I can tell you two public faces that are hurting Democrats

[madfloridian]

It hurts because two big groups are being alienated by their words. Both are attacking institutions that in my mind hold our country together. Even if they are just liking their own publicity or feeling the power of being "in charge"....or whether they are advocating for their true beliefs. It doesn't matter, really.

What matters in this case when so many people are hurting financially and worried about the future is the perception. Reality matters, but in cases like this perception is more important.

When the people of the country are feeling vulnerable then perception is everything. I see posts here saying that people are not knowledgeable about politics and probably don't realize details about what is happening.

Trust me, people are aware when someone like Alan Simpson, a Republican and hater of Social Security, is always getting the seniors riled up. Yes, people notice when the co-chair of the commission to "fix" Social Security says things like this.

Deficit commission co-chair says "The pig is dead. There is no more bacon to bring home."

Federal deficit commission co-chairs Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles say that tough choices and sacrifice from all Americans will be needed in order to solve problems related to our massive federal debt. Simpson is a Republican, former U.S. senator from Wyoming and attorney. Bowles, a Democrat, worked in the financial sector, in government, and is president of the University of North Carolina.

"The pig is dead," said Simpson. "There’s no more bacon to bring home."

Medicare and Social Security are exploding, said Bowles.

...“If there’s good news on entitlements, it’s a growing belief in and around the commission that a bipartisan compromise can be forged on Social Security,” said Simpson. “It would probably involve another extension of the retirement age, an increase in Social Security taxes for the affluent and a modest reduction in benefits."

Raise the retirement age and have a modest reduction in benefits in times like these?? Of course people notice.

And no matter how rude Simpson gets and no matter what he says.....a White House spokesperson comes out to defend him and make it clear he will stay no matter what.

The other unfortunate public face is the Secretary of Education. He has no real understanding of how children learn, how teachers should teach, and he is out for the change he wants on the backs of the unions and teachers. He is also here to stay.

Mr. Duncan said in an interview that he welcomed the friction between union and state officials but warned against states weakening their overhaul plans simply to win buy-ins from unions. "Watered-down proposals with lots of consensus won't win," he said. "And proposals that drive real reform will win."

..."Today, in a routine conference call with the business community (he does this sort of outreach regularly), he declared: "At the end of the day we're going to (fund) the strongest proposals whether they have tremendous buy-in or not." (The department invited me to listen in on the call, which was to encourage business leaders to support states' Race to the Top efforts.)

Although broad collaboration and buy-in should remain a goal, he said, if a state's proposal is "more consensus but watered-down reform, that's not going to be a winning application."

He is making it clear he is completing the Bush agenda for education and equally clear that it is his way or the highway.

A blogger at Northwest Progressive Institute recently pointed out an absurdity.

Proving that its critics were correct in asserting that it has a double standard, the White House yesterday declined to take action in response to former Senator Alan Simpson's offensive comments about female seniors. President Obama's deputy communications director Jennifer Psaki told reporters: “Alan Simpson has apologized and while we regret and do not condone his comments, we accept his apology and he will continue to serve.

..."When an individual targeted for takedown by the Republican Noise Machine gets slimed and taken out of context by the likes of the blowhards at Fixed Noise Channel, senior administration officials unceremoniously abandon the individual in question and send him or her packing without thinking twice about it.

But when a former Republican senator appointed by the President to serve on a task force working on an issue of great importance to the country shoots his mouth off, they let it slide. What gives? What's up with that? The IOKIYAR rule strikes again.

..."I could understand keeping Simpson on, despite his inflammatory and derogatory remarks, if the same courtesy had been extended to Shirley Sherrod and Van Jones. But it wasn't. President Obama's senior staff punish loyal people the right wing goes after by cutting them loose.

I know teachers are angry, and I know parents are waking up to the fact that these education "reforms" might not be in their best interest after all. I know seniors are scared about Social Security. It has made it possible for them to live decently in most cases when they retire. It is not a gift, they contributed during their working years.

Fixing the fact that those two faces are representing two of the most powerful national programs....it would ease minds and hearts a great deal.

[Ozymanithrax]

1. There is no "commission to "fix" Social Security"

Now, the deficit commission has become mired in a tempest in teapot. But it is not a "commission to "fix" Social Security." And nothing will come of it.

