Topic: Social Security
started by: Expatriate
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 05 2013,9:59 am
Some Washington politicians are proposing a budget deal that would change the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and veterans' benefits, resulting in a combined $146 billion in cuts over the next ten years. Use the calculator link below to see exactly how the COLA change would impact you
< http://action.aarp.org/site...or.html >
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 07 2013,3:21 pm
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fvXuANd2l80 >
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 08 2013,3:37 pm
(Expatriate @ Apr. 05 2013,9:59 am)
QUOTE
Some Washington politicians are proposing a budget deal that would change the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and veterans' benefits, resulting in a combined $146 billion in cuts over the next ten years.
So republicans are already critizing the plan as are some democrats.
Which politicians want this chained CPI??
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 08 2013,4:08 pm
What Republicans, the grand old Taliban party wants to disembowel Social Security completely, CPI isn’t enoughfor them now even though it was the brainchild of the Republicans!
They also propose in their budget decimating Medicare turning it into a voucher system.
When you get hungry you can pray and receive manna miraculously from a divine source and be healed with prayer.
What kind of world do you think we’d live in if the Republican Taliban got their budget passed...
I’m all for a reduction in the ratio of debt to GDP but not at the expense of those who can least afford to pay for Wall Street Hoodwinkery or Bush’s welfare contribution to the Military Industrial Complex!
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 09 2013,10:53 am
I find it funny that Expat blames nobody but the Repubs for SS when both parties are to blame formvarious reasons. Do I care? Not really when SS won't be there when I retire or it will be severely means tested or restricted. It makes me angry that I pay into a system that will be no benefit to me. 
Posted by grassman on Apr. 09 2013,2:31 pm
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 09 2013,10:53 am)
QUOTE
I find it funny that Expat blames nobody but the Repubs for SS when both parties are to blame formvarious reasons. Do I care? Not really when SS won't be there when I retire or it will be severely means tested or restricted. It makes me angry that I pay into a system that will be no benefit to me.
That's right baby, I am right at the line for the cutoff. I'm takin it all!!!!!! Just think if the bailout would have been divided up amongst us citizens instead of the banks on wallstreet.
This conversation would not be taking place.
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 09 2013,3:48 pm
(Expatriate @ Apr. 05 2013,9:59 am)
QUOTE
Some Washington politicians are proposing a budget deal that would change the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and veterans' benefits, resulting in a combined $146 billion in cuts over the next ten years.
Use the calculator link below to see exactly how the COLA change would impact you
< http://action.aarp.org/site...or.html >
Use the calculator link below to see exactly how the COLA change would impact you
< http://action.aarp.org/site...or.html >
Aarp sucks and you're their pawn.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 09 2013,6:06 pm
^^^oh my AARP, I didn't see that one. I'm always getting solicitations from them. I always take the pre-addressed envelope and stuff it with junk mail and mail it back. 
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 09 2013,6:09 pm
(grassman @ Apr. 09 2013,2:31 pm)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 09 2013,10:53 am)
QUOTE
I find it funny that Expat blames nobody but the Repubs for SS when both parties are to blame formvarious reasons. Do I care? Not really when SS won't be there when I retire or it will be severely means tested or restricted. It makes me angry that I pay into a system that will be no benefit to me.
That's right baby, I am right at the line for the cutoff. I'm takin it all!!!!!! Just think if the bailout would have been divided up amongst us citizens instead of the banks on wallstreet.
This conversation would not be taking place.So this is how you pay for those commemorative plates in your Rollohome.
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 09 2013,9:44 pm
The economy has been growing on average less than 1% a year for the past four years and this guy wonders why the squeeze is on. 
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 10 2013,4:54 am
^^^but, but, but unemployment just dropped from 7.7 to 7.6% 
We're putting 88 billion $ a month into the economy( which we're pulling out of our ass)
To help with the unemployment our leaders are working on an amnesty plan for 11-plus million criminal immigrants (or as Leno says," undocumented Democrats.
And President Bastard wants to rise taxes again to help our economy bloom some more.
We's sh!ttin' in tall cotton!
Posted by grassman on Apr. 10 2013,7:35 am
Don't forget to wash your fingers! 
SB, you drive a truck, take them back where they came from. IT'S SB'S FAULT!
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 10 2013,7:41 am
Yes it most certainly is.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 10 2013,2:03 pm
Hey --President Obama's just released his budget -- and put your Social Security benefits on the chopping block.
His new budget proposal contains cuts that would slash the benefits you receive by thousands -- and the cuts just keep getting worse year over year.
President Obama is pushing hard to include these cuts, known as the chained CPI, in his "grand bargain" and Congress might just go along with it -- so we have to speak out now.
I just told President Obama that my benefits aren't bargaining chips, and that I expect him to protect and strengthen my hard-earned benefits. Will you join me? It only takes a minute.
< https://action.aarp.org/site...id=3099 >
Thanks!
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 10 2013,2:11 pm
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 09 2013,6:06 pm)
QUOTE
^^^oh my AARP, I didn't see that one. I'm always getting solicitations from them. I always take the pre-addressed envelope and stuff it with junk mail and mail it back.
Damn, I'm going to dig that one I just threw in the garbage and do that.
QUOTE
President Barack Obama sent Congress a $3.8 trillion spending blueprint on Wednesday that strives to achieve a "grand bargain" to tame runaway deficits, raising taxes on the wealthy and trimming popular benefit programs including Social Security and Medicare.
The president's budget projects deficit reductions of $1.8 trillion over the next decade, achieved with higher taxes, reductions in payments to Medicare providers and cutbacks in the cost-of-living adjustments paid to millions of recipients in Social Security and other government programs. < AP wire >
The president's budget projects deficit reductions of $1.8 trillion over the next decade, achieved with higher taxes, reductions in payments to Medicare providers and cutbacks in the cost-of-living adjustments paid to millions of recipients in Social Security and other government programs. < AP wire >
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 10 2013,3:09 pm
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 10 2013,3:11 pm
Whoops! That was two year old news. 
Posted by irisheyes on Apr. 10 2013,4:50 pm
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 09 2013,10:53 am)
QUOTE
I find it funny that Expat blames nobody but the Repubs for SS when both parties are to blame formvarious reasons. Do I care? Not really when SS won't be there when I retire or it will be severely means tested or restricted. It makes me angry that I pay into a system that will be no benefit to me.
Even if they do change it to be means tested, truck drivers and Joe of the Plumber types aren't going to be wealthy enough to wind up on the chopping block. And we wouldn't even have to means test if they raised the income cap, FICA is currently a regressive tax.
The trust fund has trillions for both SS and Medicare, after running surplus year after year. The biggest threat is that for decades they spent that trust fund on wars and tax cuts.
CC
QUOTE
Aarp sucks and you're their pawn.
You can't seriously call out someone else for using bad sources. It's not like AARP is any worse than your links or videos from the insurance industry special interest group.
QUOTE
The economy has been growing on average less than 1% a year for the past four years and this guy wonders why the squeeze is on.
QUOTE
but, but, but unemployment just dropped from 7.7 to 7.6%...
To help with the unemployment our leaders are working on an amnesty plan for 11-plus million criminal immigrants (or as Leno says," undocumented Democrats.
And President Bastard wants to rise taxes again to help our economy bloom some more.
To help with the unemployment our leaders are working on an amnesty plan for 11-plus million criminal immigrants (or as Leno says," undocumented Democrats.
