We Must Act Now to Save Social Security and Medicare - Jane Hamsher/FDL + Bonus Article !!!

[WillyT]

We Must Act Now to Save Social Security and Medicare
By: Jane Hamsher - FDL
Friday July 15, 2011 12:37 pm

<snip>

You would have to be in deep denial to listen to the President’s speech this morning and not realize, with crystal clarity, that Social Security and Medicare are on the chopping block. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when.

Right now as Dave Dayen says, the only game in town is the McConnell/Reid plan, which calls for the creation of a Catfood II commission to recommend cuts that would get and up-or-down vote in Congress. It’s a prospect that the Social Security looters have been salivating over for years. No amendments, no discussion. A tried and true way to pass the wildly unpopular “shared sacrifice” cuts to Medicare and Social Security which have appeared in every plan so far.

In fact, the only quibble Obama expressed this morning with the Simpson-Bowles plan is that they cut too much from defense spending. ”Shared sacrifice” means it’s okay for senior citizens to be plunged into poverty, but we apparently draw the line at Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

President Obama supports raising the retirement age to 67 according to the Huffington Post, which as Jon Walker points out effectively voucherizes the program for people ages 65-66. That’s exactly what Paul Ryan wanted to do. Obama is publicly supporting means testing, which threatens to turn these programs into welfare programs — one of the ways that the GOP has been trying to get a foothold into Social Security and Medicare, with the hope of destroying them, for decades.

President Obama tried to lecture progressives this morning, to tell us what we “should” be thinking and feeling right now, which is apparently to adopt his neoliberal policies. No thanks.

<snip>

More: http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2011/07/15/we-must-act-now-to-save-social-security-and-medicare/

:evilgrin:

:hi:

******************************************************************************

McConnell proposal would force major review of entitlements
By Greg Sargent - PlumLine/WaPo
Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 07/15/2011

<snip>

Larry Kudlow, who’s plugged in with Congressional Republicans, scoops a key new detail about the emerging Mitch McConnell proposal to transfer control of the debt ceiling to the president:

McConnell is negotiating now with Sen. Harry Reid for a large-scale package that will allow the debt ceiling to rise unless overturned by a two-thirds vote. If a White House debt-ceiling deal comes through with $1.5 trillion of spending cuts, that will be part of the package. Right now, it’s not completed because enforceable spending caps have not been determined.

The key part of the new McConnell package is a joint committee to review entitlements in a massive deficit-reduction package. Unlike the Bowles-Simpson commission, this committee will be mandated to have a legislative outcome — an actual vote — that will occur early next year. No White House members. Evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. No outsiders. This will be the first time such a study would have an expedited procedure mandated with no amendments permitted. Also, tax reform could be air-dropped into this committee’s report.

A source with knowledge of the emerging proposal confirms to me that while nothing has been finalized, this is where the discussions are headed.

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/mcconnell-proposal-would-force-major-review-of-entitlements/2011/03/03/gIQA50iAGI_blog.html

:shrug:

[sabrina 1]

1. Well, if they do that, I hope they are prepared to retire from

politics.

Following the formula that is being implemented in Europe. We are all being manipulated, at the least the Europeans know it by now.

Hopefully there will be so much outrage IF this is the plan, it will be impossible to pass.

People should be calling Republicans, not just Democrats.

[Luminous Animal]

7. Hopefully, meaningful left-right coalitions can be formed to fight this.

[Warren Stupidity]

27. what? the right is salivating over killing the last of the new deal.

[jaxx]

2. Unrec.

Propaganda is subversive.

[JuniperLea]

22. +1

Pox News isn't the only infection we need avoid.

[Red Knight]

34. What are facts?

Tough to look at?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. Fighting to save SS and Medicare is no longer PC for some on DU.

People who do so are subverting the President's determination to find a bipartisan way to screw the people.

[jaxx]

4. People who read something besides Hamsher know the truth.

Those who don't........

[WillyT]

5. Oh, Please... By All Means... Let Us In On The "Truth"...

And thanks in advance.

[tekisui]

8. The Truth is the Word that is found at whitehouse.gov.

That is the Truth and the Word and the Light. Everything else is spin, spin, spin and lies!111!!11

If it didn't come from whitehouse.gov it didn't happen.


:)

[WillyT]

15. LOL !!! - Yeah... That's What I'm Afraid Of

:D

:hi:

[QC]

67. Whitehouse.gov is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Glory!

[jaxx]

41. You should have listened to Pelosi's statement today.

Hamsher isn't telling the truth.