And Democrats should be happy to run against "Alan Simpson." He should appear in any Democratic ad run in a district where there is one person receiving social security.

[madfloridian]

2. Yes, I know it is called the deficit commission. But you could have fooled me....

about the purpose. I think with Bowles and Simpson co-chairing it, and Pete Peterson financing its activity to a great extent...that its purpose is pretty doggoned clear.

[molly77]

51. 2.2 trillion "lost" from the DOD

right before 9/11. I would like to see the deficit commission go look for it. IT would pay for health care and fund education. Bring the US right on up to the 21st century.Maybe build some infrastructure.

[lonestarnot]

53. Where is your link to this allegation?

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. If the deficit commission is NOT about SS, then why do they bring it up?

...“If there’s good news on entitlements, it’s a growing belief in and around the commission that a bipartisan compromise can be forged on Social Security,” said Simpson. “It would probably involve another extension of the retirement age, an increase in Social Security taxes for the affluent and a modest reduction in benefits."

Social Security exists OUTSIDE the deficit - it is self-funded and does not impact the deficit. So WHY is the deficit commission even talking about it, much less throwing out feelers about increasing the retirement age and decreasing benefits? And do you expect Democrats to run against "Alan Simpson" when "Alan Simpson" was appointed to the commission by Obama?

BTW, "Alan Simpson" is not a fictional character, no matter how much he resembles one in real life, and does not need quotation marks around his name.

[Ozymanithrax]

7. They bring it up because it is one of the long held and cherished beliefs by the right...

that soical security and other entitlements are all that stands between the U.S. and the democratic Repbulic paradise of the founding fathers whre everybody is rich or a slave. It is political red meat thrown to the ignorant dogs, and as long as they are talking about that, nothing else will be talked about. In these times, when a majority of Americans are acutally uneducated enough to think something must be done about deficits, they are an attempt make those idiots think something mught be done about deficits when that is the last thing the U.S. should be worrying about.

As I said above, Simpson's face sould be in every ad run by a Democrat in any district where one person collects Social Security.

[alc]

9. "special bonds"

So WHY is the deficit commission even talking about it


They've been having SS buy "special bonds" instead of real bonds for a very long time. The SS trust fund has plenty of bonds to cover costs for almost 30 year. But those bonds have no maturity date, have not been accounted for in the national debt, have not been considered in future budgets, cannot be sold and are basically worthless. They haven't admitted this, but it seems almost certain from many things from Gore's "lock box" to what's going on now, and many comments and refusals-to-comment in between.

To make the SS bonds worth something, the treasury will need to come up with real assets which means cutting other programs or borrowing. Starting next year, SS needs to cash in some of those bonds to meet it's obligations. That means 2 things
1) The treasury need to come up with the money. Most likely by selling real bonds and increasing the deficit/debt. Even though they only need to pay back a small amount next year, by acknowledging the SS funds are not normal but will be paid back, the full $2.5 trillion will be added to the debt.
2) Many people (both parties) have to admit that they've been cooking the books for years (adding to SS books without subtracting from treasury books) and lying to us about it. Lots of people who knew otherwise told us flat out that Gore was wrong about the need for a "lock box" and that the SS funds are safe.

Because of concern about deficit/debt, they want to avoid 1. Because they are all scumbags who enjoy lying to us and getting away with it they want to avoid 2.

They think they can get away with this by getting Simpson and friends to make the suggestion and passing it without debate because of the sleazy, chicken-out vote they took last Spring. Blame Simpson all you want, but there are LOTs of people involved: Obama created the committee, Pelosi passed the vote in the spring to avoid dems having to take responsibility when they vote on Simpson's proposal and they and others all knew the goal was to avoid paying back SS and avoid responsibility.

[JCMach1]

27. +1 ... and they laughed at Gore and his lock box...

Fuck those people... seriously...

[sabrina 1]

6. Have you read their mission statement?

And why are they talking about SS at all? It has zero to do with what caused the deficit, the money belongs to the AMerican workers, and cutting benefits and/or raising the retirement age will do zero to help reduce the deficit, if anything such actions may very well increase it.

If nothing is going to come of it, which seems to be the latest talking point, what is the point of it? And why has Chris Van Hollen acknowledged that Congress will be voting on the 'package' they present? And why would he not answer the question 'if that package includes cuts to SS will you vote 'no' on it'?

