Sen. Dick Durbin: Social Security Cuts Should Not Be Ruled Out

[TacticalPeek]

Source: ABC


Senator Says 'Gang of Six' Have Better Chance than Ryan or Obama to Cut Deficit

By JONATHAN KARL
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011

Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., says the bi-partisan group of senators working to find a way to reduce the deficit -- the so-called "Gang of Six" -- is near agreement on a plan that will chart a middle ground between the House Republican budget and the plan outlined last week by President Obama.

And while other top Democrats say Social Security should be untouched, Durbin says Social Security changes should be made now.

"You have the House Republican budget from Congressman Paul Ryan, who I know and like, which is going to be placed somewhere on the right side of the spectrum. You have the president's suggestion, which will be on the other side of the spectrum. And if and when we reach an agreement, it will be in the middle, a bipartisan effort, which I think has a chance to succeed," Durbin said in an interview for ABC News' "Subway Series."

He expects the Gang of Six -- which, in addition to Durbin, includes senators Tom Coburn, R-Okla.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; Mark Warner, D-Va.; and Kent Conrad, D-N.D. -- to agree on a plan shortly after Congress returns from its Easter recess.



Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-dick-durbin-social-security-cuts-ruled/story?id=13400977

---

Fuck you, Dick Durbin, and fuck your self-confessed, fat cat owners.

[Mojorabbit]

1. What the hell is wrong with these people? nt

[Plucketeer]

48. What's wrong with them???

See Reply #2 It's them against US! :grr:

[apnu]

75. In a word: "Lobbyists" (nt)

[wordpix]

151. the whole system is corrupt, not just some congresspersons

[tomp]

127. they are democrats. that's what's wrong. nt

[SugarShack]

63. Where is Senate sacrifice? Take them off pensions, we don't have the money, put them on Soc Sec.

They'll fix it real quick!

[24601]

93. They are on social security. Every member of congress has,

since 1985, contributed to social security whether they are under the old (1984 & before) or new retirement systems.

Civil servants in CSRS (Pre-1985) were not required to convert to FERS and those who opted to remain in CSRS do not contribute to social security. Their retirement system, to which they contribute 6 or 7 percent of their salary is solvent & in good shape.

When the civil service converted to FERS for those hired after 1984, the government anniuty was cut by 50% and we try to make up for that by contributing to social security and contributing up to 15% of our pay to the thrift savings plan. Our employer (the civil service) contributes 1% and will match up to 5%.

[Samantha]

140. They think we are powerless to stop them

and too dumb to see through their maneuvers.

Sam

[Odin2005]

2. Both parties are wholely owned subsidiaries of the Corporatists.

Fuck ALL OF THEM.

[SugarShack]

62. Indeed...they give up their control for equal control with the repigs.

Take Durbin out.

[ozone_man]

102. Unfortunately, yes.

It's a sad realization. As much as we've said it over the years, we've held out hope that it wasn't true. But, it almost certainly is true. Only small degrees of separation. At least our party has the better orators, as we wage war on the world militarily and our own country financially.

[Nihil]

129. You got it.

> Both parties are wholely owned subsidiaries of the Corporatists.
> Fuck ALL OF THEM.

Nothing more to be said.
:-(

[raouldukelives]

139. My sentiments exactly.. nt

[wordpix]

152. +1

[alsame]

3. We are screwed. If Durbin is going along with SS 'reform', there

is little hope. As for 'D' Warner, I saw him on TV the other day spouting the GOP meme that SS is bankrupt.

[juajen]

26. Bullshit, there's no hope?

We can win this fight as long as we fight. No laying down for these creeps.

[alsame]

31. I said there is 'little' hope, not no hope. I'm cynical, I don't

expect many of the Democrats to fight for SS no matter how much we ourselves fight for it.

I really, really hope I'm wrong. I'm under 55 and will be affected by any changes to SS or Medicare.

[No Elephants]

32. Like we won public option and no Obama tax cuts for the rich?

Both those had over 70% support from the public. On the public option, we had demonstrations and many, like me, contacted the WH, my Senators (Kerry and Kennedy) and my Rep at least onice a week.

What do you suggest?

[demwing]

79. But the truth is we didn't fight

I suggest a general strike

[kysrsoze]

96. You need not worry that much. Durbin is my Senator and he was bought

... a long time ago. He talks like a progressive, but when it comes to back room deals and laying down on his constituents, he's just like every other shitbag blue dog. I can't stand that ass. But again, you can't look for him to be the bellwether of liberal leanings.

[trud]

133. SS is not bankrupt

Just in case anyone has bought into this, let me note that SS should be solvent. Take a look at the statement you can get from SS about how much you've been taxed for SS each year, calculate what that would amount to using compound interest over all those years, remember it will still be earning interest while it is paying out benefits, and you'll see the government is making a tidy profit on each person now receiving regular SS.

I have several times heard Republicans, including the late William Buckley, whom I always thought was intelligent although misguided, total up the taxes and completely ignore the compound interest which makes a GIANT difference.

[deminks]

4. Flip side of the same coin. So what brand of cat food is your favorite? nt

[glinda]

38. Have you checked the price of cat food lately?

[demwing]

80. Tuna is cheaper

and you know (mostly) what's in the can...

[freshwest]

95. Beans are cheaper than tuna.

[CoffeeCat]

5. Let's just tell it like it is people!

Let's stop pretending that Republicans are the evil bastards and Democrats are the lily-livered, spineless
jellyfish who get taken advantage of by the mean Republicans.

The corporate/neoncon powerhouse that controls it all--including all politicians who have any power--want
to dismantle the safety net in this country--which includes Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid.

