Super Committee Going After Your Social Security? That Was the Point. (SS is on the table)

[Cali_Democrat]

It's looking more and more like the debt deal reached between Obama and the Republicans in Congress was nothing more than a vehicle to cut Medicare and Social Security.

The deal was portrayed as bipartisanship and compromise, but of course it was actually the middle class that was getting the shaft all along.

Super Committee Going After Your Social Security? That Was the Point
By: Jon Walker Tuesday November 1, 2011 9:27 am

It was clear from the inception of the deficit reduction Super Committee that it was designed for the purpose of cutting entitlements, especially Social Security benefits. The Super Committee proposal was given the same protection from a filibuster as debate on a reconciliation bill, but the Super Committee proposal is not subject to the same Byrd Rule (PDF) that prevents the Senate from using reconciliation to fast track Social Security cuts. The procedural rules governing the Super Committee couldn’t have been more purposely designed to make cutting Social Security as easy as procedurally possible.

<snip>

There should be no doubt that your Social Security is in serious danger right now. It has been in serious danger ever since the Super Committee was purposely created in such away to make it easier to cut the program.

Read the whole piece: http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2011/11/01/super-committee-going-after-your-social-security-that-was-the-point/

Those of us paying attention knew how the game was being played. The game is rigged and it's rigged against the poor and the middle class.

This is your class warfare. It's the 1% waging war on the 99%.

[enough]

1. What gets me is how Barack Obama has been playing right into this. If only he'd

been a little more savvy or a little more brave.

[Me.]

2. I Don't Think He's Been Playing Into Anyone's Hands At All

Considering that he himself has put entitlements on the table from time to time, it is my opinion that this is the outcome he expected.

[jefferson_dem]

7. Obviously...

This FDL editorial clearly shows how Obama sucks...or something.

[woo me with science]

25. He did not play into it.

He initiated it.

[ProSense]

3. The deal does

"It's looking more and more like the debt deal reached between Obama and the Republicans in Congress was nothing more than a vehicle to cut Medicare and Social Security."

...not go after Social Security. In fact, the mandate exempt cuts to benefits for both Social Security and Medicare.

The OP reads like an attempt to take the heat off Congressional Democrats and put it on President Obama, who is not on the committee.

Democrats on the committee have no reason to support cuts to Social Security. None. There is absolutely no reason to give them a pass by claiming they have a mandate.

Steve Benen

<...>

Remember, during the debt-ceiling crisis, Republicans needed to give Democrats a concession to resolve the standoff. They weren’t willing to put tax increases on the table, so GOP leaders agreed to a “trigger” that would impose harsh cuts on defense spending. The point was to create an incentive for both parties to reach an agreement — if Republicans didn’t want to slash the Pentagon budget, they’d have strike a bipartisan deal.

But as the chances of the super-committee reaching a compromise evaporate, Republicans are now confronted with the possibility that their own idea — massive defense cuts — might come to fruition. And what’s their response? Spending cuts will hurt the economy and cost jobs.

<...>

Krugman: Bombs, Bridges and Jobs

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. If they destroy Social Security, Obama's legacy is destroyed as well.

[boppers]

27. Nobody's talking about elimination of the whole program.

At least, nobody expecting to ever be re-elected. This is more about shaving, not destruction.

[bvar22]

31. Yes!

They are just going to put some tiny cracks in the dam.
Nothing to worry about.

[indepat]

5. It's like all the power brokers are giving the entire OWS movement a

big middle finger and a verbal fuck you for good measure in case the middle finger was not understood. :patriot:

[Autumn]

6. Who put Social Security on the table? That would be Obama

K/R

[NorthCarolina]

8. You're brave. This is posted in GD:P.

I like brave. :fistbump:

[Autumn]

9. Not brave, it's the truth;

Thank you for your kind words.:fistbump:

[FrenchieCat]

16. I find it par for the course.....

That rumors are established as facts, and discussed for days,
without any actions taken beyond spreading more rumors,
and discussing such in the passed tense as fait accompli,
that we later find out were not what folks say they were.

I would have been encouraged had the site who published the article,
would have also had enough interest in the topic along with enough
good sense, to at least publish an alert to actions that folks can take.
But.no.such.luck.

[woo me with science]

22. "Rumors."

So now it's a "rumor" that Obama put SS on the table.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[woo me with science]

23. Reality is so inconvenient. nt

[Autumn]

28. Some folks find the truth to be very inconvenient.

It can't be spun or outraged or rumored away. Obama did it. That can't be changed.

[slipslidingaway]

10. Medicare was in trouble as soon as Obama blocked discussion of a not for profit ...

HC system from the WH Summit in March 2009, unless he had no clue that the bulk of boomers would soon begin to retire.

:think:

[slipslidingaway]

11. As Obama Hosts Summit on Healthcare, Marginalized Advocates Ask Why Single Payer Is Ignored

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/3/6/as_obama_hosts_summit_on_health

"JUAN GONZALEZ: President Barack Obama convened 120 experts to the White House Thursday for a summit on healthcare. Participants included doctors, health insurance companies, lawmakers and patients. Obama vowed to make passing healthcare reform a priority this year.


PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: In this effort, every voice has to be heard. Every idea must be considered. Every option must be on the table. There should be no sacred cows. Each of us must accept that none of us will get everything that we want and that no proposal for reform will be perfect. If that’s the measure, we will never get anything done. But when it comes to addressing our healthcare challenge, we can no longer let the perfect be the enemy of the essential.

JUAN GONZALEZ: While the President said every idea must be considered, the idea of creating a single-payer national health insurance program has already been rejected. White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs said Thursday, “The President doesn’t believe that’s the best way to achieve the goal of cutting costs and increasing access.”

Initially, no supporters of single payer were invited to the summit. After protests were called, the White House invited Democratic Congressman John Conyers and the president of the Physicians for a National Health Program.


AMY GOODMAN: Single-payer advocates have also been largely silenced in the media. A new study being released today by FAIR, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, found the views of advocates of single payer have only been aired five times in the hundreds of major newspaper, broadcasts and cable stories about healthcare reform over the past week. No single-payer advocate has appeared on a major TV broadcast or cable network to talk about the policy during that period..."

[woo me with science]

12. Obama: "This is not a bloodless process."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1540315

K&R

[BklnDem75]

13. I'm surprised FDL had to source a crap article from politico

I thought FDL created articles with 0 substance without help. :boring:
I must admit it takes real talent to turn pure speculation based on no information into something to be outraged about.

'Asked specifically about Social Security, Murray said, “Everything is on the table, and we’ve made no decisions.”'

Pure genius

[hulka38]

14. Thank you.

K&R

[FrenchieCat]

15. ? (WTF is it w/t a question mark in the Title)

Hey, I've got a rumor on the Tar Sands pipeline for 100!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2226381

But it appears that this particular speculating rumor on SS is what is in!

If you want to actually do something more,
other than pre-blaming Barack Obama for something that hasn't happened,
here ---> Submit a comment to the Super Committee by going to their website
at http://www.deficitreduction.gov/public/index.cfm/
and going to the “write to us today” box at the bottom of the screen.

[slipslidingaway]

17. Frenchie, who blocked discussion of a national not for profit HC system...

with the undefined "public option" that never materialized ... but the mandate remained.

And who made the deal with Billy Tauzin to Not have Medicare negotiate drug prices, even though it was outlined in the Obama HC plan?

Who talked about reducing the deficit mainly through entitlements in early January 2009?

No surprises that SS and Medicare are on the table, but not for profit HC was blocked from discussions.

[boppers]

26. "not for profit HC was blocked from discussions"

Nope.

It was discussed, extensively, and turned down by Congress.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=public+option+congress

6.2 million is hardly "blocked".

[slipslidingaway]

40. The public option is not the same as not for profit SPHC for all ...

which had majority support among the citizens, until people's attention was diverted with the PO.

So much for listening to all ideas!

Doctors Challenge Exclusion of Single-Payer from Health Care Debate
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Doctors-Challenge-Exclusio-by-Press-Release-090506-433.html


"Frontline Edits Out Single-Payer
Documentary misrepresented advocates as supporters of a public option

http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=4066

4/23/10

"Silencing supporters of single-payer, or Medicare for All, is a media staple, but PBS's Frontline found a new way to do that on the April 13 special Obama's Deal--by selectively editing an interview with a single-payer advocate and footage of single-payer protesters to make them appear to be activists for a public option instead.

The public option proposal would have offered a government-run health insurance program to some individuals as an alternative to mandatory private health insurance. Not only is this not the same thing as Medicare for All, it's an idea many single-payer advocates actually opposed, arguing that it would leave the insurance industry intact as dominant players in the healthcare business (PNHP.org, 7/20/09)..."

[woo me with science]

24. Spare us the comments about "speculation" and "pre-blaming."

Nobody is pre-judging. There is a perfectly clear record to work from here.

[FrenchieCat]

34. Which is?

[woo me with science]

43. ....

Don't be disingenuous. We have been here the whole time. :eyes:

What an absolutely ridiculous post you just made.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=1660734&mesg_id=1661130

[Dawgs]

50. Ouch.

Won't matter with this one though. Obama is perfect no matter what he says or does.

[SidDithers]

18. Does this mean SS isn't going to be cut by 22%?...nt

Sid

[Dragonfli]

20. I don't think Canada will cut your benefits no. Ours are on the block however /nt

[Autumn]

29. 1% would be too much of a cut. n/t

[philly_bob]

19. That's why I'm supporting the Occupy Movement...

so there'll be a protest infrastructure in place when the Super-Committee reports!

[CakeGrrl]

21. More "Obama sucks" screed from Norquist's bud Hamsher? Unrec.

[great white snark]

30. What, no Cat Food Super Committee?

Super Committee implies SUPER outrage. Come on people, you don't need to wait for FDL's talking points...show some initiative and make up your own.

