An idea on how to protest the privatization of Social Security

[Lone_Wolf]

I was inspired by "Not One Damn Dime Day" and thought maybe it could be possible to organize a protest against Wall Street's scheme to get rich off of our Social Security money.

My idea is simple... by getting a large number of us to temporarily pull some of our money out of our savings and checking accounts (maybe a week) just leaving enough in to keep our accounts open. If a large number of us did this on one day, then maybe, just maybe, Wall Street would think twice about messing with Social Security.

[seriousstan]

1. NODDD had no effect and was noticed by nobody.

This would have the same effect. The reason is that you can't get enough people to do it.

[Generic Other]

2. A panic that causes a run on banks would have the same effect

Not that hard to panic frightened sheep in this day and age.

[seriousstan]

4. Fine, tell me exactly how you would do that?

People are always sooo powerful sitting behind the keyboard.

NODDD had no effect at all. Show me some press about the effect it had, even in the indy press.

[Generic Other]

5. It would have to be something irrational and stupid

like being convinced that the rapture is at hand or that libruls are about to freeze accounts and nationalize the banks.

[seriousstan]

6. lol Thank God I am drinking.

So That is an "idea"? I stand by my assertion that it is impossible.

[Generic Other]

7. The Millenium bug was a stupid "idea" too

Lots of people made millions selling "survival" commodities.

[Generic Other]

9. Oh, and if the "idea" is stupid enough

you could probably cause a run on banks and a pyramid scheme involving a chain letter and ebay.

And I'm stone cold sober and dead serious. That's how stupid I think we have become in this country.

[seriousstan]

10. You are stone cold sober and you yet you still replied to your own post?

Genius!!

[Generic Other]

12. You're right. I need to catch up with you

What are you drinking. Maybe if I try some, I'll get brighter too!

[seriousstan]

13. I've never denied someone a drink when they ask nicely.

Have a gin and tonic on me. My next one is for you. Cheers.

[Generic Other]

15. Hey, that's my favorite

See, I'm not so dumb.

[seriousstan]

18. Never said you were

just pointing out what I see as the reality of the situation. After attending several election protests here in Columbus Ohio I now see that numbers are everything and online communities are smaller than they seem when you are in them.

I am now sour on the idea of many protests. I understand the feeling of participation I get out of being in one but I am no longer dillusional about their impact.

Once again ...cheers. "toast"

[Generic Other]

19. We have to respond to the attack on social security

My father had one of the first million cards issued on the first day of the program way back when. He worked his rear end off his whole damn life, fought two wars, and barely scraped by in his old age. In the end, social security was all he had to show for a whole life of work.

He would be disappointed in me if I didn't do everything I could to protect this program for future workers in this country.

I may not have the best plan, but I can't afford not to fight.

[seriousstan]

21. "Barely able to scrape by in his old age" is the most telling part..

I have an 80+ yr old mother. I understand the economics. That is why I will not have a blind rage reaction to the Rep proposal. We will get hammered with that approach. You only have to look back to the Clinton admin to find numerous video clips of him saying SS was in trouble in the future and we must do something now. It is too easy for the Reps or a 527 to start showing clips of this. THAT sways voters and opinion.

The counter-punch to this is a good plan of our own. Why not use a very well protected 4 % to stave off another Rep win of an issue?

This is not "slippery slope", this is a "staying alive" issue. The right strategy is to stay in the game and become the majority.

[Generic Other]

23. The last ss letter I got said I'd probably only get 73% and work

5 years longer! I'm already losing and I have 20 more years of hard labor ahead of me.

I fear any concessions to Repubs no matter how small will be permanent.

I'm not giving an inch. The money was stolen from us. That is the crisis.

[lonestarnot]

3. Better solution Underground Economy...No tax, no SS, no Shit! en masse

[Quixote1818]

8. We need 527 Ad's running NOW nailing all this SS crap!

Someone needs to start a 527 website, raise money and get some dam Ad's on the TV in front of peoples faces. Why do these kind of ads ONLY run around elections?

[seriousstan]

11. They were a new creature, only created before the election.

I think you have a good idea. The only hitch is the money.

[Quixote1818]

14. Several of us have the legal work for a 527 we just need a treasurer

to officially file it then we are ready to launch. We could put up a website and advertise on all kinds of Democratic sites with links to our website asking for donations for ads to attack Bush's Social Security BS. After we defeat that then we start something new to go after. What do you think? Want to be our treasurer?

[seriousstan]

16. Trust me....don't trust me.

I really couldn't take on that kind of responsibility. I have a very full plate right now. Kids, houses and mortgages that make me wonder who is the bigger fool...me or the bank. Thanks for the thought.

On the subject, I do think you have a good idea. Of course, the flip side is that the Reps also have deep pockets and an uncanny ability to connect with more people than I would expect. I think an outright blockage of SS reform, while not a bad idea, should be augmented by an alternative plan. Times are that opposition to something isn't good enough. People could relate to there message and then would only be open to alternative plans. It doesn't hurt to cover all the bases. Unlike the elections, we don't need all the votes for one candidate. Breaking unified support for one idea is more than enough.

Thanks again.

[wicket]

17. what would be required of the treasurer?

n/t

[Quixote1818]

20. I just found out that one of the other members advertised on DU yesterday

for a treasurer and it looks like he found one. You are welcome to join our group if you like though and if she does not work out then perhaps you could take over. We are trying to keep the group small right now while we do all the grind work. Once that is done we will want to grow. We could probably take in one or two more at this point if you are really excited about helping. I don't know if Social Security is going to be our target though. I think we are going to be more devoted to bringing rural Christian voters to the Democratic Party.

[wicket]

22. I'd love to help out in any way possible

Great idea! :)