And President Bastard wants to rise taxes again to help our economy bloom some more.
Had to lol at the Leno quote. Hadn't heard that one.
You guys will complain whether the economy is bad or whether the economy is in recovery (but not fast enough for you). Once again, our economy goes in the tank under a repub and the conservatives complain because the democrats aren't fixing it fast enough. It's like Hoover vs. FDR and Reagan vs. Clinton all over again.
As for taxes, they have to be raised, even republicans know that. They just don't want to pay for all the spending you guys advocate for also. They'd rather just gut the trust funds and blame it all on NPR and Obamaphones.
To pay down our debt, we'd have to go back to similar levels like WWII to Vietnam. Back when we funded stuff and the rich payed higher percentages than their secretaries.
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 10 2013,5:21 pm
Not disputing the source. I just don't like what AARP has become. They failed at putting their members first when they signed onto Obummer care. There isn't a day that goes by when some expert finds yet another lie hidden amongst the 2000+ pages of Obummer care.
nuff said...
Posted by irisheyes on Apr. 10 2013,7:12 pm
(Common Citizen @ Apr. 10 2013,5:21 pm)
QUOTE
Not disputing the source. I just don't like what AARP has become. They failed at putting their members first when they signed onto Obummer care.
Fair enough.
QUOTE
There isn't a day that goes by when some expert finds yet another lie hidden amongst the 2000+ pages of Obummer care.
I still can't believe we got Sharia law into there. You guys are going to be SOO pissed when you find that.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 10 2013,8:58 pm
^^^ so what you're saying is being in a goat- fornicating, woman beating bastization of a religion is the same as being in a union or being in congress.I see.
Posted by irisheyes on Apr. 10 2013,9:14 pm
Touché
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 10 2013,10:19 pm
So help me out here, I know the mooslims take exception to paying interest or buying insurance. Didn't scotus declare bummercare as a tax???
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 11 2013,10:05 am
Posted by irisheyes on Apr. 11 2013,11:07 am
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 10 2013,10:19 pm)
QUOTE
So help me out here, I know the mooslims take exception to paying interest or buying insurance. Didn't scotus declare bummercare as a tax???
Muslims forbid interest, but not health insurance or taxes.
The only religious group that I'm aware of that seek exceptions to this kind of thing are sects of Anabaptist.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 11 2013,11:26 am
(Expatriate @ Apr. 11 2013,10:05 am)
QUOTE
Are you beating up on yourself again?
Stop it or we'll have to have an intervention.
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 11 2013,12:24 pm
(Expatriate @ Apr. 10 2013,2:03 pm)
QUOTE
His new budget proposal contains cuts that would slash the benefits you receive by thousands -- and the cuts just keep getting worse year over year.
President Obama is pushing hard to include these cuts, known as the chained CPI, in his "grand bargain" and Congress might just go along with it -- so we have to speak out now.
President Obama is pushing hard to include these cuts, known as the chained CPI, in his "grand bargain" and Congress might just go along with it -- so we have to speak out now.
Let's not forget about the $700B Obama stole from Medicare to help fund Bummercare. Now he has to figure out where to get the money to fund the exchanges in 33 states his health gurus weren't expecting.
< Sticker Shock >
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 11 2013,4:36 pm
^ Obama made the cuts but the cuts were from Medicare Advantage, a Republican give away to the Insurance companies, cost controls at Hospitals and by plugging fraud waste abuses.This was a cost savings from expensive subsidized Medicare Advantage policies that actually didn't even cover as well as standard Medicare. It’s an outright lie that Obama somehow stole $700B from Medicare and paid into Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare.
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 12 2013,5:01 am
(Expatriate @ Apr. 11 2013,4:36 pm)
QUOTE
^ Obama made the cuts but the cuts were from Medicare Advantage, a Republican give away to the Insurance companies, cost controls at Hospitals and by plugging fraud waste abuses.
This was a cost savings from expensive subsidized Medicare Advantage policies that actually didn't even cover as well as standard Medicare. It’s an outright lie that Obama somehow stole $700B from Medicare and paid into Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare.
This was a cost savings from expensive subsidized Medicare Advantage policies that actually didn't even cover as well as standard Medicare. It’s an outright lie that Obama somehow stole $700B from Medicare and paid into Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare.
You either found a new flavor of kool aid or bought a new pair of knee pads. Which is it?
Let's talk about cost controls and waste. Here is one example.
If you own a self funded Health Flexible Spending Account, the Obummer administration established a law effective Jan. 1, 2011, that the cost of an over-the-counter medicine or drugs cannot be reimbursed from Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) or health reimbursement arrangements unless a prescription is obtained.
In other words if I have heart burn and I want to buy Prilosec in Walmart with money that I was responsible with and stashed away in my HSA, I have to go see a doctor and get a prescription. Now that $25 box just cost me and the system over $100 plus the cost of the product. Pretty wasteful and not a very responsible use of money wouldn't you agree?
But keep making excuses Expat and blame the GOP.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 12 2013,7:28 am
I don’t participate in a F.S.A. (cafeteria fund), I don’t care for the use it or loose it. I was forced into a H.S.A. with administrative fees.Stay away from all drugs, even over the counter!
This thread is about Social Security cuts, it’s sister plan Medicare relates.
Obama’s cuts are minuscule compared to the Republican budget plan.
These are plans we’ve paid into our entire lives they are NOT so called entitlements!
The reason Obama has went back on his word on Social Security is a concession to Republican’s a bargaining chip
to the party of NO, Republicans have become obstructionists!
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 12 2013,8:56 am
^ HOLY SH!T, you really are a tool!!!
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 12 2013,10:17 am
Social Security is not a budget issue, it’s a stand alone program funded by worker/employer contributions! Any politician messing around here will pay.AARP has 36 million members and we’re pissed!
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 12 2013,1:53 pm
I wonder how many of those 36 million are the baby boomer's responsible for running this country into the ground? Maybe they're the generation that should pay up. It all started in the 60's and has grown like a cancer. They got us into this mess maybe they should get us out.The greatest generation worked hard to build this country only to have their snot nosed kids piss on it.
If anyone has the right to be pissed it's the generations that came after the boomer's.
...nuff said.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 12 2013,2:28 pm
How do figure that? Perhaps you could explain your hypostasis!
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 14 2013,4:35 pm
It doesn't need an explanation. Which generation has been running the government over the past few decades? Most of them are baby boomer's. And if you can't bring yourself to find fault in your government without bringing up crooked corporations...which generation do many of these leaders come from? Which generation is going to suck government benefits dry on the backs of future generations. Ssi, medicare, medicaid have been an ongoing debate for how many years now with little to no action. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 15 2013,6:54 am
You’re fairly statistically inclined Mr. Insurance man you should know the Boomer life span is shorter than their progenitor.Fact is they’re dying at an alarming rate that continues to accelerate, you’ll be on your own soon you snot nosed kid!
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 15 2013,8:31 am
(Expatriate @ Apr. 15 2013,6:54 am)
QUOTE
Fact is they’re dying at an alarming rate that continues to accelerate, you’ll be on your own soon you snot nosed kid!
LMAO at expat.
The boomer birth years were from 1946-1964. The average boomer will live to 83. The first batch of boomers just turned 65 in 2011.
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 15 2013,8:37 am
(Expatriate @ Apr. 15 2013,6:54 am)
QUOTE
Fact is they’re dying at an alarming rate that continues to accelerate, you’ll be on your own soon you snot nosed kid!