[MjolnirTime]

32. Nth verse, same as the first

[bvar22]

33. The Beauty of the Super Committe SCAM:

No Democrat (or Republican) will vote FOR Cutting Social Security.
Instead,
they will be voting FOR a "Comprehensive Package" that "Saves the Economy".
Unfortunately, the "Comprehensive package" will contain some "Minor Adjustments" to Social Security/Medicare.

Closed Doors. Comprehensive Package. No Amendments. Up or Down Vote
That is the BEAUTY of the Super Committee SCAM.
Nobody will have to take ANY responsibility at all for cutting Social Security!
Instead, they will ALL be HEROES for achieving Bi-Partisan Consensus to Save the Economy.

You will have to have a High Puke Threshold to view the Mission Accomplished Spectacle
where our "representatives" will posture & preen in front of the TV cameras,
congratulating each other for their "Heroism in facing this tough issue."

"We SAVED the Future for Our Children!"

"This is HISTORIC legislation."

"This is a BIG WIN" (Both Dems & Pukes will be able to used this one due to the Comprehensive Package Scam)

"I'm on the record as Supporting Social Security,
but had to vote FOR this historic bill because the Good outweighs the Bad."

"Can't let the Perfect be the enemy of the Good."

"This was the very best we could do."

"Look at all the GOOD (crumbs) we got!"

"This is a Step in the Right Direction."

"It was the Sensible/Pragmatic thing to do."

"We'll Fix It Later."

"Its ALL Joe Lieberman's Fault.":cry:





They are coming.
The Plan is already in motion, and entering the Final Phase.
The DEALS have already been made.
All thats left is for the Kabuki to Play Out.

We've ALL seen this one before,
and it doesn't end well for
The Working Class,
The Elderly,
The Sick,
and The Poor.





You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their excuses.
Solidarity99!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Autumn]

35. The first movie was a shitty one

the sequel will suck even worse.

[great white snark]

37. Everybody's a critic.

Actually there have been five movies. All with the same plot-gutting Social Security.

They got rave reviews from the divisive fear-mongers but alas, the hype didn't match reality.

I predict zero for six then on to the next outrage with no declaration of being wrong. Again.

[Autumn]

39. Well what can I say?

saw it, thought it sucked. Not thrilled with having to watch the sequel. The movie isn't over till the credits are finished. Wrong again? Wait till the movie is over and then say it was the greatest. Outrage is as outrage does. blah blah blah blah blah

[woo me with science]

44. I am still trying to figure out when

denial of obvious reality became an acceptable argumentation strategy. :rofl:

He wouldn't offer up SS. Um, well, actually, he did. :eyes:

At a certain point, I think the appropriate response is to post pictures of the Mad Hatter.

[BklnDem75]

49. Unfortunately, cheesy fear movies have a multitude of sequels

They will always have their captive audience that will try to spread the fear. Boogi woogi woo!

[Dawgs]

51. "hype didn't match reality"?

President Obama didn't offer a deal to the Republicans to cut SS? Really?

You sure you want to go down that road?

[Tarheel_Dem]

36. And the NorquistDogLake campaign for Romney continues.

:eyes:

[Dawgs]

52. If Democrats agree to cut SS there will be absolutely ZERO DIFFERENCE between the parties. n/t

Sad that you refuse to see it.

[creon]

38. prove it.

Show the proof that SS and medicare are going to be cut

[Ilsa]

41. I keep thinking that I'm going to need to start stealing shit

in order to survive old age since SS is going to get trashed.

[woo me with science]

45. You and millions more.

What a vicious con and betrayal this Presidency turned out to be.

[thelordofhell]

42. Wolf!! Wolf!!

[Number23]

46. ...

:rofl:

[girl_interrupted]

47. This is no "rumor" Listen to what Senator Bernie Sanders has to say

Bernie Sanders was on Ed Schultz's (MSNBC) show Tuesday Nov 1, 2011, if I trust anyone, it's Bernie Sanders. If he says there is cause to be concern, then there is. No one voted for this "Super Committee". So what politicians are up to with this, is open to question....especially when you have Patty Murray saying "Everything is on the table"

I know when the Democrats had the majority, they had the chance to adapt Senator Sanders credit card reform bill, which would have cut interest rates on existing balances. Instead the Democrats chose to go with a much weaker bill (and firearms allowed in national parks, as part of the "reform"), which didn't cut interest rates and put no limit on how high interest rates could go. Of course when banks wanted Interest Free loans, no one in Congress seem to have a problem with that.

Also with a majority, Democrats chose to extend the bush tax cuts. So when Bernie talks, it's wise to listen.

"Social Security Changes to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are now on the table as Congress's super committee looks for $1.2 billion in savings" :

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/45126890#45126890

[woo me with science]

48. 1.2 TRILLION, not billion,

...and with a goal of that size, it is beyond ludicrous to think that they wouldn't start with cuts the President put on the table himself and signaled he will accept.

Good post. I trust Bernie far more than I trust any of these corporate tools.