...) AND some on the right (particularly those looking for a reason to actually make a deal to close loop-holes, so they don't have to carry a "no deal" into 2014 want to hear?
Can you think of a way to "Change Entitlements" that doesn't include "whacking away at SS or medicare? Like ... maybe ... removing the salary cap (for SS; or, maybe, like lowering the age for Medicare?
That has been how President Obama has been playing it for the past 4 years, why change the game now?
Autumn
(45,072 posts)removing the salery cap and lowering the age for Medicare, a program that they really really hate to make Obamas Grand Bargain?
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)But then again, I don't think the gop will accept anything to get to any kind of bargain, Grand or otherwise.
But that said, would those, or similar "Changes to Entitlements" possibly be what President Obama has in mind when he said what he said?
Would that not be consistent with what has been reported that Senator Tom Harkin said Obama told Democrats?
More importantly, would that not be consistent with how President Obama has played the gop ... and with good effect. President Obama says some ambiguous reference to "changes in entitlements" and the Left freaks out (giving evidence that whatever he has in his mind ... because he hasn't really said ... goes against his base) and the right digs in (giving evidence that the gop is doing what the gop has done and everyone else sees President Obama as will to bargain, while the gop is not.
Is that not what got him re-elected? Is that not what got more Democrats in the House? Is that not what picked u seats in the Senate?
Is that not a winning strategy for all national Democrats in 2014?
RVN VET
(492 posts)I said before the last election that if Obama allows the GOP to have its way with Social Security, I would be through with him. Social Security is hanging tough and could easily be made much stronger if the President only has the will to do it. If he doesn't, and the rest of the Demos cave as well, I'm out. It's the one thing I can't abide by. It's Solomon agreeing to split the baby, for heaven's sake.
Is it possible that Obama doesn't see this? Or is it that he just doesn't care?
And, yes, I'm well into Social Security age. But, no, I'm not pissed about my benefits. I'm a Federal retiree with only a tad of Social Security benefits. Losing what Social Security pays me would not hurt me. But losing Social Security would hurt millions of hard working people, Americans all. And please don't believe the crap about how the cuts would only be marginal. Once the door were opened, the cuts wouldn't stop. They'd change the COLA, they'd change the age for benefits, they'd change the formula for computing it. So if Social Security gets gutted -- or even trimmed, dammit -- as part of a grand bargain, the hell with them all. They -- President and Congress -- will have abandoned us in favor of a grand bargain to ensure the continued prosperity of the very people we all voted to rein in in the last election.
Sorry for the rant. I have defended Obama up until now. I have thought of him as a very cagey politician, working against a GOP that has said publicly it wanted to destroy his presidency. But if Social Security is offered up in sacrifice, the President loses my support and respect, period.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts) 
2naSalit
(86,595 posts)Mr. President. Absolutely, unequivocally NOT!!!
w4rma
(31,700 posts)
high density
(13,397 posts)If the deficit is still so important, let's get dividend and capital gains taxes up to the level of what we're taxing people who do real work. Then we can talk.
Hotler
(11,421 posts)Did you aggressively go after the crooks on Wall St., NO! Did you bring war crimes charges against the Bush administration, NO! Have you pushed to get rid of every single subside to corporate America, NO! Flame away folks. I have no hope. I see no future.
yurbud
(39,405 posts)How exactly they could do that, I don't know.
Marr
(20,317 posts)Right?
Where's the cheer section?
Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)JEB
(4,748 posts)Where are the real Democrats, the ones willing to FIGHT for working people. I'm going re-register as Independent like Bernie. Sick of this weak kneed BS.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)Can't count on those fraudsters.
Bipartisanship sucks.
Lint Head
(15,064 posts)Phlem
(6,323 posts)Fuck That!
-p
forestpath
(3,102 posts)
HoosierRadical
(390 posts)
4dsc
(5,787 posts)its very hard to get out.
Lets hope democrats everywhere tell the President the SS is not up for debate.
HoosierRadical
(390 posts)The only thing Democrats should be "OPEN" and Determined about is RAISING Social Security & medicare taxes on the rich! Our beloved President has lost his everlasting gotdamn mind.
OhioChick
(23,218 posts)Is this the same man that I voted for?
JEB
(4,748 posts)extremists are calling the shots now. What a sick bunch of crap.
pansypoo53219
(20,976 posts)AlbertCat
(17,505 posts)and of course SS is not an "entitlement". You pay for it when you work.
demwing
(16,916 posts)I'm so god damned tired of not knowing whom to trust.