I may have snot dripping from my nose but you will soon have stool dripping from your arse.
Posted by pepi la pew on Apr. 15 2013,8:39 am
EXP who did you get your figures from SS has been raided by the FED. GOV. for years. the only thing in it is I.O.U.s if you believe what the gov. says, I got to sell you the BAY bridge in CALIFORNIA. you will like it.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 15 2013,7:25 pm
I hate to say this about my generation but boomers are fatter and sicker than their predecessors were at the same age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other maladies plague my out of shape pill popping peers. Metabolic Syndrome is the rule not the exception. Eleven ways that aging boomers are worse off than their predecessors …
Pre-
Boomer Boomer
Excellent health status 32% 13%
Use a walking assist device 3.3 6.9
Limited in work 10.1 13.8
Functional limitation 8.8 13.5
Obese 29 39
Regular exercise 50 35
Moderate drinking 37 67
Hypertension 36 43
Hypercholesterolemia 34 74
Diabetes 12 16
Cancer 10 11
… and three in which they’re better off …
Pre-
Boomer Boomer
Current smoker 28 21
Emphysema 3.5 2.3
Myocardial infarction 5 4
We've never seen medication consumed at the rate the Boomer’s are ingesting these pharmaceuticals, chronic renal and liver failure will take their toll.
Posted by pepi la pew on Apr. 16 2013,4:08 pm
Well EXP what do the eleven ways boomers are worse off have to do with SS. Im 66 and none of them apply to me. I still enjoy bowling every week, playing horse shoes.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 16 2013,5:32 pm
^Social Security is solvent now and will be for decades to come, Boomers life spans shortening means less people drawing.
Posted by pepi la pew on Apr. 17 2013,7:31 am
EXP you still didn't answer my question. What does your 11 reasons for boomers being worse off health wise. Have to do with SS being solvent? I agree with you, SS retirement should be raised. 70 for early retirement,72 for full retirement. Because people are living longer. Medicare should be changed to 70.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 17 2013,8:18 am
Fine, raise the age as long as everyone already collecting gets cut off until they reach the new requirements. Make them all go out and find jobs so they can continue to contribute. That should be easy! What about all the jobs that cannot be done by 70 year olds? You know,the folks that actually work for a living. Just because people are living longer does not mean they can work longer.
Posted by pepi la pew on Apr. 17 2013,8:43 am
MOPAR Im still working, will be till I cant. Ive seen too many people retire and do nothing, but sit around no hobbies, nothing to do. And in 6 mo. to a yr. they are dead!!! You need something to do with your time.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 17 2013,8:44 am
^ they could join a union then they wouldn't have to work very hard.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 17 2013,12:18 pm
(pepi la pew @ Apr. 17 2013,8:43 am)
QUOTE
I agree with you, SS retirement should be raised. 70 for early retirement,72 for full retirement. Because people are living longer. Medicare should be changed to 70.
Where did I say we should raise the retirement or Medicare age? I would lift the cap on income subject to Social Security taxes, if I’m paying 6.2% of every dollar I make why shouldn’t someone making over – $113,700 pay on every dollar too.
Social Security isn’t some kind of free program or Government giveaway as you brain washed Limbaugh groupies contend, it’s an earned and paid for part of a worker’s retirement plan!
QUOTE
Im still working, will be till I cant. Ive seen too many people retire and do nothing, but sit around no hobbies, nothing to do. And in 6 mo. to a yr. they are dead!!! You need something to do with your time.
Something smells in your posts Mr. La pew, you’ve told US you have retired from the Guards with 22 years service that equates to a pension plus free medical for life.
You’ve told US you worked in a union shop for many years that equates to pension #2
You told US you retired at the age of 62 (Social Security) that equates to pension #3
Now you’re telling US you’re also working, lets just say part time post retirement that equates to income #4
Yet you’ve told US you don’t pay any tax. ?
If I retired today at the age of 63 not only would I still be paying tax but 85% of my Social Security would be taxable.
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 17 2013,12:25 pm
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 17 2013,8:44 am)
QUOTE
^ they could join a union then they wouldn't have to work very hard.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 17 2013,1:20 pm
(MADDOG @ Apr. 17 2013,12:25 pm)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 17 2013,8:44 am)
QUOTE
^ they could join a union then they wouldn't have to work very hard.
Just trying to be helpful.
Posted by pepi la pew on Apr. 17 2013,4:07 pm
Sorry EXP our union didn't have a pension, And retired pay from gaurds isn't the same pay as active duty retirement pay.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 17 2013,6:51 pm
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 17 2013,8:44 am)
QUOTE
^ they could join a union then they wouldn't have to work very hard.
Or become a truck driver....
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 17 2013,7:50 pm
Or a salesman.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 18 2013,4:01 am
(Moparman @ Apr. 17 2013,6:51 pm)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 17 2013,8:44 am)
QUOTE
^ they could join a union then they wouldn't have to work very hard.
Or become a truck driver...
Or even a grain farmer.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 18 2013,7:36 am
Except without grain farmers you would be dead.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 18 2013,7:54 am
^ but I know how to feed myself, I grew up on a real farm
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 18 2013,10:33 am
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 18 2013,7:54 am)
QUOTE
^ but I know how to feed myself, I grew up on a real farm
I'll bet it was one of those farms where you chased the chickens until one of them decided to chase you and that when you played barefoot out in the pasture, it wasn't mud that came up between your toes?
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 18 2013,11:09 am
(Moparman @ Apr. 18 2013,7:36 am)
QUOTE
Except without grain farmers you would be dead.
You're too much. 
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 18 2013,11:41 am
(MADDOG @ Apr. 18 2013,10:33 am)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 18 2013,7:54 am)
QUOTE
^ but I know how to feed myself, I grew up on a real farm
I'll bet it was one of those farms where you chased the chickens until one of them decided to chase you and that when you played barefoot out in the pasture, it wasn't mud that came up between your toes?
I always thought that mud smelled funny.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 18 2013,2:04 pm
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 18 2013,7:54 am)
QUOTE
^ but I know how to feed myself, I grew up on a real farm
Than one would think you would know better.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 18 2013,2:09 pm
(Common Citizen @ Apr. 18 2013,11:09 am)
QUOTE
(Moparman @ Apr. 18 2013,7:36 am)
QUOTE
Except without grain farmers you would be dead.
You're too much. And I'm wrong how?...
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 18 2013,11:23 pm
really? you need an explanation? ...
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 19 2013,4:34 pm
I knew you could not answer! Just like SB, trolling around spewing dribble, and when a question comes up you don't (or more likely cannot) answer you respond with nothing.Proof positive that ignorance is bliss!
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 19 2013,10:42 pm
I don't answer a stupid question because the answer is so obvious it shouldn't require a response and you call it trolling. Nice.You know darn well that a person can survive on this earth without a grain farmer. And you want to talk about ignorance? pfft...
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 20 2013,7:58 am
Wow! That could be the the most out of touch, uneducated response I have ever read! You should really get out more. Have fun hunting and gathering...
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 20 2013,10:02 am
(Moparman @ Apr. 19 2013,4:34 pm)
QUOTE
I knew you could not answer! Just like SB, trolling around spewing dribble, and when a question comes up you don't (or more likely cannot) answer you respond with nothing.
Proof positive that ignorance is bliss!
Just like SB, trolling around spewing dribble, and when a question comes up you don't (or more likely cannot) answer you respond with nothing.Proof positive that ignorance is bliss!
