Reply #11: Except

[ProSense]

The R's are trying to have it both ways, because they have always lumped Social Security in with the general funds when talking about deficits and "entitlement" spending. Now they're opposing an extension of the payroll tax cut on the basis it defunds SS.

But the D's are also trying to have it both ways now by putting forth the argument that reducing the taxes paid into the SS Fund will be offset by revenue increases elsewhere in the budget.

So, which is it? Is SS a stand-alone program that is solvent for another 30 years or so and solvent indefinitely if the cap on income is lifted, or do we mix SS funds in with everything else?

...Democrats have never argued that the fund shouldn't be replenished. Nor have they ever argued that raiding the fund links Social Security to budget. Raiding the fund would simply deplete it, and is egregious, but the program's structure is codified by law. People pay into the fund, and any approved arrangement, such as the temporary tax holiday, is on the government, not the beneficiaries.