Talks: Inflation change could cut Social Security (cmon folks--DEFEND this!)

[Horse with no Name]

http://home.suddenlink.net/news/read.php?ps=931&rip_id=%3CD9OB2R5G1%40news.ap.org%3E&news_id=18540249&src=most_popular_viewed

>>>>snip
WASHINGTON (AP) — Once considered untouchable, Social Security is now in play in the debt-ceiling negotiations. And that could mean higher income taxes for many U.S. families in addition to shaved benefits for tens of millions of retirees as they age.

Social Security became part of the private discussions between President Barack Obama and Republican House Speaker John Boehner on coming up with "something big" to reduce deficits by $2 trillion to $4 trillion over the next decade. One option includes a new inflation measure for Social Security that could produce savings close to $200 billion through a combination of reduced benefits and higher taxes, White House officials said Thursday.

Low- and middle-income families could be hit.

The proposal would represent a reversal for Obama. In contrast to his pledge to target tax increases at the wealthy, high-income families would largely be spared from tax increases that would result from changing the way inflation is measured. And until now, the administration has been adamant that Social Security does not add to the deficit and should not be a part of deficit reduction talks.

Adopting a new inflation measure would allow policymakers to gradually cut benefits and increase taxes in a way that might not be readily apparent to most Americans. The inflation measure under consideration is called the Chained Consumer Price Index. On average, the measure shows a lower level of inflation than the more widely used CPI.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

1. " Social Security does not add to the deficit and should not be a part of deficit reduction talks."

THAT is the key right there. See http://www.ncpssm.org/ for talking points as you DEBUNK the BS that Republicans are selling and Obama is buying into!

[jtown1123]

3. Absolutely! Here's a link to their Truth Squad:

There are more talking points, myth busting, position papers, etc.

http://www.ncpssm.org/truth_squad/index.php

[neverforget]

2. This article was on the front page of the Billings Gazette today.

I'm visiting my mom in Billings, MT who is 78 and is on SS and Medicare. She almost got sick when she read this. She asked "who the Hell is looking out for me?" Good question. She's been a Democrat her entire life and is just stunned by this. If Obama loses people like my mom, the Democrats are truly screwed next year.

[jtown1123]

4. Yupp. This AP article was picked up just about everywhere. Use this Leg Hotline [phone]

It will provide a message your mom can use and a way for her to reach her Senators and Member of Congress.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

6. PLEASE EVERYONE call that number....tell your reps

that they will absolutely lose votes if they support ANY cuts to SS or Medicare - no matter what they're called. Voters know this 'CPI' meddling is a CUT.

I can't call now but I will be doing so later and I've already written the President and my reps!

We have VOICES and we have VOTES - it's time to bring both to bear against this assault on "entitlements".

Call the Legislative Hotline: [phone], which will connect you to your Member of Congress and Senators. We need to oppose a "Chained CPI" for the Social Security formula. Although they won't call it that, this will CUT benefits! Listen to the recorded message then dial in your zipcode.

Also contact the WHITE HOUSE:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: [phone]

[RebelOne]

7. I am 72 and on social security and Medicare

and there are any cuts to my benefits, Obama loses my vote in 2012. If worse comes to worse, I may have to vote for a Republican, since I don't think there will be any other Democrats running against Obama.

[kenny blankenship]

5. Oh they're just STRENGTHENING Social Security to preserve it*

In time, you will come to appreciate the tireless efforts of Republicans and Democrats to revisit and to strengthen Social Security and Medicare. It shows how dedicated they are to preserving its future.



* at the expense of those who paid into it and depend on it.

[LiberalAndProud]

8. I've run out of ideas.

I've contacted my reps. I've signed the petitions. I am out of ideas. We're not under the bus; we're sitting at the back as it careens over the cliff. And there is not one single thing more that I can think of to do to stop it.