Nothing against CC but lumping him in with me is kind of chicken sh!t and lazy on your part MP. Myself, and I'm pretty sure CC are independents,. I depend on myself, not waiting for some union hack to tell me what to do, who to vote for, what hand to wipe with.
The one thing I've learned about being an independent over the years is that we are survivors.
Quick question, was it you that said I should get a pontoon?
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 20 2013,6:21 pm
I'm not told to do any of those things. And even if I was I certainly don't have to listen to it. Your not any more "independent" than anyone else, you have to go to work everyday and perform at your job, your customer tells you where to go and when to get there, the govt has to tell you how long you can work each day, there is nothing special about that. My union provides work rules for BOTH the company and it's employees to follow. These rule are negotiated by both sides. It also provides a very good living wage and affordable health insurance for my family. This wage allows me to spend more money in the local eonomy. It provides a nice pension for my families future. And I get all this for less than .01 % check. Goodness.... What a terrible thing!
It was probably wrong to lump you in with CC at least you realize that a person has to eat to survive.
And yes you wre talking a pontoon with me. We decided we really did not have enough time to really enjoy one now. But, in the near future....
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 20 2013,6:51 pm
(Moparman @ Apr. 20 2013,7:58 am)
QUOTE
Wow! That could be the the most out of touch, uneducated response I have ever read! You should really get out more.
Have fun hunting and gathering...
Have fun hunting and gathering...
Not sure what you're laughing about? I have nothing against farmers. I just drew attention to your statement that people would die without a grain farmer. Even you have to admit that the statement was preposterous. Do they make things more convenient? Sure. But would people die without them? No.
You, dear sir, are out of touch.
...nuff said.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 20 2013,8:29 pm
You really need stop this nonsense. Food comes from a farm. Each American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 21 2013,8:28 am
(Moparman @ Apr. 20 2013,6:21 pm)
QUOTE
I'm not told to do any of those things. And even if I was I certainly don't have to listen to it. Your not any more "independent" than anyone else, you have to go to work everyday and perform at your job, your customer tells you where to go and when to get there, the govt has to tell you how long you can work each day, there is nothing special about that.
My union provides work rules for BOTH the company and it's employees to follow. These rule are negotiated by both sides. It also provides a very good living wage and affordable health insurance for my family. This wage allows me to spend more money in the local eonomy. It provides a nice pension for my families future. And I get all this for less than .01 % check. Goodness... What a terrible thing!
It was probably wrong to lump you in with CC at least you realize that a person has to eat to survive.
And yes you wre talking a pontoon with me. We decided we really did not have enough time to really enjoy one now. But, in the near future...
My union provides work rules for BOTH the company and it's employees to follow. These rule are negotiated by both sides. It also provides a very good living wage and affordable health insurance for my family. This wage allows me to spend more money in the local eonomy. It provides a nice pension for my families future. And I get all this for less than .01 % check. Goodness... What a terrible thing!
It was probably wrong to lump you in with CC at least you realize that a person has to eat to survive.
And yes you wre talking a pontoon with me. We decided we really did not have enough time to really enjoy one now. But, in the near future...
Of course you're told what to do, you're in a union! I'm seem flyers and leaflets from unions, Teamsters, teachers, electrical etc. you will vote for who they say they approve.
The powers that be with a union don't give a rats ass about unless there's going to be a vote to dissolve a chapter.Of course there have been just totally upstanding union people over the years, Roy Williams, Jackie Presser and we can never forget Mr. Hoffa. They never took anything away from the "working man".
Pretty sure you said you worked in the food business there, I'd be all so worried how close Iowa is. Two of the food processors that I know of , the plants were built in the late fifties, early sixties, might be coming time for an upgrade but we've talked of this before
As far as the gov. Telling me how long I can work? Yep, they do, in that particular business but I grew up on a farm, a real farm, and I've always got more than one "iron in the fire". I alway get a kick out of people here that say I'm just a truck driver, just keep thinking that.
I let you know how the new pontoon works out, I pick it up next Sat.
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 21 2013,7:31 pm
(Moparman @ Apr. 20 2013,8:29 pm)
QUOTE
You really need stop this nonsense. Food comes from a farm. Each American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide.
Good lord. Of course food comes from a farm but that's not what you stated. You stated that people would die without grain farmers. That has nothing to do with where food comes from.
How did humanity make it this far without grain farmers. The only reason each farmer is feeding 155 people is because of technology. So don't blow smoke and tell me we would die without grain farmers. Those dependent on grain farmers would change there habits OR die. But that's not what you insinuated.
There are people all around the world that are surviving without grain farmers. Ya dig.
I think you're the real troll here.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 24 2013,4:17 pm
(Self-Banished @ Apr. 21 2013,8:28 am)
QUOTE
(Moparman @ Apr. 20 2013,6:21 pm)
QUOTE
I'm not told to do any of those things. And even if I was I certainly don't have to listen to it. Your not any more "independent" than anyone else, you have to go to work everyday and perform at your job, your customer tells you where to go and when to get there, the govt has to tell you how long you can work each day, there is nothing special about that.
My union provides work rules for BOTH the company and it's employees to follow. These rule are negotiated by both sides. It also provides a very good living wage and affordable health insurance for my family. This wage allows me to spend more money in the local eonomy. It provides a nice pension for my families future. And I get all this for less than .01 % check. Goodness... What a terrible thing!
It was probably wrong to lump you in with CC at least you realize that a person has to eat to survive.
And yes you wre talking a pontoon with me. We decided we really did not have enough time to really enjoy one now. But, in the near future...
My union provides work rules for BOTH the company and it's employees to follow. These rule are negotiated by both sides. It also provides a very good living wage and affordable health insurance for my family. This wage allows me to spend more money in the local eonomy. It provides a nice pension for my families future. And I get all this for less than .01 % check. Goodness... What a terrible thing!
It was probably wrong to lump you in with CC at least you realize that a person has to eat to survive.
And yes you wre talking a pontoon with me. We decided we really did not have enough time to really enjoy one now. But, in the near future...
Of course you're told what to do, you're in a union! I'm seem flyers and leaflets from unions, Teamsters, teachers, electrical etc. you will vote for who they say they approve.
The powers that be with a union don't give a rats ass about unless there's going to be a vote to dissolve a chapter.Of course there have been just totally upstanding union people over the years, Roy Williams, Jackie Presser and we can never forget Mr. Hoffa. They never took anything away from the "working man".
Pretty sure you said you worked in the food business there, I'd be all so worried how close Iowa is. Two of the food processors that I know of , the plants were built in the late fifties, early sixties, might be coming time for an upgrade but we've talked of this before
As far as the gov. Telling me how long I can work? Yep, they do, in that particular business but I grew up on a farm, a real farm, and I've always got more than one "iron in the fire". I alway get a kick out of people here that say I'm just a truck driver, just keep thinking that.
I let you know how the new pontoon works out, I pick it up next Sat.
So you really think reading a flyer is telling me what to do?
A flyer... Seriously! So you pick 3 teamster/mafia guys as your examples?
If you think that only union leaders have broken the law, you really have lead a sheltered life. There are plenty of extreme examples of wrongdoing from your corporate "heros" also.I'm not worried in the slightest, my company is expanding and very profitable. I know that bothers you because we are union with high wages and great benefits and the corporate schill brainwashing keeps telling you that just cannot be possible. And on the extremely remote chance It did close again no worries here, I also have other irons in the fire.