I tell my son - when you find yourself struggling with a decision, re-evaluate your assumptions. You know the right thing to do, your confusion comes because some assumption you've made contradicts some reality you've seen. Don't doubt your own heart.
Obama is putting us in a position where we have to doubt our own hearts. We know what's right, and as much as our hearts want to believe that Obama does as well, the reality we are seeing tells us otherwise.
I want a party that represents my beliefs - highest respect for civil rights and economic justice, coupled with the courage to face down the strong and the character to stand up for the weak. Progressive, populist, and above all, liberal.
I am tired of trading in those qualities for a bucketful of pragmatism and compromise. I am tired of making excuses to myself.
I am so god damned tired...next come anger. Tomorrow may be fine again, but one day the anger will stay, and I won't be able to continue justifying this weak tea of compromised principles.
Politicalboi
(15,189 posts)Tell theses fools that vote for these asshole GOP Teabaggers that THEIR SSI and Medicare WILL go away if they allow the GOP to rule us even though they lost the election. I'm 52, and I'll be damned if I should have to wait another 7 or 10 years for Medicare or to collect SSI. Let the 30 year olds take a 10 year extension on their Medicare and SSI. As it is, I can't qualify for Medicaid because I have NO children, and am not over 60.
How fair is that to gays and lesbians who for the most part don't have any children. They don't give us the right to marry, so we need more from the system. Just like auto insurance companies charging you and extra $5.00 for being single. If you're gay, you will ALWAYS be single until the bigots let us get married.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)I think the public would back him up with that stance, overwhelmingly. The Tea party nutjobs, no, but fuck them anyway.
WillyT
(72,631 posts)
indivisibleman
(482 posts)No way. Enough is enough. We are on to them now and the military and give aways to the corporations is where cuts must be made. Nowhere else.
Fearless
(18,421 posts)Paying for the wealthy's fuck ups.
kiranon
(1,727 posts)Republicans have put forth nothing new and the President is again offering up things to give away. For what? He'll get nothing in return. Stop corporate welfare first. How about bringing back negotiating prices of medicine rather than following the ridiculous rule that government cannot negotiate drug prices for Medicare. Negotiating drug prices would save billions.
Perhaps the fiscal emergency the Republicans believes exists is grounds for ignoring the rule the Republicans put in effect that there could be no negotiating of drug prices for Medicare. The VA negotiates for lower prices as do all the other countries in the world. The U.S. is stuck paying the bill for everyone. This rule must change first and then let's see how much the deficit goes down. Add in getting the military out of Afghanistan and other countries where we are no longer needed for additional savings. Add in the tax loopholes for corporations and the rich who offshore their profits and leave their debts for others including U.S. taxpayers and you get the idea. Do not touch Social Security or Medicare.
brentspeak
(18,290 posts)This one guy is destroying the entire Democratic party and everything it stands for and has fought for.
decayincl
(27 posts)Now I have to fight my President and some Dems in Congress. But, tired or not, I'm ready to march.
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)Rip, rob, and steal. It's good for you.
Third Doctor
(1,574 posts)I've been a Obama supporter but I'm not a lockstepper. I've offered excuses and tried to explain away certain things the POTUS has done but I can't support this.
First he would not go after the wall street people that caused this mess in the first place.
Secondly he is far too willing to touch the big three. Democratic cornerstones that goes all of the way back to FDR.
What was this last election about? It was about fairness and protecting these programs wasn't it?!! For all intents and purposes Obama should have lost last year with amost 8% unemployment rate but we fought hard and we won. Now a few months later we are hearing this??!! We have to deal with the GOP and their dumbass supporters trying to destroy what little safety net that we (and they) have and now we have to worry about Obama too?
This will have a effect of splitting the Dem party in a time that it needs to be united. Plus Obama can't run again so the Dems in congress who are running will have to go home and explain to their constituents why they touched these programs. SSI does not contribute to the debt and it's a fund that's been paid in to.
I just heard that Bernie Sanders is going to fillibuster any proposal to harm SSI. BERNIE SANDERS is doing the job OBAMA should be doing.
I have to stop now. I'm too angry to continue.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)What you said. I'm too angry to say much more.
jsr
(7,712 posts)
Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)Great Oz Head speaks, people are not supposed to notice the curtain and check behind it.
You really can't enjoy the show without a program.
Corporations have their spokesmen and mascots.
In a land spun from dreams, awakened realists are suffering from delusions.