[Luminous Animal]

45. You mean this?

http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/2011/07/pelosi-statement-following-white-house-meeting-today.shtml

What does "protecting Social Security and Mediare" mean?\

And when the president says "means testing" what does he mean?

[jaxx]

46. That's what I mean. The text of the statement;

Pretty simple and straight forward.

<..> “So we continue to say to the President: ‘Congratulations. We are proud of the work you are doing, and we are glad that it does not reduce benefits for Medicare and Social Security beneficiaries.’ It doesn’t mean we are not open to initiatives that will strengthen those, Medicare and Social Security, that will cut cost and keep them solvent for a longer period of time. But we are not reducing the deficit on the backs, and give tax cuts to the wealthy, on the backs of our Social Security and Medicare recipients.

http://www.democraticleader.gov/news/press?id=2243

[EFerrari]

9. LOL. You mean like people who heard Obama say he is fine with

"trimming" Social Security or raising the eligibility age for Medicare and with means testing.

You mean people who read those truths?

[Luminous Animal]

10. Jane's article references Greg Sargent at the Washington Post. Are you saying Sargent

(via Larry Kudlow) is lying?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

11. How about Huffington? The Hill?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/11/obama-medicare-eligibility-age_n_894833.html

http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/medicare/170733-report-obama-proposed-raising-medicare-eligibility-age

Perhaps you can supply a link(s) where he guaranteed that SS and Medicare are off the table.

[chill_wind]

24. Here's one.

SS Cola cuts? Raising the retirement age?

"Now let me be clear. I will not do either."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1497099

But that was.. well, then.

[joeybee12]

12. Knee-jerk reaction...there's also a link to the Washington Post...

ridiculous.

[girl gone mad]

31. The truth according to Pravda..

that is.

[sabrina 1]

36. If there is something besides what we are reading, not just

on FDL, then post it. I would love to hear about the fight to protect SS from Republicans.

[jaxx]

43. Pelosi's statement today:

<..> “So we continue to say to the President: ‘Congratulations. We are proud of the work you are doing, and we are glad that it does not reduce benefits for Medicare and Social Security beneficiaries.’ It doesn’t mean we are not open to initiatives that will strengthen those, Medicare and Social Security, that will cut cost and keep them solvent for a longer period of time. But we are not reducing the deficit on the backs, and give tax cuts to the wealthy, on the backs of our Social Security and Medicare recipients.

http://www.democraticleader.gov/news/press?id=2243

She's been in the meetings, Hamsher hasn't been anywhere near them. This is truth.

[Luminous Animal]

48. That is politico talk and you know it. "Open to intitiatives"... They fucking well know what

those initiatives are but they won't fucking say it.

And yes, they "initiatives" that are on the table may have little impact on beneficiaries, but no mention of the impact of "initiatives" on future recipients. That weaseling around the issue is purposeful.

The President managed to squeeze out one "initiative" today, means testing. And that is fucking unacceptable. Medicare is not welfare.

[jaxx]

53. If you were there then tell us exactly what was said.

Otherwise quit alluding to the idea that the President and the Democratic Minority Leader are lying.

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[kentuck]

37. Has Jane ever told the truth?

If so, how do you know when she is not telling the truth, if you are willing to discount every single word she says..?

[Luminous Animal]

50. Nope. BURN HER. BURN HER. SHE'S A COMMIE PINKO LIAR. SO IS LARRY KUDROW & GREG SARGENT.

BURN THEM ALL.

[Lorien]

54. True. The same people are also pro-war and anti public option

which makes them something other than traditional Democrats.

[amborin]

6. K&R

[Flubadubya]

13. Ooh, Ooh, Ooh... OMG, OMG, OMG...

Hamsher alert, Hamsher alert... how dare you use that Pinko Commie Faguette as a reference! You heinous propaganda monger!!!

This is gonna get ya a dozen unrecs, at least... if not a baker's dozen.

I regret that I have but one REC to give for Willy T's post... :silly:, but I give it proudly. :evilgrin:

[exelwood]

14. Always remember...

...anything "agreed to" to get the debt ceiling increase passed has to survive future congresses. Once the economy turns around (and it will) all this cutting business will just be a bad memory because tax receipts will sooth everything. :)

[LoZoccolo]

16. I'm too much of a stupid motherfucker to read the article.

Also: Fire Dog Lake: automatic unrecommend

[Electric Monk]

18. +1

Kicked and RECCED.

[bananas]

20. We agree on something!

k&r for the OP.

[bluestate10]

42. When I read the phraseology and saw what is now clear unvarnished

hatred for everything Obama, my only regret is that I can't wipe my ass with a computer screen. Are Jane Hamsher's crazed writings available in paper form? I guess I am one dumb motherfucker.