I know your not a truck driver. Everyone knows a "real" truck driver goes OTR. Just like your "real" farm nonsense.
I do honestly hope you enjoy that pontoon, though.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 24 2013,4:49 pm
(Common Citizen @ Apr. 21 2013,7:31 pm)
QUOTE
(Moparman @ Apr. 20 2013,8:29 pm)
QUOTE
You really need stop this nonsense. Food comes from a farm. Each American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide.
Good lord. Of course food comes from a farm but that's not what you stated. You stated that people would die without grain farmers. That has nothing to do with where food comes from.
How did humanity make it this far without grain farmers. The only reason each farmer is feeding 155 people is because of technology. So don't blow smoke and tell me we would die without grain farmers. Those dependent on grain farmers would change there habits OR die. But that's not what you insinuated.
There are people all around the world that are surviving without grain farmers. Ya dig.
I think you're the real troll here.
Good grief! Nobody can be this dense! Not what I stated?... You cannot make the connection from farm to food! Since I need to dumb it down for you how's this.... Without grain farmers people will starve to death. How is that?
Humanity has made it this far because of farmers and the technology that the FARMERS use.
You really think everyone could just simply change their habits? Really that's all it would take?
I guess you could call eating a "habit"... Sure there are people surviving around the world without grain farmers, Somalia, Ethiopia, the jungles of South America, native eskimos, Laplanders, etc... Farmers are the difference between surviving, and flourishing. Ya dig...
No trolling, just the facts.
Posted by Self-Banished on Apr. 25 2013,5:41 am
Yep MP, OTR drivers are real truck drivers, I call them "road gypsies".Thanks for the thought on the 'toon, it looks like it'll be sitting in the driveway for a few weeks till the ice goes.I'll have to have you aboard some day, serve you your favorite, Kool Aid
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 26 2013,8:23 am
(Moparman @ Apr. 24 2013,4:49 pm)
QUOTE
(Common Citizen @ Apr. 21 2013,7:31 pm)
QUOTE
(Moparman @ Apr. 20 2013,8:29 pm)
QUOTE
You really need stop this nonsense. Food comes from a farm. Each American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide.
Good lord. Of course food comes from a farm but that's not what you stated. You stated that people would die without grain farmers. That has nothing to do with where food comes from.
How did humanity make it this far without grain farmers. The only reason each farmer is feeding 155 people is because of technology. So don't blow smoke and tell me we would die without grain farmers. Those dependent on grain farmers would change there habits OR die. But that's not what you insinuated.
There are people all around the world that are surviving without grain farmers. Ya dig.
I think you're the real troll here.
Good grief! Nobody can be this dense! Not what I stated?... You cannot make the connection from farm to food! Since I need to dumb it down for you how's this... Without grain farmers people will starve to death. How is that?
Humanity has made it this far because of farmers and the technology that the FARMERS use.
You really think everyone could just simply change their habits? Really that's all it would take?
I guess you could call eating a "habit"... Sure there are people surviving around the world without grain farmers, Somalia, Ethiopia, the jungles of South America, native eskimos, Laplanders, etc... Farmers are the difference between surviving, and flourishing. Ya dig...
No trolling, just the facts.
You didn't state this?
QUOTE
Except without grain farmers you would be dead.
Just the facts.
Posted by StevenSmith625 on Apr. 27 2013,1:39 am
I agree with common that the economy has been growing on average less than 1% a year for the past four years and this guy wonders why the squeeze is on.
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 27 2013,8:45 am
Chained CPIOnce again America proves honest hard work does not pay, another government promise gone bad!
Social Security is a self-financed system that people pay into through a lifetime of hard work.
Instead of turning Social Security into a piggy bank for deficit reduction we need to guaranty it’ll be there for everyone
and strengthen the program not weaken it!
Social Security was designed as part of a three-legged stool, along with pensions and personal savings.
It has become even more vital as pensions have disappeared, savings have shrunk, and health care costs continue to rise.
Half of the workforce has no private pension coverage.
The average annual benefit for Social Security is roughly $15,000 a year. More than half of all older Americans rely on
Social Security for 50 percent or more of their family income. For nearly one in four people 65+, it represents at least 90 percent of their income.
The federal penitentiary system seems to have a nice retirement system, three meals a day, warm place to sleep, free medical and dental, cable TV, library service, gym privileges, free education opportunities, no worries about bills and when you die an all expense paid funeral!
Posted by Common Citizen on Apr. 27 2013,2:00 pm
I thought obaummercare was suppose to fix rising health care costs? I also don't see a lot of people taking the initiative by contributing their 401(k)'s or taking advantage of IRA's to replace the pensions they once depended on.
Don't we the people have some culpability when it comes to our own welfare either now or in retirement?
Posted by Expatriate on Apr. 28 2013,9:00 am
(Common Citizen @ Apr. 27 2013,2:00 pm)
QUOTE
I thought obaummercare was suppose to fix rising health care costs?
I would think you’d be happy about the Affordable Care Act it seems to be written for and by the Insurance Industry.
Something like the rest of the Industrialized Nations have would have been more to my liking.
QUOTE
I also don't see a lot of people taking the initiative by contributing their 401(k)'s or taking advantage of IRA's to replace the pensions they once depended on
.Part of the problem here is the stagnant wage of the working class, trickle down economics seems to have taken hold and never let go.
Some of these 401(k) plans are just crap, limited choices, fees, no employer match etc.
Health benefits have been becoming bare bones plans and even disappearing.
QUOTE
Don't we the people have some culpability when it comes to our own welfare either now or in retirement
Yes they do, the problem relates to income, well maybe intelligence too.
Why should guys like you and me give rats behind about those low wage undereducated laborers.
Because when enough of those folks are circling the drain the suction will take US down too.
Posted by Moparman on Apr. 29 2013,6:48 am
(Common Citizen @ Apr. 26 2013,8:23 am)
QUOTE
(Moparman @ Apr. 24 2013,4:49 pm)
QUOTE
(Common Citizen @ Apr. 21 2013,7:31 pm)
QUOTE
(Moparman @ Apr. 20 2013,8:29 pm)
QUOTE
You really need stop this nonsense. Food comes from a farm. Each American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide.
Good lord. Of course food comes from a farm but that's not what you stated. You stated that people would die without grain farmers. That has nothing to do with where food comes from.
How did humanity make it this far without grain farmers. The only reason each farmer is feeding 155 people is because of technology. So don't blow smoke and tell me we would die without grain farmers. Those dependent on grain farmers would change there habits OR die. But that's not what you insinuated.
There are people all around the world that are surviving without grain farmers. Ya dig.
I think you're the real troll here.
Good grief! Nobody can be this dense! Not what I stated?... You cannot make the connection from farm to food! Since I need to dumb it down for you how's this... Without grain farmers people will starve to death. How is that?
Humanity has made it this far because of farmers and the technology that the FARMERS use.
You really think everyone could just simply change their habits? Really that's all it would take?
I guess you could call eating a "habit"... Sure there are people surviving around the world without grain farmers, Somalia, Ethiopia, the jungles of South America, native eskimos, Laplanders, etc... Farmers are the difference between surviving, and flourishing. Ya dig...
No trolling, just the facts.
You didn't state this?
QUOTE
Except without grain farmers you would be dead.
Just the facts.
Yep! And I'll stand by that statement. Never denied it!