Managing millions by manufacturing their consent, (or subverting their rage) is hard work, but it is preferable to the bullets and batons option.
The sequester was a way to avoid the word austerity and defuse the blame while imposing it.
Ronald McDonald has been getting away with pushing crap food at our children for decades, so what do we expect from our titular heads?
May all beings realize that all of this perception of life is total bullshit from cradle to grave and from bones to balls.
Samantha
(9,314 posts)I will be squealing like a greased pig.
Sam
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Leftists never cease to amaze me. So self-defeating; cutting their collective noses to spite their collective faces. How incredibly sad.
The Bloomberg piece clearly states: "...“we don’t want to start whacking away at Social Security or Medicare,” Harkin told reporters. “He didn’t make a commitment but he seemed to indicate that, yes, there are other ways of solving the entitlement problems without doing that.”
Hair-on-fire Leftists need to calm the fuck down and READ. Besides, it's hearsay, second hand shit. It can be distorted and reporters are GOOD at distorting everything and anything President Obama is rumored to have said. Haven't we learned our lesson from the first four years? Jesus.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)this plan to cut entitlements is as popular as anal herpes.
I imagine a very few do like anal herpes, possibly rightist thinkers that think herpes is a good idea.
I imagine it will suck when Medicare won't re-imburse you for that doughnut pillow, due to future cuts...
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)You know? We have our own TeaBaggers in our party. People like you. Still sore that Jill Stein or Gary Johnson were blown out in last election? Because there is NO WAY IN HELL I'd believe you cast your vote for President Obama. Nobody who spews so much idiocy and bile against a candidate would vote for him.
This is the Democratic Underground, not LeftLoon Haven.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)I don't care what you think you know about me, you are pulling those lies out your but just like trying to say congress told Obama to get ready to fuck with entitlements rather than the other way around the way everyone that was there has already admitted.
Tell the truth third way, for once.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Again, learn about your government. President Obama - as PRESIDENT - can suggest all kinds of shit, but it's CONGRESS that decides what goes. Congress, not the presidency, is the most powerful branch of government we have. I'm so sorry to read you and many others here have been fooled into believing corporate media hype that the President is "all powerful"; a dictator, or a King. He ain't any of those. Get that through your thick skulls already.
And that's the truth, anti-Obamanite.
Dragonfli
(10,622 posts)calling someone that is pretty main stream loony left, not helping to convince us that right wing third way policies are normal left, you can not decree the center any more than I can.
I suppose Sanders is loony left in your delusion as well, good luck and God bless, lying to oneself is sometimes the only think that keeps one happy, I will stop interfering, it is your choice what crazy stuff you need to believe. I had no right to take that away from you and I am truly sorry for trying to.
ForgoTheConsequence
(4,868 posts)There are people like us who know that Obama needs to be held accountable and pushed to the center left (or to the mainstream) and those who are willing to sit back as long as its their team who has the ball. For those of us who know that politics isn't a sport and that politicians don't deserve to be worshiped like celebrities and NEED to be held accountable it can be very difficult dealing with those who are happy enough getting their Obama family Christmas card in the mail every year.
cstanleytech
(26,291 posts)For an article that is vague on what if any kind of changes would take place? For not behaving like the congressional republicans who refuse to bargain in good faith and prefer sticking their fingers in theirs ears going "LA LA LA LA LA"?
L0oniX
(31,493 posts)BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)You're in the minority and your candidate LOST BIG TIME. President Obama won re-election and I voted for him and support him. I'd call myself pretty damn mainstream if not, the majority.
And yes, I love Senator Sanders for his fire and passion, but he would NEVER be president. I choose to be realistic, unlike you. Sorry. But the majority of Americans, who live in the real world, are just not into the ultra-left platform. Only the extremes on the Left are.
cstanleytech
(26,291 posts)the new name of the "tea party" atm until enough people wise up at which time they will find a new rock (name) to scamper under to hide.
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)what's your screen name over there?
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Unlike you and others here, probably leftovers from the failed Dennis Kucinich brigade, I am and always have been a DEMOCRAT. That's why I support President Obama, not his enemies. That's why I'm not an anti-Obamanite. How about you?
Occulus
(20,599 posts)At least then we would have seen the mask slip a bit.
JEB
(4,748 posts)Patriot act. Whistle blowers. Due process.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)Jesus. Didn't you take civics lessons in Junior High? The Executive branch is not nearly as powerful as the Legislative branch and the topics you've pointed out belongs solidly under the power of CONGRESS. It astounds me how you people can forget something this important, but I guess it's easier to rail against the president, isn't it?