They will do it, one way or another--because it is what the powerful corporations want. They purchased it
through campaign contributions--and all relevant politicians will see that these corporations get what
they purchased.

Does anyone really believe that it's a mistake, a fluke or an oversight--when we cut home-heating assistance
for the elderly in the dead of winter--Bank of America and GE pay zero taxes on their billions in profits?

What galls me---is that these thugs aren't happy with their billions. Oh no...they aren't completely satisfied
being filthy rich. They won't be done until they have it all---and they HAVE CAUSED UNTOLD SUFFERING.

Do people understand that the power elite is not only greedy--they are sadistic pigs who will not truly be
happy cruising in their yachts and flying in their private planes--until they know that they've caused misery,
pain and death to others who they consider to be objects. And those object are 98 percent of the population.

[No Elephants]

35. +1 Thing is, what in hell do we do about it?

[neoralme]

57. I keep thinking that something will come along that will bring the

Democrats or anyone out onto the street with pitchforks (metaphor). But I now realize that won't happen. Look at what makes up the voting public in this country. Sure, there are people who'll still hit the street and fight and die when the time comes. But not many... Much easier to simply email Bernie Sanders or your representative who'll smile as he's throwing the wad of paper into the roundfile. What will probably happen, at least I hope will happen, if the conservatives try and do meaningful cuts to Social Security, the boomers will hit the streets, ready to really to fight. That's what I'm hoping. There are things happening in States now so horrible, I cannot for the life of me understand why their statehouses are still standing. It is simply a different mentality. Right now, there should be people sitting around at secret locations staring at a chalkboard where some paramilitary type is doing diagrams of how the next mission will be accomplished. Oh, well...

[L0oniX]

41. Yes it is time for everyone Dem and repuke alike to wake the fuck up!

We are being played by both sides who are owned by money. Only massive work stoppage, protests and civil disobedience will change it.

[Plucketeer]

53. The one fading tool (weapon?) we have

is our votes. That's it! Not just your personal vote, but those of folks you know who might well vote as big money tells them to. It's up to USA (US All) to make these folks see the light! And time IS of the essence, since you can easily see now that laws are advancing to where votes - whole lots of votes - can be summarily dismissed to suit a desired outcome. Think Bush V Gore or the recent judgeship election in Wisconsin.

We progressives (I'm fairly certain that the title of Democrat does NOT suit me anymore) have to get IN FRONT of the decisions instead of bitching about them as they happen before our very eyes!

[tomp]

128. voting won't work. elections are rigged. period.

we need millions in the street for extended periods and we need a third party that actually represents those people.

nothing else will work. when enough people get that we will have a chance.

[Plucketeer]

144. So...... what?

Come election day we just don't bother - but instead take to the streets with signs?

[tomp]

148. interesting question.

sure, go vote. just don't expect anything to change because of it.

i'm all in favor of voting in a system with integrity (and that includes a media with integrity). frankly the failure of the american people to protest the 2000 selection and the 2004 ohio vote rigging is quite discouraging as to our ability to be motivated enough to do what needs to be done. couple that with the failure of the democratic party to take any substantial action toward securing the vote and you have a recipe for absolute oligarchy.

so sure, go vote, see where it gets you.

[Plucketeer]

149. No -no....

I won't vote. You've convinced me it's a waste of time.

[neoralme]

60. Yeah, and those options won't last much longer. Give me a call

when you're ready for a real mission. I'd rather die on the street doing something than at a keyboard writing my representative so he can do a meaningless floor speech.

[queerart]

6. Cool!

The government gets the populace into financial trouble......


THEN it becomes EVERYONE'S responsibility to help them dig out.....


.... and please remind me.... how much of their health care, pension, and yearly raise are the good Senators forgoing?


That's right.... not one fucking dime.... ahhhh, ok........ thanks for that clarification!

[liberal N proud]

7. Sold down the river

[WhiteTara]

8. These are some REAL bastards

who have no mother.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

9. And he's more liberal than the ex-Senator from Illinois.

That's the chilling part.

[iamtechus]

10. The Gang of Three (so far)

Mark Warner, D-Va.
Kent Conrad, D-N.D
Dick Durbin, D-Ill

Let's start a list.

[Le Taz Hot]

11. And yet . . .

we have lots of money to fight 3 wars, and give the wealthy their tax cuts, and give the banksters their bailouts. Are we beginning to see what major political parties do to us? The two-party system are opposite wings of the same plane and we're not even IN the plane, much less flying it.

The people should not be afraid of their government, governments should be afraid of the people. When do we make the government accountable? When do we make the political parties accountable? When do we make our elected officials accountable? When do you demand more from your party and when do you walk away and start a new plan because the current one is not only NOT working to our advantage, it's stripping us of our democracy and our way of life?

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

12. So the question is;

what are we going to do about this? Right now, the American population is like a huge herd of sheep. A few barking dogs keep us in line and we go where we are directed. I like to think of those old cartoons where someone would mess with a beehive. Remember the shitstorm that always took place then?
So what's it gonna be America? :shrug:

[Demeter]

13. Dick Durbin SHOULD Be Ruled Out

I got a good, steel, four foot ruler, right here....

[bossy22]

14. the bigger issue is medicare

SS can easily be fixed by eliminating the tax cap and raising the retirement age for full benifits to 68. There is no easy fix to medicare

[plumbob]

17. Just eliminating the tax cap is enough.

And Medicare for all, outlawing insurance companies, would save at least 50% of what the country spends now on "healthcare."