Posted by MADDOG on Apr. 29 2013,8:39 am
(Moparman @ Apr. 29 2013,6:48 am)
QUOTE
QUOTE
Except without grain farmers you would be dead.
QUOTE
Just the facts.
Yep! And I'll stand by that statement. Never denied it!
Yep, and without dairy farmers life wouldn't be quite as cheesey or without fruit farmers, life would be, well...fruitless.
Posted by Expatriate on May 11 2013,7:19 am
Social Security has not contributed a dime to the deficit. Social Security has a $2.7 trillion surplus. Social Security can pay 100 percent of promised benefits for the next 20 years. In other words, despite what you may be hearing from right-wing Republicans and the mainstream media, Social Security is not in crisis and Social Security is not going broke.The proposed change in how to measure consumer prices, a so-called chained CPI, would result in significant cuts in benefits. The average 65-year-old retiree would lose $658 a year in Social Security benefits by their 75th birthday; $1,147 by their 85th birthday; and $1,622 by their 95th birthday.
The chained CPI also would amount to an across-the-board tax increase on working families. More than three-quarters of the new revenue raised would come from Americans making less than $200,000 a year. Those making between $30,000 and $40,000 would be hit the hardest.
Posted by MADDOG on May 11 2013,10:18 am
SSI has an < unfunded liability > trust nearing $20T because of all the times the Congress mutts have borrowed from it.This chart shows a $2.7T asset value. What it doesn't show you is the unfunded liabilities. Congress borrowed it. You see, that money has been spend on two wars. It was spent on solyndra and Fisker. it was the funds used for your TARP and stimulus packages. It studied turtle crossings, spotted swamp frogs and the mating habit of shrimp. It paid for the new emergency shelter building in your town. You know, the one with the basketball court, indoor tennis court, health and weight room, spa and sauna in it. The GM auto bailout, AIG and don't forget the banks. That chart may show a $2.7T asset fund but all that's there is an I.O.U. from Washington.
It always humors me when liberals do math. Figures never lie, but liars often figure.
Posted by Expatriate on May 11 2013,11:38 am
^More BULL from a party parrot, with a link to nowhere.So in your opinion Government Bonds are worthless pieces of paper, if the bonds are worthless then the currency is worthless too.
The Right-wingers have been pushing this dribble about Social Security forever, the day Social Security fails will be the day America fails and it isn't going to happen no matter how much gloom and doom the Republican naysayers parrot!
Posted by MADDOG on May 11 2013,11:56 am
Didn't know I needed a link to the chart when it has the official government emblem emblazed on it. QUOTE
So in your opinion Government Bonds are worthless pieces of paper, if the bonds are worthless then the currency is worthless too.
You're starting to get warmer.
Posted by Expatriate on May 11 2013,12:31 pm
like to see a link to the Social Security site for your document!
Posted by MADDOG on May 11 2013,8:38 pm
Gawd I hate whiney dems that won't do anything for theirselves.Here, look at all the actuary < Trust Fund Data. > You using those 99 weeks too?
Posted by Expatriate on May 12 2013,8:36 am
The document does exist at Social Security online trust fund data
Social Security actually shows and increase while Disability Insurance shows a decrease but the fund overall increased.
We are moving to a time of more employment, higher wages, increased minimum wage, American cars are selling
again, Obama is leading us out of the boondoggle of the Bush wars and deregulated Wall Street dupery. FICA tax
is once again in place and growing with employment.
Those of you who think this Country would be better off without Social Security show your shortsighted stupidity.
Posted by Common Citizen on May 13 2013,3:38 pm
And they call the donks the party of the future? They defend a 1930's social security program and a 1960's medicare program while the GOP wants to reform both to bring them into the 21st century.nuff said...
Posted by irisheyes on May 14 2013,12:37 am
(Common Citizen @ May 13 2013,3:38 pm)
QUOTE
They defend a 1930's social security program and a 1960's medicare program while the GOP wants to reform both to bring them into the 21st century.
The GOP will end Medicare and put FICA money into the stock market right before it crashes. I wouldn't call that reform, I'd say that's ending both and transferring the money to corporations.
QUOTE
they call the donks the party of the future?
Not just the future, CC. The present and the past hundred years. The GOP was often, well... saying no. The Grover Norquist fans have been busy talking about bringing us back to the economic policies of the 1800's.
Posted by Common Citizen on May 14 2013,5:12 am
I wouldn't be to proud of the rich KKK past the dem party has had the last 100 years. I suppose next your going to tell me that the democratic party is the party for blacks. I will challenge that notion that certain black leaders pander to the democratic party by supporting legislation and policies that keep minorities shackled. I call it the race business. What has our first black president done for black people since taking office? They must have voted for him for some reason?
What about transferring the money from the people to the government? That's doesn't bother you? You act as if the government can manage money better.
Posted by Expatriate on May 14 2013,9:49 am
What Irish said Chained CPI – a cut to the cost-of-living adjustment that would cut Social Security benefits by billions – has dominated the news over the past few months.
But the White House and Congress aren't only talking about Social Security. They're also talking about changes to Medicare that could cut benefits or force you to pay even more for your health care.
Washington needs to focus on responsible, common sense solutions to keep Medicare strong, not harmful cuts that break the promises we've made to hardworking Americans who've paid in all their lives!
Posted by Expatriate on May 15 2013,3:00 pm
Congressional Republican leaders have demanded cuts to Social Security and Medicare as a precondition for budget talks, and sadly too many Democrats, including the president, are going along with it.Currently, the federal government ties the growth of Social Security benefits to the inflation rate — higher inflation means bigger boosts in benefits to retirees and the disabled.
Obama's proposal would change the way the government measures cost of living adjustments — a change that would result in cuts for current and future retirees — to the tune of more than $130 billion over 10 years. For millions of retirees, that amounts to losing a full-month's check.
This is the wrong debate America should be having. First off, numerous economists have shown that if Washington wants to reduce the debt, going after Social Security is the wrong way to do it.
Corporate mergers and downsizing have devastated private pensions, which are increasingly a thing of the past for most workers. And stagnant wages and tough economic times have left 75 percent of Americans nearing retirement age with less than $30,000 in private accounts like 401(k)s.
For millions of Americans, retirement isn't an option any more. So why is Congress debating how to slash many retirees' last lifeline? Corporate America, Congress and President Obama should say no to policies that make things worse for current and future retirees and should start talking about how we can make real retirement security accessible to all.
Posted by Expatriate on May 30 2013,3:45 pm
You are receiving this letter because you recently wrote to Tim Walz.SpryMAIL
May 30, 2013
QUOTE
Dear Mr.XXXXXXXX
Thank you for contacting me about the use of "chained CPI" to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.
As you may know, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the changes in the prices and inflation rates of a monthly representative basket of goods and services. The CPI is the measurement used to calculate cost of living adjustments such as Social Security. The chained CPI is similar to the regular CPI, except that instead of using a representative basket of products, chained CPI’s rates are tied to actual spending. In other words, chained CPI measures inflation in a way that takes into account the notion that people might alter their spending patterns when prices for specific items rise. Due to this change, some presume that the normal CPI calculations are being skewed.
A change in the CPI calculation could affect many seniors and federal workers who live on very fixed incomes. We saw in recent years the consequences of no COLA raise – Medicare premiums increased, but Social Security checks did not. Seniors and people with disabilities have very different spending habits than the rest of the population. They have much higher health care costs that often increase at a higher rate than other living costs. This is spending that they cannot alter, no matter if prices go up.
