My email response to Leader Pelosi's "Let's Get Real" email update

[Faryn Balyncd]

Like all of you who are on Leader Pelosi's email list, I read with interest her "Let's Get Real" email update in which she discussed many of the important issues for which she is fighting for us.

Here is my email reply in which I urge her to stand firm with the 102 House Democrats who have said Social Security should be off the table, with fellow Democrats Peter DeFazio, Barbara Lee, Keith Ellison, and returning Congressman Alan Grayson, with the AFL-CIO, with AARP with MoveOn.org, and to again take Social Security cuts OFF THE TABLE - - - (rather than her apparent recent willingness to consider a $112 billion cut in SS, as part of a deal to partially preserve historically low tax rates for the 1%, as "strengthening" Social Security.)



Leader Pelosi has fought long and hard for us on many, many issues.

Isn't is time she hears from us on a most fundamental issue that is now up for grabs?

(Leader Pelosi's contact page is: https://pelosi.house.gov/contact/email-me.shtml )

To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Let's Get Real

Dear Leader Pelosi,

Thanks for your message.

However, I am extremely disappointed in your apparent willingness to accept a $112 billion cut to Social Security beneficiaries disguised as a "technical" CPI/COLA change.

This is an inexcusable betrayal of Democratic principles, and a betrayal to Americans whose decades of payroll and self-employment taxes have funded the $2.7 trillion dollar surplus in the Social Security Trust Fund.

Such a betrayal would be inexcusable even if it were a separate measure pertaining to Social Security alone, because it is unwarranted, and aggravates a calculation that ALREADY UNDERESTIMATES real inflation. Trying to bamboozle Americans by pretending it is simply a "technical" accounting correction is wearing thin, as Americans have seen for themselves that the current CPI underestimates inflation, and that chained CPI is simply a deceitful ruse to slash benefits.

But it is especially shameful to slash Social Security (the most fiscally responsible program in American history) in the context of a deal to partially preserve historically low tax rates for high earners, especially since those historically low income tax rates were made possible by tax cuts simultaneous with multiple wars, and the deficits were financed in large part by the surpluses from the Social Security Trust Fund.

It DOES NOT "STRENGTHEN" Social Security to slash FUNDED benefits so that historically low tax rates to financial elites may be partially preserved.

To the contrary, this simply enables the continued raiding of the payroll tax funded Social Security Trust Fund to subsidize the 1%.

Leader Pelosi, it is essential that your hear the voices of the overwhelming majority of Americans (of both parties, moreover), of the AARP, of MoveOn.org, of the brave members of the House progressive caucus, and REVERSE your apparent willingness to accept "chained CPI" or any other erosion of Social Security benefits.

Social Security is fully funded through 2033, by which time a significant number of baby boomers will no longer be receiving benefits. Solvency beyond 2033 can be best achieved by adjusting the FICA cap.

Accounting deceptions such as "chained CPI" are recognized by Americans as a pathetic attempt to steal their funded benefits for the benefit of those who want to continue historically low tax rates on the wealthy.

Such deception are not only wrong, they are a betrayal of the voters who rejected such an approach in November.

Please make it clear that Social Security cuts (through chained CPI or any other method) are OFF THE TABLE.

Sincerely,









-----Original Message-----
From: Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
Sent: Dec 21, 2012 6:00 PM
Subject: Let's Get Real

Can't see the pictures? Select "Always display images" or view this message in your browser
Pelosi


Let's Get Real
December 21, 2012
Congresswoman Pelosi calls on Congress
to address the fiscal cliff.
Share This Email On:
Twitter Facebook


. . . The message from the American people is loud and clear: we need solutions not stalemates. We must find a bold, balanced and fair agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff, promote growth and create jobs. At the negotiating table, we must not forget the conversation happening at kitchen tables across our country – families are concerned about how to make ends meet, pay their bills, save for retirement and afford to send their kids to college.

There is no better time than this holiday season for Congress to act – now – to pass a $2,000 tax cut for the average American family. Unfortunately, in my opinion, House Republicans continue to support policies that hold the middle class tax break hostage in order to prevent the wealthiest from paying their fair share. In response, I have called on my colleagues to sign a discharge petition to force action on this critical measure. Let’s get real; ther is no time to waste. . . .

. . . .

[MotherPetrie]

1. K&R Great letter

[Tom Rinaldo]

2. You spoke for me as well, powerfully and eloquently. Thank you. K&R

[Faryn Balyncd]

3. Thanks, but our leadership, Representatives & Senators need to hear directly from all of us.

[byeya]

4. Wonderful letter - lays out the facts that she has chosen not to face.