[freshwest]

98. Hold the horses, folks. Let's get to what the *article*, not the *title* said...

--Admittedly, it freaked me out to hear this from one of the most *liberal* senators there. Although his calling Ryan a 'friend' shows questionable taste, there will be no BBQ of GOPigs in the Senate--

'Durbin criticized a resolution put forward by Sen. Bernie Sanders, a liberal independent from Vermont, that says Social Security should not be cut under a deficit reduction plan. Durbin said he would not vote for such a resolution.

"I think Bernie is going too far with his language," Durbin said.

"In 2037, as we know it, Social Security falls off a cliff," he said. "There's a 22 percent reduction rate in payments, which is really not something we can tolerate. If we deal with it today, it's an easier solution than waiting. I think we ought to deal with it. Many of my colleagues disagree, put it off to another day. But from my point of view, leaving it out makes it easier politically, including it, I think, meets an obligation, which we have to senior citizens."'

--The word *cut* is not in that statement, just that something has to be done now because of demographics. This has taken place in all the social democracies, a strain due to aging populations. But they have stronger economies because they are social democracies and all that entails for their economies, which are stronger than ours, bar corruption and thefts by the money masters.--

'One specific change Durbin said should be considered right now is reducing Social Security benefits to the wealthy.'

--THAT IS THE CUT. So the article title is misleading. It's right in line with taxing the rich, is it not? Why did the writer choose to put that spin on it? Typically it's been done to demoralize Dems. And it works so well, doesn't it?

He nails part of the source of the real problem too:

'"Many of my friends on the left -- they are my friends, these are my roots politically -- are going through the stages of grief: denial, anger, frustration, sadness, resignation," Durbin said. "They are going through those stages because they understand that borrowing 40 cents for every dollar you spend,

*whether it's for missile or food stamps, is just unsustainable.*

But you've got to do something."

--Folks, we have to stop spending money on making mass weapons of destruction, be they missiles, bombs and going to war for oil. Our country spends money on things that give us nothing in return except some twisted perversion of national security and for an antiquated, unsustainable industrial model.

If we are destroyed economically and environmentally, no amount of bombs dropped in other countries will help. So we need to push our representatives on this area, to stop this borrowing and making sure we change course on every level.

Obama gave a detailed speech in his campaign about how every dime of the money for the wars is totally on loan from China. Just as the Vietnam war took its toll on our national debt, the money borrowed from Japan had to be repaid. But it was not always done with money. It was done by sacrificing our manufacturing base to Japan and we have done the same with China. We cannot afford these wars, they are destroying our future here at home.

:rant:

[florida08]

15. what a fool

but he's been saying this for a while.

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2010/04/29/durbin-says-bleeding-heart-liberals-should-be-open-to-medicare-and-social-security-cuts">Durbin Says “Bleeding Heart Liberals” Should Be Open to Medicare and Social Security Cuts

[No Elephants]

34. Probably why he made it into the Gang of 6.

[florida08]

83. that would be my guess as well

[groundloop]

16. Wow - I'm represented on that commission (by Saxby Chambliss, a truly evil bastard)

I didn't realize Saxby Chambliss was on that commission - we're screwed. He's such an evil bastard that during his initial campaign for the senate he spread lies about our former Senator Max Cleland, claiming that Senator Cleland wasn't interested in, nor knew anything about our national security when in fact Max Cleland lost 3 limbs in Vietnam while Saxby Chamblis sat out Vietnam thanks to a medical deferment.

[Bluenorthwest]

21. In 08 we got stuck with Chambliss in a special election

the recent 'Obama wave' voters refused to come vote him out, the President elect refused to speak out, and I will always remember hip hop star Ludicrous for going down there and trying to get the vote out. He tried when others simply did nothing, and now we have Saxby, thanks to the Obama Only voters, who repeated their class act in 2010.

[OnyxCollie]

40. Sure, the "Obama Only" voters did that.

http://wikisum.com/w/Converse:_The_nature_of_belief_systems_in_mass_publics

In Brief

A great majority of people neither adhere to a full, complete set of beliefs which produces a clear ideology nor do they have a clear grasp of what ideology is. This is measured by a lack of coherence in responses to open-ended questions. Ideology of elites is not mirrored by the masses and voter revolt to a political party does not reflect ideological shifts.

Converse analyzes open-ended interview questions to measure conceptualization of ideology. He concludes that the liberal-conservative continuum is a high level abstraction not typically used by the man in the street because of response instability and lack of connections made between answers. There is no underlying belief structure for most people, just a bunch of random opinions. Even on highly controversial, well-publicized issues, large portions of the electorate do not have coherent opinions. In fact, many simply answer survey questions as though they are flipping a coin.

Though some political sophisticates do structure their opinions in a larger ideological framework, such structure is rare. This level of political sophistication (one's "level of conceptualization") is correlated positively with the respondent's level of education, degree of political involvement, and amount of political information.

Key points: Most people do not have strong belief systems; that is, they do not think ideologically. A minority of people have fixed preferences and answer survey questions consistently, but most simply give random answers. Most people do not interpret politics through an ideological lens.

Keep playing the blame game. It's all you've got.

[No Elephants]

43. Chambliss is not why we're screwed. We're screwed because some

some genius decided none of the Dems in the Gang should be Dems who believe in leaving OASDI, Medicare and Medicaid alone and our President is not going to veto.

No, Chambliss is not representing you on that "Gang." There are 6 men in the gang, not 50, so representation is not by state. It's by Party. In fact, most of our representation in the cesspool of D.C. has more to do with Party (and lobbyists) than with state, except maybe when it comes to pork.

3 Dems who want cuts to OASDI, Medicare and Medicaid, 50 other Senators in the Dem Caucus and the guy in the WH are representing you in this. Let's see how well they do that.