I remain very skeptical of chained CPI and concerned about the consequences of moving to it. Thank you again for your letter. I will continue to take your thoughts into mind as we work towards finding a viable fiscal solution for our country’s future.
Thank you again for sharing your views with me, and I look forward to hearing from you again in the future. For more information about my activities representing southern Minnesota in Congress, please visit < http://walz.house.gov > and sign up for my e-newsletter.
Sincerely,
Tim Walz
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
TJW/
Thank you for contacting me about the use of "chained CPI" to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.
As you may know, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the changes in the prices and inflation rates of a monthly representative basket of goods and services. The CPI is the measurement used to calculate cost of living adjustments such as Social Security. The chained CPI is similar to the regular CPI, except that instead of using a representative basket of products, chained CPI’s rates are tied to actual spending. In other words, chained CPI measures inflation in a way that takes into account the notion that people might alter their spending patterns when prices for specific items rise. Due to this change, some presume that the normal CPI calculations are being skewed.
A change in the CPI calculation could affect many seniors and federal workers who live on very fixed incomes. We saw in recent years the consequences of no COLA raise – Medicare premiums increased, but Social Security checks did not. Seniors and people with disabilities have very different spending habits than the rest of the population. They have much higher health care costs that often increase at a higher rate than other living costs. This is spending that they cannot alter, no matter if prices go up.
I remain very skeptical of chained CPI and concerned about the consequences of moving to it. Thank you again for your letter. I will continue to take your thoughts into mind as we work towards finding a viable fiscal solution for our country’s future.
Thank you again for sharing your views with me, and I look forward to hearing from you again in the future. For more information about my activities representing southern Minnesota in Congress, please visit < http://walz.house.gov > and sign up for my e-newsletter.
Sincerely,
Tim Walz
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
TJW/
Posted by MADDOG on May 30 2013,5:15 pm
Here is a copy of the email posted in the Daily KOS:QUOTE
Like most, I have an strong interest in opposing Obama's proposed Social Security benefit cuts - the chained CPI. My elderly Mom is on Social Security, and, one day not too distant, I will be on Social Security as well. Or so I hope.
Anyway, I have been writing and calling my Congressman, John Yarmuth, urging him to oppose Social Security benefit cuts and to do so in a public manner. However, when it came to my two U.S. Senators, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, I first inquired where they stand on Obama's chained CPI proposal. So far, the only one to answer me at all is Senator Rand Paul.
Here is a copy of the email that I received on my inquiry:
Several things that I noted in this letter:
1. Chained CPI is a gift to Republicans from Obama, but Paul is saying "No Thanks!" So Obama's gambit of cutting benefits to the elderly didn't buy him any gratitude from Mr. Tea Party Senator.
2. Paul wants to have his cake and eat it too. Social Security is in "fragile" condition, and it needs fixing, but he implies that Obama is not doing enough to "ensure the solvency" of Social Security. This is from the Republican play book of 2010 when Medicare cuts were used to attack Democrats as heartless to the elderly.
3. Paul wants to eliminate Social Security for future leaches like me.
I'm not surprised by any of the above, except that Paul at least has taken the time to respond to my email and state his intentions publicly. I expect McConnell will probably have a similar position to Paul's. Republicans are not exactly original thinkers, and if Obama proposes something, McConnell will be against it. I'm just not sure what the exact wording of McConnell's response will be to chained CPI is all. Unfortunately, Yarmuth has not responded to my repeated requests. In fact, Yarmuth's silence on chained CPI is splitting my eardrums.
< dailykos >
Anyway, I have been writing and calling my Congressman, John Yarmuth, urging him to oppose Social Security benefit cuts and to do so in a public manner. However, when it came to my two U.S. Senators, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, I first inquired where they stand on Obama's chained CPI proposal. So far, the only one to answer me at all is Senator Rand Paul.
Here is a copy of the email that I received on my inquiry:
QUOTE
Thank you for contacting me regarding the proposed changes to Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Social Security. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue.
Annual COLAs are calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and based on the inflation measuring formula specified in the Social Security Act. Under the current formula, beneficiaries were given a 1.7 percent COLA in their payments starting in January 2013.
Social Security, Medicare and Veterans' COLAs have long been subjected to discussion of reform during budgetary debates. Most recently, President Obama proposed a change in the current COLA formula to the "chained consumer price index for all urban consumers" model, which is commonly referred to as "chained CPI," in his Fiscal Year 2014 budget plan.
Unlike the current COLA formula, chained CPI takes into account the consumer's response to price changes. For instance, if the price of a particular type of apples increased, one might purchase a cheaper type of apple or purchase a completely different fruit. Under this illustration, chained CPI would show a slower rate of inflation and consequently provide smaller COLAs and Social Security payments to beneficiaries.
As President Obama's budget does little to reduce the national debt and would increase taxes on struggling families, I will oppose this plan should it come before the Senate for a vote. That being said, we must recognize that the combination of massive debt, fewer active workers, and more retirees has left Social Security and Medicare in a fragile condition. I would only support changes regarding Social Security during the 113th Congress that would apply to younger Americans who have time to plan for the future and permanently ensure the solvency of Social Security.
Again thank you for sharing your concerns with me. Rest assured I am committed to balancing the federal budget, cutting wasteful spending, and stopping the use of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds so we can keep our promises to those who rely on its benefits.
Sincerely,
Signature
Rand Paul, MD
United States Senator
Annual COLAs are calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and based on the inflation measuring formula specified in the Social Security Act. Under the current formula, beneficiaries were given a 1.7 percent COLA in their payments starting in January 2013.
Social Security, Medicare and Veterans' COLAs have long been subjected to discussion of reform during budgetary debates. Most recently, President Obama proposed a change in the current COLA formula to the "chained consumer price index for all urban consumers" model, which is commonly referred to as "chained CPI," in his Fiscal Year 2014 budget plan.
Unlike the current COLA formula, chained CPI takes into account the consumer's response to price changes. For instance, if the price of a particular type of apples increased, one might purchase a cheaper type of apple or purchase a completely different fruit. Under this illustration, chained CPI would show a slower rate of inflation and consequently provide smaller COLAs and Social Security payments to beneficiaries.
As President Obama's budget does little to reduce the national debt and would increase taxes on struggling families, I will oppose this plan should it come before the Senate for a vote. That being said, we must recognize that the combination of massive debt, fewer active workers, and more retirees has left Social Security and Medicare in a fragile condition. I would only support changes regarding Social Security during the 113th Congress that would apply to younger Americans who have time to plan for the future and permanently ensure the solvency of Social Security.
Again thank you for sharing your concerns with me. Rest assured I am committed to balancing the federal budget, cutting wasteful spending, and stopping the use of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds so we can keep our promises to those who rely on its benefits.
Sincerely,
Signature
Rand Paul, MD
United States Senator
Several things that I noted in this letter:
1. Chained CPI is a gift to Republicans from Obama, but Paul is saying "No Thanks!" So Obama's gambit of cutting benefits to the elderly didn't buy him any gratitude from Mr. Tea Party Senator.
2. Paul wants to have his cake and eat it too. Social Security is in "fragile" condition, and it needs fixing, but he implies that Obama is not doing enough to "ensure the solvency" of Social Security. This is from the Republican play book of 2010 when Medicare cuts were used to attack Democrats as heartless to the elderly.
