The end of Social security is a fundamental disruption of the social order

[More Than A Feeling]

Today's Joe average conservative seems to be motivated by the breakdown of traditional social institutions. They support the president through thick and thin, in a reaction to the increasing lack of reverence for the office which began with the vietnam and the watergate scandals. They fear that marriage will be degraded by the expansion of its definition to include a previously marginalized group. They are attempting to preserve security and order in a society that is rapidly changing (due to the impact of globalization)

Social Security has come to be a part of the traditional social order. It represents the fundamental value that conservatives place on the wisdom that comes with age and experience. In Republican attempt to remove it, it is possible that they will cause their base to realize that Republicans are only adding to their instability and insecurity.

What I am trying to say is that if the Democratic Party can't win a fight in which the issue at stake appeals to even hardline conservatives, then I don't know what it can win.

[JanMichael]

1. You are correct. If the basic levels of civility are gone.

The game is almost over.

[Cleita]

3. Oh good!

Now where do I go shoot myself where it will make the best impression. I'm too old to start over again.

[More Than A Feeling]

5. Only if you think the Democratic Party losing the social security fight

is a foregone conclusion. I am not that depressed.

[Cleita]

6. They haven't even entered the SS fight.

I am that depressed.

[More Than A Feeling]

8. The proposal isn't even before congress.

I think what is going on now is that everyone in the party is getting psyched up, making sure we are on the same page, game planning and so forth. Wouldn't want to go into action without a cohesive unit that is ready to rock.

[Cleita]

10. I'm upset that this stupidity is even being brought up

before Congress for debate. I can tell you I am pissed. Don't fix what isn't broken. SS could be less regressive if that is what you want to fix, but to destroy a system that helps the majority of people is a sin.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

2. kick

Democrats have to stop this or else, we are in big trouble!!!

[Wiley50]

4. It's tough with 31 congresspeople and one senator

But as a disabled person who has been stalled for four years to collect on a policy that I paid premiums on for 35 years..........
I wan't them to fix it, not destroy it.

[unkachuck]

7. I also think you're right...

....the Democratic Party needs to really re-think itself and do some soul-searching....and 're-thinking itself' doesn't mean moving further to the right....

[ozarklib]

9. You are missing the point.

The almighty dollar trumps conserving the social order every time. If there is a buck for the fat cats to make, they will be for it.

[Virginian]

11. They have turned it from a social responsibility to a tax thing.

They Republicans never liked the social innovations of the New Deal even the one that assured our elderly they could live out the remainder of their lives with some decorum of dignity.
Social Security is a social program supported by a tax.

First they labeled the Dems "Tax and Spend Liberals." They tried to associate Dems with skimming money from the hard working wage earner. Some of the hard working wage earners are believing their meme that Dems will raise your taxes.

The next step is to tell people that Social Security is their money and they should be able to invest it for the future the way they want. The thing is, Social Security is not a savings account. You have IRAs and company retirement plans for that. Social Security is where we pay the way for the people who need it today and then when we need it, someone will pay our way. It is a "what goes around, comes around" program.

Social Security is a safety net.

The oldest member of my family was born in 1908; she is 96 1/2 years old. She worked all her life. After 50 years with the same company she retired. The company was sold twice and her retirement plan was not protected in the sale. She gets $37.50 a month in retirement benefits. After she retired, she worked a part time job until her sister became ill and needed full time care. She lives alone now. She gets by with Social Security and her meager savings (and a little help from nieces and nephews).

She gets by, could you?