Alan Simpson isn't the problem. The problem is the 'deficit commission' and *why* it was created.

[Edweird]

Alan Simpson is a tool. He was not appointed 'sight unseen'. Everybody knows who he is and what he believes. He is there specifically for you to hate and be mad at. He is also there to implement policy that has been his goal for quite some time.
Don't focus on what he says. Focus instead on why he is there and how he got there.

[xchrom]

1. Spot on. That doesn't mean I don't want him gone though. Nt

[Edweird]

2. I think the deficit commission should be dissolved.

[glitch]

6. While he highlights the corrupt pathology of his group, he also provides a focal point.

By propping up a lunatic and then valiantly fighting him, thus managing to triangulate against the extreme position, but still a hero. Kabuki.
The result is an appeasement to the right.

Why not prop up a left extremist and triangulate to him/her? Or even an economist who knows what they are talking about like Stiglitz, Simon, Galbraith, Baker, Krugman or (especially, since he's actually leftist) Hudson?

If they must triangulate (and I don't think they must), why not pick moderates and triangulate against them? And why completely eliminate the left from the triangle?

Because of where you want your triangulation to land. Quite a bit right of center.

An honest broker would either match extremes or eliminate them altogether from the equation.

[xchrom]

8. I certainly don't disagree with you - and neither does the admin.

Look how quickly they accepted his 'apology'.

[glitch]

9. Well, at least they're blatant. That's something isn't it? More eyes opening. nt

[kenny blankenship]

3. The Mummy's Curse. Simpson was literally EXHUMED to be set loose upon us.

We thought he was gone forever. A whole generation has grown up, not knowing the sting of his lash and his hatred for all living and good things. But they played in an imagined sunshine, for the Evil was only resting. From beyond the grave he rises to pursue his ancient hatred of Social Security and Medicare and to drag us all down to damnation.

Who dared disturb the Mummy's tomb? What mad scheme led to this accursed resurrection?

[Poboy]

10. This is some good writing. Very accurate. Like the OP too, k&r

"Who dared disturb the Mummy's tomb?"

I think it is the guy we voted for.


" What mad scheme led to this accursed resurrection? "

I believe it was those DLC/corporate stooges who have, and will continue to sell us out, until our corpses are wrung dry of every last drop to offer to their corporate masters.

[bullwinkle428]

4. Spot on, and beautifully to the point.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I hope he was put there to make every person,

whether they are left or right, worry about Social Security. He can definitely scare the bejesus out of even the most anti-government types. Maybe they will watch what they wish for.

[kenny blankenship]

12. He was put there because Barry Goldwater was unavailable

[Democrats_win]

7. This shows the focus is wrong: focus on growing the economy not cutting it.

I guess we do have a manufacturing Czar (Ron Bloom) but America needs to do a whole lot more about helping our manufacturing economy. Du'ers know quite a bit about what can be done, but the people with the power should really be focusing on this, not the deficit.

[billlll]

11. simpson's past?

Pls tell me
Of it

[slipslidingaway]

13. knr n/t

[bvar22]

14. Why the Commission is Necessary for Cutting Social Security:

How "THEY" Will cut your Social Security

[diane in sf]

15. my letter to the White House:

Please eliminate the "catfood commission." The fact it exists at all is highly offensive to me.

Alan Simpson is only a nasty old man, but the commission obviously exists to end run congress and damage social security under the guise of budget balancing.

Let's take the cap off payroll taxes which will provide adequate social security funding forever. And let people who are long term unemployed retire with full benefits at 55. This will provide more jobs for young people.

I donated my time and money to elect Mr. Obama, not people who are going to further the agenda of the right wing in trying to cut social security and other social programs.

I have switched to funding candidates directly and through Act Blue--I'm not paying to put DINOs in office. You may call me a professional leftist or progressive if you wish.

I will likely be relying on social security to provide most of my retirement income. It is only in the last three years that I have even had an employer offer me substantial retirement benefits. I had to cash in my IRA to live when the Bush recession cost me about 60% of my income for 5 years.

I am not the only person in this boat. So many of my friends are in their 50s and 60s, under- or unemployed. What's going to happen to them if the catfood commission succeeds in its evil goals? I can't keep all of my friends afloat. Do I turn my back on the homeless and desperate?

We should follow the example of Europe and provide social funding--it creates a better, more robust economy. I don't want to grow old in a third world country.

[dflprincess]

16. And focus on who put him there.

We've been had.

[AuntPatsy]

17. Makes perfect sense,,,recommended..