Is preventing a credit default worth possible cuts to SSI, Medicare, and other social programs?

[NightWatcher]

Sounds like MAYBE the repiglicans have Obama right where they want him (or maybe he's playing chess again and we're too dumb to see), but here's my question:

Is avoiding a credit default worth sacrificing Social Security, Medicare, and/or other social safety programs like WIC?

Or should we call the repuke's bluff and be willing to default? I think we're screwed either way because the pukes have no problem crashing this thing to try to make Obama look bad.

Are we screwed either way? Do we default on our credit today and still end up losing the social programs in a month or two? Or do we sacrifice Social Security today only to default in late August? I'm afraid there is no way to win and the repukes are determined to crash us ahead of the next election.

[pnwmom]

1. A default would crash the economy and worsen the deficit problems

we already have, worsen unemployment, and hurt Social Security, Medicare and other safety programs even more.

[Ganja Ninja]

10. Why not just do away with them altogether?

Or is it better to just whittle them down bit by bit every time the GOP threatens to crash the economy.

You do realize this won't be the last time they pull this? Or do you think this is a one time thing and the GOP would never dare try it again?

[Johonny]

15. I agree

why hurt the US citizen long term to prevent a made up short term injury. Congress has shown they can increase the debt ceiling on a whim. The "problem" is simply made up. The primary two causes of the debt since Bush are the war and Bushes tax increase. It ain't that hard. If they want to fix SS all they got to do is uncap it and it pushes the "problem" farther than anyone can project. If they want to fix medicare go to a single payer system for all.

[pnwmom]

18. They'll keep fighting and we'll keep fighting back.

I'm hoping the voters will punish them for this in 2012. It's happened before that they over-reached and got knocked down for it.

[girl gone mad]

2. There are other options.

If Obama cuts SSI, Medicare or social programs, it will have been because he wanted and chose to do so, not because he was forced to do so.

[Lasher]

3. Just like extending the Bush tax cuts in December.

He wanted to do it.

[Enthusiast]

7. No question about it. nt

[Sherman A1]

4. Social Security & Medicare are simply too important

to be pawns in this game of who blinks first.

[eShirl]

5. +9999999

[DCBob]

6. Depends on the type and size of the cuts..

if done intelligently and carefully no problem.

[Enthusiast]

8. This is a ruse.

This entire deficit crisis was planned long ago. It was part of a huge transfer of wealth plan. I have NOTHING but contempt for Obama.

[Warren Stupidity]

9. Fuck No.

[HopeHoops]

11. Amendment 14, Section 4 - Obama has the Ace in the hole.

[WinkyDink]

13. Really? Because if you read your post reallllly fast.......

[WinkyDink]

12. 3 words: Bush Tax Cuts.

[Scuba]

14. False choice....

...Wall Street will never allow a credit default.

[salin]

16. agreed

cost far much greater to them in that case, than in the case of some increased taxes and closed loop holes.

[Javaman]

17. the whole thing is rigged...

SS and medicare have no effect on the deficit.

the whole thing is a set up. period.