[Forkboy]

60. No kidding.

[theaocp]

17. Thank you, WillyT

for continuing to bring this information to light. The best we can hope for is to be wrong, but I'd rather look pessimistically first ... then, everything following is a pleasant surprise or already anticipated. K&R.

[WillyT]

23. You Are Quite Welcome !!! - And Believe Me... I Want To Be Wrong...

I'd rather be really pleasantly surprised... than furious and vindicated.

But all we can go by are the bits and pieces of info that float out each day... the proof is in the final pudding.

And if I/We are wrong... I'll post one massive apology post, and then go down to the bar, by a couple of drinks and have a good laugh.

If not... well... I'll be drinking alright.

:evilgrin:

:hi:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

19. Willy, I am disgusted by what I am seeing on this issue -

both in DC and here. :puke:

Every DUer should be burning up the phones lines to the WH and their Reps to oppose any tinkering with SS/Medicare in this debt deal. :mad:

[bananas]

21. Agree completely. nt

[neverforget]

32. Me too. It's unreal how easily Democratic principles are sold out

[Raine]

49. So am I. I can't believe how many are willing

to accept screwing with SS/Medicare just because it comes under a Dem administration. :grr: If a repuke does it I'm outraged and if a Democrat does it I'm beyond outrage. I will tolerate this kind of crap less from my side, it's even worst IMO! :nuke:

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ProSense]

26. For the record,

...Jane Hamsher is the dumbest motherf*#ker in the world

Don't think that has been posted yet!

[blue neen]

28. Most interesting paragraph:

"Can you chip in $10 to help us run these online ads targeted to seniors and future retirees? With your help, we can spread our pledge not to vote for anyone participating in benefit cuts, including President Obama."

So, Jane would actually consider advocating for Democrats to NOT vote for President Obama? Since he is the presumptive Democratic nominee, just exactly who would Jane have us vote for?

I doubt very much that Grover Norquist would get the Democratic nomination, but I guess one never knows.

:shrug:

[WillyT]

33. "If You Can't Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The Kitchen." - Harry S. Truman

Also from President Truman...

"The buck stops here."

Meaning

Responsibility is not passed on beyond this point.

Origin

U.S. president Harry S. Truman had a sign with this inscription on his desk. This was meant to indicate that he didn't 'pass the buck' to anyone else but accepted personal responsibility for the way the country was governed.

Back when we had REAL Democrats.

:shrug:

[blue neen]

40. That does not answer the question as to whether Jane would advocate voting against

a sitting Democratic President.

Is the answer yes or no?

[Luminous Animal]

52. There's another choice... not voting.

[blue neen]

55. Once again, does Jane Hamsher advocate voting against

a sitting Democratic President? That would include not voting, as that choice could increase the possibility that a Republican could be elected.

Is the answer yes or no?

[Luminous Animal]

58. Dude. Not voting means not voting. Nearly half of U.S. citizens don't vote.

Perhaps if you are worried about those so called useless progressives who might not vote at all, you should devise a strategy to get the perennial non-voters to the polls.

[Mojorabbit]

66. Perhaps he'll be primaried

People could then vote for another Dem. It's a losing proposition but it could happen. :shrug: I agree that the entire thing stinks though and understand the reason she is alarmed. I am reading and looking to see how this plays out. Anyone that defends changes like those being floated are not members of the Dem party as I have understood it for my entire half century plus of life.

[blue neen]

56. Delete.

double post.

[girl gone mad]

29. k & r

[jannyk]

30. K&R!

[fascisthunter]

35. Kick and Rec

Thanks WillyT

[treestar]

38. Hysterical Exaggeration

Even if both Congress and the President are Republicans, it is unlikely to happen.

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bluestate10]

44. Two democratic leaning independents will take your place. See ya. nt

[Raine]

47. THANKS so much for posting this

I really appeciate it! :thumbsup:

[Safetykitten]

51. Kick

[Suji to Seoul]

57. i'm a stupid motherfucker. can you put it in simple soundbytes so this

PhD candidate can understand what she is saying? I just two stoopid!

[Forkboy]

61. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[scarletwoman]

63. Really. I'm concerned about the low self-esteem being expressed by some folks.

It tugs at my heartstrings.

[Forkboy]

65. LOL

:)

[Forkboy]

62. By their enemies shall ye know them.

And man, seeing Jane's enemies get worked up into lather is high entertainment. I like their rabid, frothing reactions to her more than I like her even lol. I love it when pissy people get pissed off. Makes my day entirely. She deserves thanks for that alone. :)

[scarletwoman]

64. Happy to rec and kick.