Carolina
(6,960 posts)You are obviously outnumbered and out-thought in this thread which is why you have to resort to the name calling and vitriol.
Obama's Simpsom Bowles was not hearsay, his everything on the table was not hearsay... his past is prologue!
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)really need to mosey on over to Firedoglake where your impossible La-La ideology and arrogant loathing for President Obama is more willingly embraced and believed. Just because you think you're legion here, doesn't make your stances any more credible. If that were the case, your candidate, Jill Stein or Gary Johnson, would be president today, and they are NOT. You, friend, are in the MINORITY.
How much of that Bowles-Simpson shit has passed Congress and become law, HUH? How much? Now blow that match out and remove it a safe distance from your hair. You're embarrassing yourself.
By the way, that senator appears to be TOTALLY WRONG. Read the transcript between President Obama and George Stephanopoulis instead. It won't change your hatred for President Obama, but it will at least allow you to see your unwarranted hysteria for what it is.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/03/transcript-president-obamas-interview-with-george-stephanopoulos/
Carolina
(6,960 posts)
you really need to mosey on away
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)why don't you go join your kindred spirits at restate?
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)How about you mosey on over to the anti-Obamanites at Firedoglake or DKos or some other ultra-left site instead of spewing your impossible and unrealistic ideology - and hatred of anyone not of your ilk, like TeaBaggers - on DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND?
Occulus
(20,599 posts)
BTW, I voted for Obama twice, and haven't ever voted for any of the "leftbaggers" (how fucking original!
) you keep referring to.
So kiss my ass. You're trying to tell us the sun is cold, water is dry, and Nixon loved him some hippies.
We're not buying your shit sandwich any longer, BCD. You're wrong, you always were wrong, and you will always be wrong. Own it.
WorseBeforeBetter
(11,441 posts)Demit
(11,238 posts)He is quoting what Democrats, who had just met with Obama, said.
Funny, that you twice quote Harkin's quote, bolding the part you cling to as hope that Obama doesn't want to cut SS & Medicare, but you then undermine your argument by calling the quote hearsay that the reporter distorted. You can't have it both ways, BlueCaliDem.
BlueCaliDem
(15,438 posts)President Obama to George Stephonopoulis:
And, so, we don’t have an immediate crisis in terms of debt. In fact, for the next ten years, it’s gonna be in a sustainable place. The question is, can we do it smarter, can we do it better? And– you know, what I’m saying to them is I am prepared to do some tough stuff. Neither side’s gonna get 100%. That’s what the American people are lookin’ for. That’s what’s gonna be good for jobs. That’s what’s gonna be good for growth.
But ultimately, it may be that– the differences are just– too wide. It may be that ideologically, if their position is, “We can’t do any revenue,” or, “We can only do revenue if we gut Medicare or gut Social Security or gut Medicaid,” if that’s the position, then we’re probably not gonna be able to get a deal.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/03/transcript-president-obamas-interview-with-george-stephanopoulos/
You can blow that match out now and calm down.
It's ironic how quick you are to attack President Obama over hearsay and refuse to give him the benefit of the doubt. I mean, you do know he's a Democrat and this is Democratic Underground, right? But then again, anti-Obamanites on this site (it appears to be infested with them) are quick to attack and blame President Obama over what some senator heard during a meeting and what's been reported by a reporter, but refuse to remember that President Obama has said, again and again and again, their will be NO CUTS to benefits in the Big 3. When will you people learn?
Occulus
(20,599 posts)Demit
(11,238 posts)And I know—as he is quoted in your excerpt—that he's "prepared to do some tough stuff." Now, what do you suppose he means by "neither side's gonna get 100%"? What do you think he is prepared to give up from the Democratic side?
still_one
(92,190 posts)gtar100
(4,192 posts)I would be willing to see the cap on the SS tax eliminated and lowering the eligibility age for Medicare. I'd be willing to even pay more in taxes to have them removing all age requirements for Medicare. I'd be happy to see them lower the age of eligibility for SS benefits as well.
I'm open to a lot of changes. The problem it seems Obama has, along with every worm who calls himself a republican, is that they seem to think of change in destructive terms rather than equitable and charitable terms. They appear frightened of the thought of others taking advantage of them. So much so that they'd rather let suffer 1,000,000 people than to risk 1 person gaming the system.
ladjf
(17,320 posts)have nominated someone else. It now appears to me that both Romney and Obama were de-facto Republicans. Somehow, we will try to weather this political storm and elect a real Democrat in the next election.
