Favor, please. Please read this post

[TayTay]

I found an article on the front page of the Boston Globe about efforts by Rethugs to link the 'crisis' in Social Security with the genuine crisis in Pension Funds. This is a very dangerous development. The Rethugs are attempting to meld the two issues under the umbrella of an overall 'retirement crisis.'

Dems need to be aware of this so that they can shift tactics to fight this. (It is a powerful argument that Rethugs can use to simply and bolster their argument.) The Rethugs want to use Democratic support for shoring up the Pension Plan system to get Dems to support private accounts in Social Security which would devastate the program. We HAVE to fight this.

Could you guys give my other post a kick? Thanks!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1867179&mesg_id=1867189

[CBHagman]

1. Thanks for pointing this out. Let's talk tactics.

There are several things we can point out in every argument or letter to the editor:

*Bush has put us in debt (to China, of all countries!) and shows no signs of being able to reverse it.

*People who work hard, play by the rules, and paid into a pension system for years are the wronged parties in this, not the corporate CEOs and shareholders.

*If corporations are using pension funds to give executives bonuses and shareholders dividends, that's misappropriation of funds. Clean up the corporation first.

*Everyone needs a retirement safety net, and if you work hard, play by the rules, and pay into the system, you should get it. YOUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BREAK FAITH WITH YOU.

*The existence of a pension/Social Security system is non-negotiable.

*More tax-exempt accounts aren't going to cut it. Most people live with little disposable income OR simply paycheck to paycheck.

We are going to have to come out swinging.

[wisteria]

2. Good points on answer and discussion.

When I hear more of this from the Republicans I will use some of your points.

[vinessa4freedom]

3. gave it a kick

and a mini rant, which I didn't start out to do. I'm POed as hell about social security being treated like a pension plan instead of insurance.

Now I have to go to a wake, so I'm sorry I can't stick around for further fuming. Thanks for putting this one back into the light TayTay.

[BlueIris]

4. I also contributed my kick.

I'm trying to remind all the relevant websites I post at to take notice, as well.

[whometense]

5. Josh Marshall's TPM Cafe

Has this thread started by Steve Soto.

Do GOP Senators Really Want To Take Another Run At Private Accounts?

By Steve Soto

Section: Economics Table
Not wanting to back away quietly from a losing hand, it appears that three GOP senators are still looking for that privatization pony in a pile of public opinion you-know-what. Not satisfied with approval ratings in the 20’s and 30’s on the GOP’s handling of Social Security and privatization, Jim DeMint, Little Ricky Santorum, and unfortunately Lindsey Graham will try a new approach to sell private accounts next week when they roll out a new financing plan on Tuesday. And what new and improved idea do these three have on how to pay for private accounts? Empty the filing cabinets.


Jun 18, 2005 -- 02:06:14 PM EST