[timdog44]

18. I am ashamed

to be from Illinois. I am almost ashamed to be from America. What is so ironic is that these same guys will eventually be taken down too. They sell out for thousands so a few can make millions and billions. All on the backs of those who according to Christianity's Jesus are the least of these. What you do to the least of these you do to me. That to me is what the mantra of the Democratic party is. What you do to the least of these you do to me. And then act accordingly. I am ashamed to be from Illinois. Almost ashamed to be from America. We'll see what happens.

[druidity33]

137. don't be too hard on IL...

it's happening everywhere. This is a good place to commiserate.

Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[_ed_]

19. These "Gangs" are nothing more than

the Senators who are still willing to do the bidding of their corporate masters no matter how bad it looks in public. Wholly owned.

[Bluenorthwest]

20. Durbin love Ryan, how sweet is that!

Durbin is a conservative hack who might as well be a Republican.

[JDPriestly]

22. We should confront Durbin about the fact that we have bankrupted

our country fighting in Iraq and the oil companies of the world took the Iraq oil money that Rove told us would pay for the war.

This cannot stand. Durbin is lying to us.

We don't need austerity measures. We need war reparations for us and for the Iraqi and other people and their governments who were forced to pay the price for this war for oil by our governments on behalf of those same oil profiteers.

Will the price of oil go up? Yes. As it should. We have to find other sources of energy or change our lifestyles.

[xxqqqzme]

23. Those are all rethuglicans!

Even the ones w/ the 'D' behind there names. Conrad and Warner are no democrats. Come back when you have at least three democrats among those names. And except for Virginia, those are all donor states. Don't want a senator representing 10 people in Idaho deciding anything affecting my family's life. Bipartisan my ass.

know and likes ryan huh? I'm so happy for you dick. I am disgusted by you.

[still_one]

24. Just raise the cap, and institute a fixed income tax. That will solve the problem /nt

[Rage for Order]

25. I'm guessing cuts in pay and benefits for Congress HAVE been ruled out though.

Isn't that right, little Dick Durbin?

[No Elephants]

45. The Constitution rules that out, and for good reason.

[Rage for Order]

52. The Constitution rules what out, exactly?

Congress determines its own pay and benefits package. In fact, they get a raise every year unless they specifically vote NOT to accept it.

[RantinRavin]

81. The 27th Amendment

No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

[plumbob]

87. That's right - pay cuts would take effect after the next election cycle.

I personally feel that they should all bid on what they'll pay to take the job - since it's worth billions to their corporate overlords. Let the taxpayers in on the largesse.

AND would have the advantage of being open about the whorehouse it is.

Apologies to all actual whores, who work in often disgusting conditions to get THEIR money.

[Rage for Order]

92. We just had an election of representatives in November.

Besides, the pay cut doesn't have to take effect immediately. They can schedule it to kick in on January 1, 2012 if they prefer.

[w4rma]

27. Durbin can suck it. Thief enabler. (nt)

[newfie11]

28. is there anyone in congress NOT on the take n/t

[OnyxCollie]

42. Just look for the guy who gets bashed more than anyone.

Dennis Kucinich.

[No Elephants]

47. I'd bet my life Bernie Sanders is clean and I'm pretty sure (so far) about Franken and

some former Senators. IMO, the rest have either sold out to one interest or another or are "pragmatic" enough to behave indistinguishably from the ones who have sold out.

[OnyxCollie]

49. Shame on me for forgetting Bernie.

My own rep, Tim Ryan, was a supporter of HR 676, so I'd like to include him, as well.

[bvar22]

46. "is there anyone in congress NOT on the take".....YES!!

But the "Centrist" wing of the Democratic Party does their very best to marginalize him and the handful of others.


”Unlike the other candidates, I am not funded by those corporate interests.
I owe them no loyalty, and they have no influence over me or my policies.” ---Dennis Kucinich

[No Elephants]

54. IMO, there are no more wings to the Democratic Party. The DLC types have taken it over, with

the exception of a very few individuals--and about all those individuals can do at this point is vote "yes" or "no" on the crap bills that come to a vote, much as the 100 or so co-sponsors of HR 676 ended up voting "yes" on health care "reform."

[newspeak]

114. YES!!!

It is much easier to side with the ruling elite than fight for the people. However, when Little boots was selected one of the first things that Cheney apparently did, was have a meeting with the repug congress and informed them that they wouldn't be working with the democrats-that the great dictator was going to do the dictating and they were supposed to follow along while completely shutting out the democrats. And they did their job very well. After Little Boots basically destroyed this country, and the democrats finally lead, what do the democratic administration do? Well, we got to keep some of Little Boot's retreads, we go to work with the repugs. It's not because they're spineless, it's because they're sleeping in the same damn bed with the repugs. And when Little Boot's great pharma giveaway that has actually cost us more (and no more arbitration with pharma for cheaper drugs) those few repug senators who knew it was a hit against seniors were threatened and/or coerced to change their votes.

[Aerows]

29. Why aren't they voting

to give themselves a pay cut, their staffers a pay cut, to pay for their own health insurance like every other American does, and to pay for their own pensions, then?

They need to lead by example. You want to cut social security, you go first.

[Travelman]

74. They can't.

http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am27">The XVII Amendment prevents that from happening. They can do something about pay and pensions and whatnot to take effect after the 2012 elections, but they can't do anything about it in the meantime.

Kinda shot ourselves in the foot with that one, unfortunately.