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)so basically Obama lied to get real Dems to vote for him.
MFM008
(19,808 posts)no
bowens43
(16,064 posts)what a a pathetic excuse for a democrat...obama has been trying to trash medicare and SS right from the start.
DCBob
(24,689 posts)this should be no surprise to anyone.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)thread. Sick of it.
DCBob
(24,689 posts)I think many are delusional in thinking the President has changed his mind about "entitlement" reform and balancing the budget. I think he has always been a proponent of a more strict fiscal policy.
sweetapogee
(1,168 posts)is depressing.
DeSwiss
(27,137 posts)Liberal_Stalwart71
(20,450 posts)AnotherMcIntosh
(11,064 posts)Bring back American manufacturing jobs instead of continuing to giving the international super-rich tax breaks for off-shoring manufacturing jobs.
Put more Americans back to work while earning living wages so that their contributions to Social Security will strengthen it.
For anyone in the Obama-is-powerless-and-he-doesn't-have-the-votes crowd, the answer is that he could at least talk about this in public. If he truly is in favor of strengthening SS, he could bring this issue out in the public.
FiveGoodMen
(20,018 posts)It seems to be the main mission of his second term.
I fully believe he WANTS to do this.
truebrit71
(20,805 posts)The only entitlements I want to see "negotiated" are the ones that reduce the tax gifts to Big Oil and the DOD...
2Design
(9,099 posts)has - give up gym - give up flying all over the place - do not give away our EARN benefits - they do not work 40 hours a week and are overpaid
alarimer
(16,245 posts)What a Republican
Rosa Luxemburg
(28,627 posts)we the people are not undergoing cuts for nation building elsewhere
lovuian
(19,362 posts)anybody who votes for entitlement cuts are going to be out of a job
FiveGoodMen
(20,018 posts)gordianot
(15,237 posts)It is not that I am so attached to the Democratic Party, I am in total complete disagreement 100% of the time to all members of the Republican Party. As a domestic political entity the modern Republican Party is as dangerous as groups the United States went to war with in the 1940's and the source of the cold war in the 1950's and 1960's. I have no desire to ever consort, tolerate, communicate with Republicans. My wife says when it comes to Republicans I am a bigot which is probably true. I will listen to Republicans not ridicule them and never threaten them violence. As President of the United States Barak Obama has to reason with the unreasonable. The danger consorting too much with Republicans you could become what they are and lose your humanity or in religious terms your soul.
24601
(3,962 posts)Position to leave Afghanistan - but of you oppose that, that means you support McCain.
I find instead that the only one I agree with 100% is me and that sometimes shifts from day to day.
Edit for spelling.
subterranean
(3,427 posts)I'd be open to certain changes such as raising the payroll tax cap or requiring retirees with high net worth to pay a little more into Medicare. But if he's talking about chained CPI or other benefit cuts, that's going to anger a lot of people who voted for him.
In defense of the President, I don't think he will propose reducing the deficit ONLY though Social Security and Medicare changes. He will likely demand elimination of tax loopholes for the wealthy and corporations as part of any Grand Bargain -- which Republicans will almost certainly reject.
The Republicans created most of the deficit with tax cuts, unfunded wars, an unfunded prescription drug program, expansion of military spending, and the financial meltdown. Now they want us to fix it by giving up the benefits we have paid for? Sorry, no deal.
Orsino
(37,428 posts)...assuming that making a deal is an end in itself.
We'd need more than that, I hope, before we let the GOP--or any Dems, for that matter--lay one filthy finger on entitlements. What would we get for cuts in those areas? Anything that could make up the difference?
But anything that gets bipartisan support from this Congress is going to hurt a lot of people, absent a sudden surge in caring by our electorate.
VanillaRhapsody
(21,115 posts)that never works.
ELI BOY 1950
(173 posts)
Notafraidtoo
(402 posts)Less bombs,planes and bases its not needed and is overkill as is lets not cut food and healthcare for people for godsake this country is insane.
cstanleytech
(26,291 posts)No? Obama and the dems should oppose any changes at all!!!
Or No? Obama and the dems should only oppose any changes that reduce the level of benefits for the majority of americans?
truebrit71
(20,805 posts)...wouldn't it be nice to have a Democrat in the Whitehouse?
cstanleytech
(26,291 posts)for most of the state level elected spots as seen by the the majority of gerrymandering that was done to varies districts.
NuttyFluffers
(6,811 posts)and if them's the terms, Fuck. The. Budget.