It is reprehensible for such a commission, as so many people now have said, to even be mentioning SS. They have no right, as James Galbraith said, to do so and by doing so have completely delegitimized themselves.

And SS is not an 'entitlement' program. The Govt is not giving American workers something. This is a savings account owned by those who paid into it.

They need to raise benefits if they want to help the economy and reduce the deficit, not cut them. Obama needs to disband this Commission if as you say, they are simply wasting time. They have become a major distraction in that case.

[madfloridian]

14. Of course they intend major changes. You are right.

Such a loaded commission would never have been appointed otherwise.

[truedelphi]

17. I brought up your point about entitlement one time.

You say: And SS is not an 'entitlement' program. The Govt is not giving American workers something. This is a savings account owned by those who paid into it.

And Sabrina I agree with you.

But many on this board will probably be pointing out that it is called an entitlement program because we paid into it and are "entitled" to get our money back out.

The RW people I talk to though use the word "entitlement" to mean something that is "given" you and that does no one but you any good.

[Matt Shapiro]

44. Nothing will come of it? Are you nuts?

This deficit commission, more commonly and appropriately known as the CATFOOD Commission has benefit reductions in Medicare and Social Security as its primary goal. That is completely obvious to anyone who isn't fast asleep. And it is Obama's commission and Obama's goal. He has quite simply turned his back on the people who voted for him.

Congress is going along with Obama's game plan on this. Most of them, including ones that have been considered liberal, are refusing to commit on Social Security until they see the recommendations of the committee (after their elections are over). Cuts to Medicare aren't even being discussed by the larger groups that are pressuring these members. I guess they've written Medicare off and hope they can save Social Security by talking nice to Congress.

Wake up!

Call your Representative and tell him/her that you will not vote for her/him unless they publicly commit to vote NO on any bill that includes cuts to benefits under Social Security or Medicare.

Call the White House and tell the President to disband this ugly and dangerous commission!

[Nite Owl]

3. It's amazing just how out of touch

this White House is with the public. I don't know who it is that they think would vote for them for any of these moves.

[leftstreet]

5. Politicians tend to be 'in touch' with the voters while campaigning

Sadly

[monmouth]

8. The President stated clearly in his speech yesterday..changes to

SS would not happen on his watch...

[MadHound]

10. Yeah, he also stated that he would sign a HCR bill that didn't include the public option.

We all see how well that promise was kept.

[Nite Owl]

11. He also said something about

'moderate' changes to 'save' SS a few weeks ago too. Hard to know just what to believe anymore.

[sabrina 1]

15. No, that's not what he said. I believe he said SS would not be

privatized. I am very glad he said that. And it shows that public outrage does have an effect as so many of the Commissioners are in favor of privatizing SS and at least, in response to the outrage, he has assured the public that will not happen.

But he did not say there would be no cuts to benefits. I hope he does, but until that happens it is necessary to keep the pressure on them because if they think that waiting until after the election do it will save them from the extinction such a move would probably ensure, they are very much mistaken.

They need to come out now, as the Progressive Caucus has done, and back that Caucus' request for them to sign on to a promise to vote against any such recommendations.

[glitch]

31. +infinity. It is important to actually follow the words, 'not privatized' is not 'no changes'. nt

[Jakes Progress]

25. Just wish he had always done what he stated clearly.

[librechik]

12. yeah--these people are politically deaf and blind

PLEASE make some changes, really, Mr. President. You have been affable enough.

[madfloridian]

13. It's like they are flaunting Simpson before us, and I don't understand it.

Why would they do it? Makes no sense.

[truedelphi]

18. Well the Administration is mostly about the Window dressing.

You know, you have someone who said while running for Office that he would repeal NAFTA. Then he gets elected, and what does he do? I mean like within a few weeks of being elected? Why, he makes Rahm,the guy who single handedly established the wording of most of the legal documents relating to NAFTA as his Chief of Staff.

Occasionally they don't even make a pretense of what they really are about.

Most people here on DU are unaware that Obama personally met with some of the most conservative of the Southern Senators, who happened to be Republicans as well, over fifty times last summer when HCR was being put together. Meanwhile Progressives were never given a moment of his time. His own personal physician was not allowed to offer up ten minutes of his thoughts on the matter.