[plumbob]

88. So they do it, and it takes effect NEXT year, 2012, instead of this year.

They won't even discuss it. I've sent unanswered emails to my rep, and both senators, and didn't even get back the usual "Thank you for contacting us and rest assured that we wouldn't do anything for you if you were actually on fire, including pissing on you. Conserve precious bodily fluids. Love and kisses, Your Duly Elected Master

[Travelman]

145. Oh, believe me, I completely agree with you

about our elected royalty not wanting to even condescend to look down their noses at us peons down here. And I think someone with some stature would be wise to challenge them to make cutting their own pay and/or benefits part of the debate about the 2012 budget (they can take pay cuts since obviously they're not going to get laid off). Good luck getting that to happen, though.

[amb123]

30. NOT ONE THIN DIME, SENATOR!

No cuts! Ever!

:argh:

[xchrom]

33. I guess the list of those who won't work against us is really short. Nt

[Downwinder]

36. When Senators start living on Social Security,

then we can talk about it.

[OwnedByFerrets]

37. Fuck you TOO, asshole. Cut your own fucking neck, not ours

[closeupready]

39. Fuck that.

nt

[pmorlan1]

44. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

It's not searching for middle ground when you have the far right plan of Paul Ryan represented but exclude the far left plan of Bernie Sanders. You will not end up in the middle by using Obama and Ryan as your poles but far to the right of center. Do they think we are idiots?

[No Elephants]

58. +1

[SoapBox]

50. ...I paid in...and my employers have paid in (for me)...By GAWD, I better get my money back!

...why do I feel that these damned pols are always lying?

[SoapBox]

51. p.s......Applause!

"Fuck you, Dick Durbin, and fuck your self-confessed, fat cat owners."

***APPLAUSE...Standing Ovation***

[abqmufc]

55. Fucking douche

[pmorlan1]

56. Comments to Senator Dick Durbin

I went to Dick Durbins website and sent him a message but because I live in Kentucky it would not accept my comments so I'm posting them here.

Dear Senator Durbin,

May I start by saying I used to admire your work in the Senate. Having said that I'd like to comment on an ABC news article I read today about Social Security and the Gang of 6.

It's not searching for middle ground when you have the far right plan of Paul Ryan represented but exclude the far left plan of Bernie Sanders. You will not end up in the middle by using Obama and Ryan as your poles but far to the right of center. Do you think we are all idiots?

I've been a Democrat all of my adult life and I have to say I'm totally ashamed to call myself one today. How do you people sleep at night? There have been no banksters held accountable for what they did to this economy yet the little people are once again asked to make major sacrifices. The politically well connected can torture, rob the treasury and they are handed massive tax cuts and given get out of jail free cards. Where is equal justice under law? We not only have a two-tiered system of justice in this country but we have representatives of the people who don't represent the people but corporations and the top 2%.

My Party is no better than the Republicans and so I will be searching for third party candidates whenever and wherever I can find them. It may take awhile but eventually we will rid our country of this cancer that is corrupting our government.

[annabanana]

126. You CAN call and fax:

Being a Conservative Democrat is no excuse for Warner to praise Paul Ryan's fraudulent budget and then attaching Social Security to any deal the Gang of Six come up with. Here's the transcript from Face The Nation.

Durbin should hear from the base and hear loudly so contact his office civilly, but often.

Washington, DC 20510
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

CHICAGO Office
230 South Dearborn Street
Suite 3892
Chicago, IL 60604
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone:[phone]
Fax: [phone]

SPRINGFIELD Office
525 South 8th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[Hubert Flottz]

59. All in all he's just another...

Dick with no balls...

[No Elephants]

61. Cat Food Commission and Gang of 6 = cya kabuki at taxpayers' expense.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

64. Six wealthy, old, white, males meeting in secret call the shots, BULLSHIT!!

I posted this crap on Sunday and the "moderator" deemed it was not news and moved it to general discussion. Here is what I said then and it is becoming fact:

With Durbin in on it, BO is engineering the big SELL-OUT. The last senate gang compromised into accepting Roberts and Alito and who among us believes this will turn out any better. BO has done his posturing for the left this week and now he collapses like a cheap suit but unemployment benefits will continue so the fucking republic is safe. Political theater turns into a tragedy for the working American's future. We can now hear that distant rumble of the WH BULLSHIT machine winding up to a full-tilt boogie load dump into the fan. Gold bricks and the Brooklyn Bridge are on the table and corporate America is so happy they could shit themselves. I am so proud to be a Roosevelt Democrat not associated in any manner with the current DINO party.

Here is the article:

Source: NY Times

By JACKIE CALMES
Published: April 16, 2011

WASHINGTON — Days after President Obama called for forming a bipartisan group in Congress to begin negotiating a $4 trillion debt-reduction package, the parties have not even agreed to its membership. Yet six senators — three Democrats, three Republicans — say they are nearing consensus on just such a plan.

Whether the so-called Gang of Six can actually deliver something when Congress returns from a recess in May could determine whether Democrats and Republicans can come together to resolve the nation’s fiscal problems before the 2012 elections.

As Mr. Obama and Republican leaders have warred publicly over the budget, this small group of senators has spent four months in dozens of secretive meetings in offices at the Capitol and over dinner at the suburban Virginia home of Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat. The senators have weathered criticism from bloggers and even colleagues, including the leaders of their own parties, who oppose tampering with Social Security or taxes. The gang nearly collapsed several times, including two weeks ago.

The group’s oldest members — Senator Richard J. Durbin, 66, a progressive from Illinois who counts the Senate’s only socialist as a friend and ally, and Senator Saxby Chambliss, 67, a genial Georgia conservative whose nasty first campaign left lingering bad feelings among Democrats, and who is a confidant of Speaker John A. Boehner — illustrate that even with the mounting federal debt intensifying the partisan divide over spending and taxes, the severity of the fiscal threat is forging unlikely alliances.



http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x910312

[on point]

65. Lets eliminate Senate retirement fund and transfer money to SSI fund

DO NOT CUT SOCIAL SECURITY UNLESS YOU ALSO PLAN TO STOP PAYING ON OTHER TREASURY DEBT LIKE T-BILLS FIRST!!!

