Could it be that the push back from the left on these cuts ACTUALLY worked?

[stuckinarut]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/15/obama-social-security_n_964175.html

“The president’s recommendation for deficit reduction will not include any changes to Social Security because, as the president has consistently said, he does not believe that Social Security is a driver of our near and medium term deficits," said White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage. "He believes that both parties need to work together on a parallel track to strengthen Social Security for future generations rather than taking a piecemeal approach as part of a deficit reduction plan.”

"There will be no Social Security in the recommendations," Brundage added.

Sam goes on to say,

"Already suffering from an enthusiasm gap, Obama's decision to put off Social Security cuts will win him plaudits from his own party. But it still remains to be seen what type of recommendations he will make with respect to Medicare."


Sometimes raising a ruckus CAN produce results. The President's apparent new position on SSI cuts definitely factored in his own party's disapproval of the proposal.
It is important to make a stand even at the threat of these types of austerity measures. We cannot base our support on party loyalties alone.

edit: spelling

[elleng]

1. stuck, there never WERE cuts.

Now, there won't be 'changes,' 'reforms,' proposed.

[stuckinarut]

3. This is the most solid statement I have seen come from the WH

regarding any SSI "reforms" "cuts" "changes" "austerity".

[MannyGoldstein]

7. It won't be "strengthened"? nt

[elleng]

8. Maybe not, due to the 'honorable' push-back.

:sarcasm:

[former9thward]

2. You notice Medicare and Medicaid are not mentioned.

[stuckinarut]

4. unfortunately, yes..but

I have been trying REALLY REALLY hard to look at the positives lately.

With all the bad news in the world, I have to make a positive comment when I can.

[tblue]

9. Bless your heart, stuckinarut.

I know. The news is rarely good or heartening. I am a sourpuss too much of the time because I follow this stuff closely. But I commend your effort to raise our morale and make an argument for principled dissent at the same time. Welcome to DU! You rock!
:yourock:

[former9thward]

11. Yes, thanks for the post!

[HereSince1628]

5. I think you're right. The WH already signaled raising age of eligibility

for medicare.

Medicaid is being deformed by the states. I have the feeling Obama will let the states continue with that.

[mvd]

6. It's nice to hear. But when the Repukes start..

being hostage takers again, we need to stand our ground. I'm also trying to find any positives because we are getting ever nearer to the election. I'm not that satisfied with Obama, but will be focusing on keeping the Repukes nowhere near the WH. :hi:

[Warpy]

10. It wasn't just the left. It was the GOP base of retirees and

the younger boomer cohort. There's a good reason tampering with Social Security has always been "the third rail of politics." It's fatal.

Wall Street is just going to have to hope a bigger batch of suckers comes along.