And last summer on C Span, some of the Baucus HCR committee members didn't realize that the microphone was still on. And one of these douche bag Republican Senators said to the other - "Well, as soon as we finish this set of "reforms" we should start working on "reforming" Social Security."

This Republican Senator clearly understood the new meaning of "reform." It now means "Take from the people, and give to the Corporate Billionaires."

Why? Because the time is now. The American people are currently so foreclosed on, so unemployed, so desperate for various medical conditions to be taken care of that they are barely making it through the day. And they certainly cannot do anything about the Monster Cannibals who are the Political Class in Washington DC. and who are eating the middle class alive as I type this.

[Whisp]

21. so who is it that will solve all your problems better than Obama can?

I am really curious to know who this mystery man or woman is.

Could I please have a name rather than a Christmas wish list of qualities?

[shuntalt]

55. so who is it that will solve all your problems better than Obama can?

Obama is a good leader for the country that you think you have it and their trying to keep that O does something for the country. Obama has the courage that I have a leader who happens to be.
http://leanspawarning.com/

[Whisp]

19. flaunting... ffs

and What If all this doom and gloom that you are so sure and looking forward to does not come to anything and in fact Obama will lift that 109k salary cap wall that keeps a lot of money out of the ss system? Will you at least admit you are wrong or just ignore the subject like so many others that have crystal balled Obama's oh so awful intentions and when it turns out they are wrong they backpeddle and make excuses but will Never admit they may have been wrong.

sure....
Obama is waving Simpson in front of you just to piss you off. That's his character ya know.


*backs away.

[truedelphi]

16. it is not only the Senior crowd that is worried about the Social Security Commission.

As a co owner of a small business, I can tell you the two forces that allow us to make money on our product - the young people in China, who want to read American authors, and have money amidst their "Boom" times to purchase books, and the older American people who still have intact pension funds, and/or Social Security.

Eliminate "Granma's" Social Security, and she might not be able to buy the Play Station her grand son wants.

She might not be able to help her niece with college tuition. And if the niece doesn't go to college, she may not be in the college town cafe drinking lattes, buying text books, and starting her own part time business to help pay for things.

And if Granpa has to go back to work at McDonald's (assuming they would even hire him) he won't be buying a new motor for the boat. Or new tires for his pickup truck.

So what we have right now are two ways of dealing with the Social Security Fund. One way is to
hand it over to the Big Players, those who already are richer than God, once again, as I guess their kids still need more Play Stations.

Or the other way is to give it to the people who put their hard earned monies into the fund so that they could get the return on their investment. Then they can continue to spread it around the real and local economy.

Sadly, we already know which way this Administration is planning on going. (Though the campaign promises might suggest otherwise.)

[glitch]

32. And handing even more money to the big players is they just blow it on non-productive 'investments'

like derivatives or acquiring assets to hold (out of production) so our economy takes a double hit. Nothing circulating on main street AND main street has to bail them out.

Fools' Games.

[laughingliberal]

20. K & R nt

[defendandprotect]

22. Yes, both Simpson and Duncan should go and we should keep pressing for it -- !!!

Get rid of Emmanuel and Gibbs as well -- and the entire corporate crew that we'll

allegedly get fair and progressive deals from !!

The Cat Food Commission should be dismantled -- let's make Congress do the work we

pay them to do -- we elect them ... we didn't elect Simpson to anything!!!

Obama shouldn't be standing against this team of his -- unfortunately Obama picked them!!

And what are we to make of that?

Keep thinking about it!!!



PS: Madfloridian -- also agree with you about public education and Social Security/Medicare

being now a substantial part of the strength of the nation -- without doubt!!

This is certainly a right wing/GOP agenda to destroy our strengths --

What galls me further is that it is such a PERSONAL attack on teachers and I don't see

how the nation is willing to let this scapegoating of teachers go on and on!!

They really have to wake up!!



:crazy:

[McCamy Taylor]

23. The corporate media is hurting the Democrats. Nothing else compares

to what the MSM does everyday. They have strangled political discourse in this country.

[Enthusiast]

24. K&R 100% agreement. nt

[Jakes Progress]

26. Pissing off seniors and teachers

at the same time that you have one/eighth of the country underemployed. Now that is some campaign strategy.