But hey politician, I know a (small) way you could help save it!

ELIMINATE ALL RETIREMENT BENEFITS, INCLUDING MEDICAL CARE FOR SENATE AND CONGRESS AND TRANSFER FUNDS TO SSI TO HELP SAVE IT!

(No worry politic ans, then you can draw on the fund the way the rest of us do....)

[Jim_Shorts]

66. SS does not add 1 penny to the debt

If THE EMERGENCY IS THE NATIONAL DEBT - then why are we talking about SS ??

Anytime someone puts up a pie chart that shows our budget and it includes SS, medicare, defense & other programs -IT IS A LIE !!!

SS is self funded and runs a surplus, it is not part of the deficit and I am tired of the talking heads lumping it in one big pie and acting like it is part of the budget problem.

And why is it the repugs have the house, so they push an extreme right wing agenda but the dems have the senate and put together a bipartisan commission and are headed towards a CONservative position. Seems to me, with the congressmen we have it's HEADS THEY WIN - TAILS WE LOSE

[plumbob]

90. Thank you!

Correct!

[Psephos]

115. Paying back the "borrowed" SS trust funds adds trillions to the debt.

Where else do you think those repayments will be coming from?

There's a box of IOUs "self-funding" the SS "surplus." They are worth nothing unless they are repaid out of general funds...which can only be done by adding to the deficit, given that the Obama administration has said that it will take ten years to get the deficit down by half. (Other, more credible forecasts are less sanguine.)

Meanwhile, the snake swallowed an elephant long ago, and that bulge (baby boomers about to retire) is working its way down into SS's belly. Going forward, SS will be in permanent red ink in a few years, and the farther out you go, the worse it gets.

Math doesn't lie.



Source: CBO "Combined OASDI Trust Funds; January 2011 Baseline" 26 Jan 2011.

[Luciferous]

67. He likes Paul Ryan?!

:puke:

Dick Durbin is a sellout just like the rest of them.

[elocs]

68. Once Democrats have yielded the high ground of support for SS & Medicare to the Republicans,

then it's over. That support is probably one of the most substantial things which differentiates us, Democrats, from Republicans. Once that support fails, the rest of the dominoes will fall.

[HankyDubs]

69. You suck, Dick

:argh:

[FlyByNight]

70. "Plan that will chart a middle ground"

Wonderful. A "middle ground" between theocratic, fascist Rs and largely conservative Dems? I hope the corporate money is worth your "conscience".

Sure, just ignore the facts about Social Security and echo the Beltway policy fetish of the month.

Go fuck yourself, Dick. Elitist scum. You're part of the problem.

:grr:

[bullwinkle428]

71. This was the entire point of the "Gang of Six" - use the whacko Ryan plan

as a way to frame a watered-down version of it as an acceptable alternative.

[NCarolinawoman]

78. Exactly! n/t

[Martin Eden]

72. I had to check to make sure this wasn't a parody in The Onion

UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE that Dick Durbin -- my Democratic Senator from Illinois -- actually said those things.

The Repukes stake out a position ludicrously far out on the right, and a Democratic leader agrees to meet them halfway before the real negotiations begin ... ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??
:mad: :wtf: :argh: :nuke:

The rethugs would NEVER start out by agreeing to meet us halfway ... they draw their fucking line, wait for us to move toward it, then -- if the spineless Democrats are lucky -- they'll be met halfway between that line and the already-conceded halway point.

This just makes me want to :puke: :puke: :puke:

[Zorra]

73. Hmmm...how to put this respectfully..

Fuck you and the elephant you rode in on, Durbin.

Best I can do.

[NCarolinawoman]

76. Follow the chess moves.

All of this is based on the Simpson/Bowles plan.

Who appointed the Simpson/ Bowles catfood commission, and didn't fire Simpson after his outrageous comments?
(Foolish me, I actually expected him to be fired).

Who has always been one of Obama's closest allies? Hint-- he's a senator from Illinois.

I believe we finally have our long awaited chess game going on. :mad:

[Babel_17]

77. Kick! Lines have been crossed, time for only real democrats to enjoy our support (nt)

[No Elephants]

82. Durbin should all over himself.

[and-justice-for-all]

84. Even though Social Security is not the problem...

they are thinking of fucking it up anyway.

[ReggieVeggie]

85. CUTS?!?!

That's MY money.

Pay for your wars with your own money. Social Security belongs to me.

[AzDar]

86. Another 'Gang'-related crime about to go down, I see.

:grr:

[JDPriestly]

89. This is criminal.

The Social Security trust fund was robbed in order to steal Iraq's oil and give it to the oil corporations. The 1000 British documents prove that fact.

The oil corporations should be required to pay the money for their war back into the Social Security trust fund.

That is the solution pure and simple. BP needs to start paying taxes and needs to pay us back for what we spent on the war and the repair of damages in the Gulf. And the damages in the Gulf have not yet shown themselves fully. There are lots more damages in the Gulf to come.

[woo me with science]

91. NO. nt

[reggie the dog]

94. if he touches social security i will not vote for him ever again

[Nihil]

130. You think that would make a difference?

1) He doesn't give a shit about any individual voter - none of them do.

2) Your honest protest will be outweighed by the sheep who "hold their nose & vote" anyway.

