When Democrats want Social Security in Deficit Reduction Talks, We have Trouble

[jtown1123]

An Excerpt from an ABC News Article:

Durbin criticized a resolution put forward by Sen. Bernie Sanders, a liberal independent from Vermont, that says Social Security should not be cut under a deficit reduction plan. Durbin said he would not vote for such a resolution.

"I think Bernie is going too far with his language," Durbin said.

"In 2037, as we know it, Social Security falls off a cliff," he said. "There's a 22 percent reduction rate in payments, which is really not something we can tolerate. If we deal with it today, it's an easier solution than waiting. I think we ought to deal with it. Many of my colleagues disagree, put it off to another day. But from my point of view, leaving it out makes it easier politically, including it, I think, meets an obligation, which we have to senior citizens."

The rest: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-dick-durbin-social-security-cuts-ruled/story?id=13400977&page=1

The problem with "dealing with" Social Security now (in deficit reduction talks) is that we offer a perfectly sound and successful program up to the insane Republicans as a sacrificial lamb, therefore implying it is somehow in crisis. The only "solution" should be raising the FICA tax cap. Durbin wants to reduce benefits for the wealthy, but all SS experts agree there simply aren't enough wealthy seniors for this to make a dent, so benefit cuts would start affecting workers who averaged 40k per year during their working years (hardly wealthy by anyone's definition). This whole debate feels like I'm ramming my head against a brick wall. I never thought I'd see the day I'd have to fight Democrats on this issue. Take it OFF THE TABLE. If you want to "fix" Social Security, do it in the normal legislative channels through committees and with the input of SS experts. Now is definitely not the time.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. I agree with Durbin over Sanders. It should be touched.

To lift and remove the FICA cap.

[jtown1123]

2. There is no way that is going to be proposed with this group.

[fasttense]

3. So, I guess Raygun was a fraud.

He supposedly fixed Social Security for the Baby Boomers by making them pay double Social Security and raising the retirement age. We Baby Boomers were the 1st and only generation to pay for BOTH our parent's and our own Social Security retirement up front.

Now, after we have paid for it up front, the RepubliCONS are conning the Democrats into taking our retirement away.

Talk about a theft. Washington is now using the same sales tactics as Wall Street. Tell them it's a good investment, it's a good investment, then pull it out from under them after they have paid for it.

[Egalitariat]

4. You paid for your parents' retirements. Your kids are paying for yours. That's how SS works.

[w4rma]

5. I'm sorry but Durbin sounds like a con-artist here. (nt)

[jtown1123]

8. So you're saying he's some clever political strategist?

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Durbin was in the Senate 'shocked' by the financial meltdown,

but he is able to project 27 years into the future on Social Security? He did not predict the bust even the day prior, he never warned that this train that hit us was even on the track at all.
So how in the fuck could these people, unable to see the greatest financial disaster since the Great Depression coming, have any clue at all what is on tap 27 years from now? In 08, Durbin and his cronies failed to see 27 HOURS ahead, much less 27 years.

[ej510]

7. Shocking! Once again we find out both paries are on the same team.

All one has to do is to look at who funds Senator Durbin.

[jtown1123]

9. I'm looking into that...these guys just listen to the inside the beltway hacks who know nothing

about Social Security.