There needs to be some kind of action to go with the speeches about jobs, ss, and education that will undoubtedly come forth during the campaign. Two years ago, people would have taken Obama at his very eloquent word that he would do or not do something. But we've been down that path and there needs to be some actions. Firing duncan and dismissing simpson would be a start.

That may be the only chance the Democrats have in November.

But then they might actually keep control and then they couldn't find anything to blame the progressives for.

[Jakes Progress]

45. dupe

[Kingofalldems]

28. Duncan is propped up right here on DU

[bvar22]

34. So is Simpson & The Cat Food Commission...

in this very thread.

[Freddie Stubbs]

37. Democrats supporting Democrats - What a crazy concept

[TBF]

56. It's not a sporting event -

it's our parents and children you are making light of. One would think you want to lose when we vote in Nov ...

People notice what is happening, and we notice WHEN it is happening. This year my daughter's elementary school cut art education. That didn't happen under Bush, it happened in 2010 under Obama. It does no good to say "oh but think how much would have been cut if Republicans were in office..." Not a winning strategy.

[glowing]

29. there is an easier solution to the education problem as in allowing fo equal distribution and access

that no one seems to think of. the goal is for a sollid public education that competes in the modern world.

first fund daycare/ pre school on a federal level. it's expensive on an individual basis for child care so two parents who have to work and contribute both incomes into the tax revenues. it also provides a stable and safe place as well as allows children to be on similar tracks for entering elementary school. and then either make the work week shorter or provide before and after school programs for children. they are the future earners and tax base. it's important to pay for their upbringing.

second: all schools are in this national achievement plan, however most of the funding comes from property tax revenues. this creates an automatic disparity between schools depending on where one lives. it also means finding teachers for inner city and rural communities tough because of salaries. if, however, we were to do away with school boards and make teachers/ schools part of the federal govt, teachers/ schools would be completely funded. during a downturn and property values causing problems for local municipalities, schools and children wouldn't be as effected. art and music would still be funded. and standardizing educational needs across the board would be much easier to establish.

third: public universities should be something that is pd for if u can test into the school. if u want to go to a private institution, the govt lays as much as they would to fund you at a public university.

and last, encourage parents to stay involved with their children and their education. by helping out with daycare costs, parents would have one less monkey off their back. encourage seniors to come into the classrooms and help out. remind them that they got their start because someone else of their taxes for them. it also bridges the generational gap and keeps the community lively and thriving. they also have the unique privilege of having lived through many history lessons that the younger generation is reading from a text book. the modern family is more scattered today. not all kids have grandma to stay with or caretake. it fills the void of separation many families face.

[blue_onyx]

30. If the Obama administration...

makes cuts to Social Security, his re-election will be in doubt. I probably couldn't vote for him if he assists in the GOP dream of destroying SS. Why vote for a Dem if they are going to do what the Republican candidate would do?

[bvar22]

40. But don't you see?

It won't BE Obama.
It will be The Congress.
And Congress will NOT be voting to Cut Social Security.
The WILL be voting FOR a "Comprehensive Package of Recommendations to Reduce the Deficit and Save our Children."
"The Comprehensive Package" will contain reductions to Social Security, but they will be "Only a Tiny Sliver of the Whole Package."

Here is HOW "they" will steal your Social Security:

1) Saturate the Media with the meme that something MUST be done to "Reduce the Deficit" or there will be a catastrophe, and strongly imply that Social Security is one of the BIG causes for the deficit.

2)Remove Pentagon/Military Spending from any discussion of cuts,
and insist that anyone who even talks about cuts to Military Spending are crazy, drug addled extremists.

3)Give all the "Centrist Democrats" plenty of time to get out public statements that they support Social Security, and would never vote to reduce benefits.

4)Form an "Independent Bi-Partisan Commission" that meets in secret to design a "Comprehensive Package" of ways to Reduce the Deficit. This package will be lengthy and complicated, and it WILL contain reductions to Social Security benefits. The package will also contain a few crumbs that ARE good for the economy. These crumbs will be minor in scale compared to the structural changes to Social Security.

The "Commission Recommendations" will also contain some scam that opens the door for Wall Street to have access to Social Security funds. For cover, the package will contain some easily avoidable "regulations" that will appear to restrict how Wall Street can use the Social Security Funds, but these "regulations" are NOT there to actually REGULATE; they are there to provide cover.