3) Even if - by some minor miracle - he was kicked out, he'll go straight into a
very cushy position that will last right up to the point where he doesn't want any
more regular income (other than interest/dividend payments) so *even* *that* outcome
doesn't provide any incentive whatsoever for him to do the right thing.

"It's a big club and you ain't in it."

[Samantha]

141. I believe he is retiring

which is why he was a "safe" choice to put on this committee.

Sam

[Autumn]

97. Don't worry Sen. Dick, you guys will

figure out a way to make damn sure they are not ruled out. Fucking assholes

[lumberjack_jeff]

99. The only rationale for discussing social security and the deficit in the same sentence

Is if your intent is to stop paying your debts.

This is a fundamental issue. Reasonable people can't disagree, nor can they compromise. When elected officials say this, they have decided to discard the social contract. This government no longer serves by the consent of the governed.

It is a line which people who fear anarchy wouldn't cross.

[moondust]

100. "The billionaires are going to want that money," he added.

:eyes:

[midnight]

101. O boy.....

[t0dd]

103. Sen. Dick Durbin: Social Security Cuts Should Not Be Ruled Out

Source: ABC News

Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., says the bi-partisan group of senators working to find a way to reduce the deficit -- the so-called "Gang of Six" -- is near agreement on a plan that will chart a middle ground between the House Republican budget and the plan outlined last week by President Obama.

And while other top Democrats say Social Security should be untouched, Durbin says Social Security changes should be made now.

"You have the House Republican budget from Congressman Paul Ryan, who I know and like, which is going to be placed somewhere on the right side of the spectrum. You have the president's suggestion, which will be on the other side of the spectrum. And if and when we reach an agreement, it will be in the middle, a bipartisan effort, which I think has a chance to succeed," Durbin said in an interview for ABC News' "Subway Series."

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-dick-durbin-social-security-cuts-ruled/story?id=13400977

---

Thank goodness we have a "liberal" Senator among the gang of six!

[Larkspur]

104. Durbin has been sucking on the corporate talking points

What a shame that he is falling for the talking points of greedy bastards.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

105. They are going to meet in the middle and decide what to do with our money,

how grand of them, how grand. They'd better never apply for a job in the real world.

[rurallib]

106. called his office earlier today. The staffer sounded like she didn't care

about my call at all.
I am pretty sure I will declare as a democratic-Socialist quite soon.

[jaysunb]

107. Raise the cap

and shut your trap ! Mr Durbin. :evilfrown:

[unkachuck]

108. "...it will be in the middle, a bipartisan effort..."

....and this is coming from a liberal Democrat? When has a REAL Democrat ever supported reducing Social Security or Medicare?

....I used to like durbin; now I see he's just another puke corporatist in disguise....

[elocs]

109. If we have prominent Democratic politicians holding hands with Republicans in going after SS,

then it's over. How do I stand up to my Republican friends who are retired and point out how it is Democrats who are the defenders of Social Security and Medicare?

Social Security and Medicare should be the line in the sand where we clearly differentiate Democrats from Republicans. To see our Democratic politicians capitulating when it comes to cuts in Social Security is depressing and the betrayal is profound.

[high density]

110. We sure know how to argue successfully against the GOP

Republicans start on the far, far right every time and we start in the middle. This tactic works so well for us.

Republicans run up a huge debt with wars and tax cuts for the billionaires and now elected representatives in my party accept the GOP framing that the first thing that must "be fixed" is Social Security and Medicare. Amazing!

[ProSense]

111. "Scrap the Cap"

Scrap the Cap, Strengthen Social Security (Sen. Harkin, April 4)

[somone]

112. So, where was the deficit last December when they extended tax cuts for the rich?

[slipslidingaway]

113. Hoyer, Clyburn Continue to Tout Retirement Age Increase

http://news.firedoglake.com/2010/07/28/hoyer-clyburn-continue-to-tout-retirement-age-increase/

[NCarolinawoman]

146. They basically make a living by running their mouths.

Not like a great many health care workers, teachers, laborers, etc. who are on their feet all day.

And you just know the health care provided these national politicians is tip top. Many of these pols work into their 80's. :mad:

[Jefferson23]

116. Dick Durbin: Banks "Frankly Own The Place"

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has been battling the banks the last few weeks in an effort to get 60 votes lined up for bankruptcy reform. He's losing.

On Monday night in an interview with a radio host back home, he came to a stark conclusion: the banks own the Senate.

"And the banks -- hard to believe in a time when we're facing a banking crisis that many of the banks created -- are still the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill. And they frankly own the place," he said on WJJG 1530 AM's "Mornings with Ray Hanania." Progress Illinois picked up the quote.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/29/dick-durbin-banks-frankly_n_193010.html


It is irritating to hear him dis Bernie Sanders, as if Bernie is wrong on any level on this subject.

[Better Believe It]

118. That was two years ago. He's singing a different song now "The banks own me!"

[Jefferson23]

119. Exactly why I posted it. It's sad to hear them cave when they use to

be reliable for the greater good.

[lovuian]

117. It is obvious there is ONE PARTY in America and its Corruption

they take down Social Security both parties are going down

[KansDem]

120. F*CK Y*U!

Sorry, but these bastards are really getting to me! :grr:

[rpannier]

121. He won't get my vote in 2012 if he messes with Social Security

I let his office know that.

[andlor]

135. +1

[democracy1st]

122. No liberals to be found both parties are bought and paid for,totally useless!

[myrna minx]

123. Again and again they prove that we're on our own.

So he's saying we'll take a far right and a center right position and settle on the middle of the right wing position to set policy. There goes the Dems - snatching defeat from the jaws of victory again - proving again who owns them. I'm so sick of these "gangs of.." because it's never the American people who benefits from these "compromises". :-(

[Enthusiast]

124. Imagine, instead of raising the cap

or increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans, Senator Durbin would be willing to cut social security. And I actually donated to the guy's campaign. I misread him as bad as I misread Obama.

[dreamnightwind]

125. Voting is not enough anymore

They have the election thing pretty well under control. Unlimited anonymous corporate contributions. Faith-based voting on unverifiable touch screen or just electronic tabulators that are also suspect. Proprietary voting software written and owned by right-wing corporatists. Suppressing the vote of the disenchanted. A well-managed corporate media that frames election issues in terms favorable to corporate interest. And, finally, they make sure we have nothing but a choice between two fully owned politicians to vote for.

US Uncut (http://www.usuncut.org/) is one group taking the next step. Who else? Suggestions welcome, I know there are many groups trying to get enough direction and energy to make a difference.

We should be concentrating on direct actions. It's time to be disruptive. I like how the Egyptians did it. Nonviolent but with absolute determination.

The PTB care more about our labor and our spending that they care about our vote. They also care about civil order, about everything being nice and orderly, they don't like messes or disruptions. Hell, they don't even want to have to look at or hear most of us. Showing up will be half of the battle.

It's time for No More Business As Usual. A General Strike. Small but spirited flash protests with well-thought out tactical significance. Off the keyboards and into the streets.

We can see what road we're on now, and it's not going anywhere we want to go. Time to change that. Time to put more energy into threads advocating and organizing action for real change and less energy into threads wallowing in the details of the crimes of the Powers That Be.

[blackspade]

131. The "gang" of six can fuck off.

Why is it that six of these rich douche bags can determine the course of the nation??
Someone needs to remind Durbin that Obama's plan is the 'middle of the road' plan, not the left mirror of Ryan's right wing crap.

[BlueJac]

132. Fuck Dick Durbin

[Javaman]

134. It's coming folks, what are you going to do?

sit on your hands?

when "democrats" spout this shit, you know it's time to 1) primary them 2) recall them if possible.

Write all the letters you want, it won't do much, the fix is in.

I hope this bastard is broke at retirement, suddenly SS will be important to him.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

136. Comes down to do you want to think you're safe from TERRORISM or have food & health care?

It's not bring the troops home but bring the money home. These phony wars have got to stop so we can take the 750 billion a year defense budget gorilla that's casting a grime shadow over the under-classe's access to life's basic requirements and cut it to balance the budget. Between going to war with whomever is next let's get the money to the people who need it to buy food in our country. I have not heard any mention in the debate about cutting the defense budget instead we are increasing the military to the tune of 90 billion more on top of the already huge defense expenditures and the increase is necessary to "fight the war on terrorism." BULLSHIT.

[TownDrunk2]

138. We need a *real* investigative reporter

To find out what threats and/or bribes are being forwarded to our congress in order to push this blatant stealing

[JJW]

142. Durban is like most Politicians

Once they gain power, they turn into corporatist scum bags.

[AlbertCat]

143. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; Mark Warner, D-Va.; and Kent Conra

Tom Coburn, R-Okla.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; Mark Warner, D-Va.; and Kent Conrad, D-N.D.

Looks like a sorry lot to me.

The Repugs you know are worthless.

The D's from VA and ND.... conserva-dems? It's not like they're from deep blue states.

"You have the House Republican budget from Congressman Paul Ryan, who I know and like,.."

So... get a room! Who cares whether you like anyone or not?

[Agony]

147. Social Security INCREASES should not be ruled out either!

WTF just WTF...

[Martin Eden]

150. I just wrote this letter to Dick Durbin, who is my Senator

Senator Durbin,

In reference to the current budget battle in Washington and to the prospect of cutting Social Security benefits, you recently stated "You have the House Republican budget from Congressman Paul Ryan, who I know and like, which is going to be placed somewhere on the right side of the spectrum. You have the president's suggestion, which will be on the other side of the spectrum. And if and when we reach an agreement, it will be in the middle, a bipartisan effort, which I think has a chance to succeed."

I believe such an agreement would not be a success -- it would be a capitulation and a failure to represent the interests of your constituents and of all Americans who are not among the wealthy few. The president's budget proposal is not on the far left of the spectrum; far from it. It is a very centrist position that in my opinion does not go nearly far enough in reversing the trickle-down economics that has been bringing our country down for the last 30 years.

The Republicans stake out a position on the extreme far right with a budget based on voodoo economics and destroys Medicare while giving even more tax cuts to the rich ... and you immediately suggest we should meet them halfway? Do you think there is a snowball's chance in hell of them so willingly and so quickly offering to compromise?

Every time we move in that direction towards "compromise" with the Republicans, the line is redrawn and the goal posts are moved further to the right. They know this, and I find it hard to believe that you don't know this too.

And now you're willing to put Social Security on the chopping block too. You are in effect putting the heads of American seniors on the chopping block. Social Security is a self-funding program that will be solvent indefinitely with an adjustment on the cap for contributions. The biggest reason it is in financial trouble is that this trust fund has been raided to pay for shortfalls elsewhere in government -- including deficits caused by tax breaks for the rich. If you agree to cut Social Security benefits as a measure to reduce the deficit, you will in effect have agreed to a massive redistribution of wealth from working class Americans to the rich.

What the American people need right now is real leadership from the Democratic Party -- not capitualation cloaked as compromise. We need leaders at every level of government who will fight for economic justice and for real solutions to budget deficits and the myriad other challenges we face as a nation.

I have been an Illinois resident all of my 53 years and have voted for you in every election. Please don't make me regret my vote.

Sincerely,