5)The Marketing and Message Control will be Up and Running when the contents of the package is revealed. The Media will be saturated with pieces that highlight and overemphasize the few good crumbs, and catastrophizing the effects of not immediately passing "The Comprehensive Package".
(SEE: TARP)


6)The Progressive Caucus opposition WILL be marginalized (again), and the full force of the White House, the DLC, DNC, and their Corporate Marketing & Messaging apparatus will be used to brand any "Democratic" opposition as "traitors", "with the Republicans", "against Wall Street Regulation", "against the American People", "against Saving Social Security" or "Opposed to Saving our Children".
There will be a saturation of anecdotal testimony highlighting how certain crumbs will "Save our Family", therefore the whole package MUST pass.
The Mighty Wurlitzer will be turned UP to FULL BLAST.
Any and ALL opposition from The Left WILL be Shouted Down and Demonized.
(SEE: HCR)

7)The Republican Party will play their assigned part in the Kabuki, and oppose the whole thing as "Big Government" or "Tax & Spend". It doesn't matter that their position makes no sense. It only matters that they oppose it so the illusion of a difference is maintained.

8)The "Commission Recommendations" will be brought to Congress to be voted on as a "complete comprehensive package", Up or Down vote, during the panic immediately following the Democratic Losses in November 2010.
No honest debate will be allowed.
No discussion of amending the package or deleting some elements will be allowed.
Democrats will NOT be "voting to cut Social Security".
They will be voting FOR "Saving the Economy", or "Protecting our Children (from the deficit)".

9) The Complete Comprehensive Package of Commission Recommendations WILL pass with a Party Line vote, or one or two Republican defectors if necessary to maintain the illusion of a Hard Fight.
No Democrat will have to admit that they voted to Cut Social Security.
Instead, they voted FOR a Reform Package that Saved the Economy.


10) The politicians will flock to the cameras with statements like this:
"I am on record as supporting Social Security, and of course I would have liked to NOT cut benefits, but we had to do something."

"This is "historic" reform legislation, look at all the good (crumbs) we got!"

"We couldn't let the Perfect be the Enemy of the Good."

"This is the best we could do under the circumstances because we didn't have the votes.

"This is a Step Forward."

"Today, we saved our children from a crushing deficit."

"We needed to get something done NOW. We will Fix it Later.




Sound familiar?
It should.

If you think I'm a little over the top in my assessment,
take a look at Chris Van Hollen's (weasel, MD) performance when asked a direct question on cutting Social Security:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wHr3nMG6Y4#

Again,
No Democrat will be voting to "Cut Social Security".
They WILL be voting FOR "Comprehensive Historic Reform that Saves our Children."

THAT is WHY this diabolical Commission and "The Comprehensive Package" is so necessary.


They are coming.
"By their works you will know them."

As you can see, the PLAN is well underway.
At this point, I believe it is already a Done Deal.
All thats left is for the Kabuki to play out.

[COLGATE4]

59. It really hurts for me to say it, but you're 100% correct n/t

[exelwood]

42. I don't think current recipients are that concerned...

I retired last year and joined the ranks of aware, motivated voters who will punish anyone who tampers with *our* retirement money. I think the Catfood commission is a red herring designed to make recommendations of a (in the politicians view) minimal nature to forestall Republicans who in the future really will try to take your SS.

If SS is "reformed" by our congressional Democrats now they believe they will be able to hold that up to any attempt by Republicans by pointing out the changes made do indeed make the numbers work. And, they are probably right.

But what about the people? Why must the people be the ones to sacrifice? SS is a sacred covenant between government and the people and it's being used as a tool in the fight against the right.

I can't even comprehend what it must be like to be a worker in their 50s with every prospect of seeing benefits goal post moved just as they approach retirement! It would make me crazy! 58 seems to be the age being kicked around as the cut off point for the new changes and the agony of my fellow elders stabs me in the heart!

I've been a member here for years but this is my first post and I'm making it to support our people against this mindless, short sighted, evil plan to take what belongs to you. To someone in congress with a fat retirement package and gold plated healthcare for life these "little changes" are small potatoes indeed. To someone who has lived close to the edge all their life to see their hope for a dignified retirement slip even further away it is criminal!

[Hello_Kitty]

48. Welcome to DU!

Great post and please post here more! :hi:

[Quantess]

58. Great first post.

Welcome to DU!

[Democat]

33. I thought you were going to say Pelosi and Reid!

Those are the two faces of wimpy leadership that are really hurting us.

[CBR]

35. I wonder how many Americans out of 10 could identify or name Duncan? nt

[truedelphi]

43. Recently I read about people in one of our states here

Who were told to contact their Senators, and many of them asked the person handing out the petition not only who their senators were, but how many there were for their state.

The Dumbing Down of America has succeeded.

[YvonneCa]

49. Which is why we need public education...

...for all.

[chervilant]

62. Sadly,

not many.

What really scares me is how few teachers know about Arne and what he's doing to public education! Every time I talk to one of my veteran teacher friends, I ask. Every time I meet a new teacher candidate, I ask. Even though more veteran teachers are aware of him, far too many people in public education have not a clue.

[Uncle Joe]

36. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, madfloridian.

[Prophet 451]

38. Their only crime was too much honesty

The commission was always intending to propose cutting SS, everyone knew that and they haven't exactly made any secret of it. The commission was just designed to put a figleaf of bipartisanship on it so seniors don't blame either party more than the other for fucking them over.

[Raster]

47. Head of nail, meet hammer! Just like many people in this country, "our" government has maxed out

it's credit cards and is searching for ways to make ends meet. Compounding the problem are gnawing addiction to petroleum products AND a very sketchy relationship with the Military/Industrial Complex, who acts like a methed-up mafia don. Uncle Sam would like to live within his means, kick his addiction and tell Tony "the MIC" Soprano to "fuck off," but that's not going to happen. See Tony the MIC "facilitates" keeping the petroleum supply pumping, and in turn, the petroleum pushers make sure Tony has access to all the stuff he needs. Tony is just as addicted as ol' Uncle Sam. Plus a lot of Sam's nieces and nephews are on Tony's payroll. No Tony, no money. Uncle Sam would have to pick up the tab even more than he's doing now. To complicate matters even further, Uncle Sam has been borrowing heavily from Chan the loan shark to keep up appearances, the black juice flowing and keep everybody happy. But Sam knows it's just balls in the air and sooner or later the balls are gonna fall.

Around the corner lives cousins Jane and Joe. They've been dutily saving their pennies, knowing they're gonna need them in their old age. The problem is that Sam knows where Jane and Joe keep their retirement stash. Sam's been borrowing from Jane and Joe and leaving IOUs for the money he's taken. But he knows that those debts are gonna need to be paid. Sam is in a bind, he doesn't want to "borrow" more money from Jane and Joe, but Sam doesn't have any other choice. Or so he thinks...

Sam could have a long, hard talk with himself--a good ol' fashioned "come to Jesus" moment--and do the right things: kick his petroleum addiction, tell Tony to take a hike, be honest with Chan the loan shark and come up with payment arrangements, and finally, pay back Jane and Joe all of the money he's "borrowed." Unfortunately, Sam does not have the inner resolve to do the right things. But let's be honest. Sam needs his petroleum fix, and can't picture doing without it. Tony is not going to help, Sam is his gravy train. And Chan the loan shark is gonna keep loaning money and let Sam get in deeper and deeper. The only way Sam sees clear is to keep doing the same stupid, destructive things and hope that something will change.

[xchrom]

39. recommend

[Ignis]

41. Kick for visibility.

:kick:

[Jakes Progress]

46. Kick for more truth than many can stand.

[Raster]

50. Yeppers.

:kick:

[BrklynLiberal]

52. Excellent post. I am sorry I did not see it soon enough to rec.

[zenj8]

54. Great post madfloridian!

Thank you for this and all of your posts. You always pinpoint the problems exactly. You are so right about Duncan and Simpson. These two are clueless about real people. Duncan knows nothing about education and Simpson is a blowhard; unfortunately, our president gave them power and for that I have lost all confidence in this president. It saddens me...I've been sad since health care "reform."

[madfloridian]

57. Two people who have more power than they should have.

They are both arrogant with their power, and that angers me.

And, yes, our president did give them both that power. I agree that is a shame.

[defendandprotect]

60. kick --

[bertman]

61. Kicking. Too late to rec. nt

[Fire1]

63. Well, you know where I stand on arne. n/t