3. Paul wants to eliminate Social Security for future leaches like me.
I'm not surprised by any of the above, except that Paul at least has taken the time to respond to my email and state his intentions publicly. I expect McConnell will probably have a similar position to Paul's. Republicans are not exactly original thinkers, and if Obama proposes something, McConnell will be against it. I'm just not sure what the exact wording of McConnell's response will be to chained CPI is all. Unfortunately, Yarmuth has not responded to my repeated requests. In fact, Yarmuth's silence on chained CPI is splitting my eardrums.
< dailykos >
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 07 2013,8:31 am
Do you think that money is in S.S. trust fund? All that's in there right now is a bunch of I.O.U.S from the GEN FUND! And it isn't worth the paper its written on.
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 07 2013,8:32 am
Do you think that money is in S.S. trust fund? All that's in there right now is a bunch of I.O.U.S from the GEN FUND! And it isn't worth the paper its written on.
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 07 2013,8:33 am
Do you think that money is in S.S. trust fund? All that's in there right now is a bunch of I.O.U.S from the GEN FUND! And it isn't worth the paper its written on.
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 07 2013,8:35 am
Do you think that money is in S.S. trust fund? All that's in there right now is a bunch of I.O.U.S from the GEN FUND! And it isn't worth the paper its written on.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jun. 07 2013,9:12 am
^ I see you're not feeling well either.
Posted by Expatriate on Jun. 07 2013,9:36 am
(pepi la pew @ Jun. 07 2013,8:35 am)
QUOTE
Do you think that money is in S.S. trust fund? All that's in there right now is a bunch of I.O.U.S from the GEN FUND! And it isn't worth the paper its written on.
Parkinson's la pew? Do think they’ll let Social Security go belly-up before they cut Tri-Care or pensions for weekend warriors?
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 13 2013,1:26 pm
I do believe they would!
Posted by Expatriate on Jun. 14 2013,12:06 pm
la pew when push comes to shove you’re drawing multiple Government pensions and a totally paid for medical planyou’ll face the reduction as a minority participant, the majority drawing Social Security will see a less pronounced
attack on benefits.
A Government that can’t afford to maintain pensions but can afford to become involved in every third world tussle
will ultimately implode!
Posted by grassman on Jun. 14 2013,11:32 pm
We have to keep the arms and specialty contractors in the gravy.
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 15 2013,8:04 am
I think all troops from the U.S. should be brought home now. We should NOT be the policemen of the world? Put the troops coming home on our southern borders to keep the WET-BACKS in there own country. NOT OURS. illegals should not get any BENNIES of any kind, just a one way ride home!
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 15 2013,8:40 am
EXP. My medical is not paid for I have to carry Medicare part A&B so its not free?
Posted by Expatriate on Jun. 15 2013,2:03 pm
^you're not paying for a supplemental policy and part D like US normal non-government folks.We don't get dental and eye glass like your Luxury Government Cadillac Plan.
Posted by Santorini on Jun. 15 2013,11:07 pm
(Expatriate @ May 15 2013,3:00 pm)
QUOTE
Congressional Republican leaders have demanded cuts to Social Security and Medicare as a precondition for budget talks, and sadly too many Democrats, including the president, are going along with it.
Currently, the federal government ties the growth of Social Security benefits to the inflation rate — higher inflation means bigger boosts in benefits to retirees and the disabled.
Obama's proposal would change the way the government measures cost of living adjustments — a change that would result in cuts for current and future retirees — to the tune of more than $130 billion over 10 years. For millions of retirees, that amounts to losing a full-month's check.
This is the wrong debate America should be having. First off, numerous economists have shown that if Washington wants to reduce the debt, going after Social Security is the wrong way to do it.
Corporate mergers and downsizing have devastated private pensions, which are increasingly a thing of the past for most workers. And stagnant wages and tough economic times have left 75 percent of Americans nearing retirement age with less than $30,000 in private accounts like 401(k)s.
For millions of Americans, retirement isn't an option any more. So why is Congress debating how to slash many retirees' last lifeline? Corporate America, Congress and President Obama should say no to policies that make things worse for current and future retirees and should start talking about how we can make real retirement security accessible to all.
Currently, the federal government ties the growth of Social Security benefits to the inflation rate — higher inflation means bigger boosts in benefits to retirees and the disabled.
Obama's proposal would change the way the government measures cost of living adjustments — a change that would result in cuts for current and future retirees — to the tune of more than $130 billion over 10 years. For millions of retirees, that amounts to losing a full-month's check.
This is the wrong debate America should be having. First off, numerous economists have shown that if Washington wants to reduce the debt, going after Social Security is the wrong way to do it.
Corporate mergers and downsizing have devastated private pensions, which are increasingly a thing of the past for most workers. And stagnant wages and tough economic times have left 75 percent of Americans nearing retirement age with less than $30,000 in private accounts like 401(k)s.
For millions of Americans, retirement isn't an option any more. So why is Congress debating how to slash many retirees' last lifeline? Corporate America, Congress and President Obama should say no to policies that make things worse for current and future retirees and should start talking about how we can make real retirement security accessible to all.
Just curious why your posting isn't in quotes??
Taken directly from IBEW website yet no source reference?
Just curious.
Posted by pepi la pew on Jun. 16 2013,7:39 am
EXPAT, I don't get eye or dental unless I pay for it. You should read up on tri-care before you make comments you don't know what your talking about. 
Posted by Expatriate on Jun. 16 2013,8:12 pm
(Santorini @ Jun. 15 2013,11:07 pm)
QUOTE
(Expatriate @ May 15 2013,3:00 pm)
QUOTE
Congressional Republican leaders have demanded cuts to Social Security and Medicare as a precondition for budget talks, and sadly too many Democrats, including the president, are going along with it.
Currently, the federal government ties the growth of Social Security benefits to the inflation rate — higher inflation means bigger boosts in benefits to retirees and the disabled.
Obama's proposal would change the way the government measures cost of living adjustments — a change that would result in cuts for current and future retirees — to the tune of more than $130 billion over 10 years. For millions of retirees, that amounts to losing a full-month's check.
This is the wrong debate America should be having. First off, numerous economists have shown that if Washington wants to reduce the debt, going after Social Security is the wrong way to do it.
Corporate mergers and downsizing have devastated private pensions, which are increasingly a thing of the past for most workers. And stagnant wages and tough economic times have left 75 percent of Americans nearing retirement age with less than $30,000 in private accounts like 401(k)s.
For millions of Americans, retirement isn't an option any more. So why is Congress debating how to slash many retirees' last lifeline? Corporate America, Congress and President Obama should say no to policies that make things worse for current and future retirees and should start talking about how we can make real retirement security accessible to all.
Currently, the federal government ties the growth of Social Security benefits to the inflation rate — higher inflation means bigger boosts in benefits to retirees and the disabled.
Obama's proposal would change the way the government measures cost of living adjustments — a change that would result in cuts for current and future retirees — to the tune of more than $130 billion over 10 years. For millions of retirees, that amounts to losing a full-month's check.
This is the wrong debate America should be having. First off, numerous economists have shown that if Washington wants to reduce the debt, going after Social Security is the wrong way to do it.
Corporate mergers and downsizing have devastated private pensions, which are increasingly a thing of the past for most workers. And stagnant wages and tough economic times have left 75 percent of Americans nearing retirement age with less than $30,000 in private accounts like 401(k)s.
For millions of Americans, retirement isn't an option any more. So why is Congress debating how to slash many retirees' last lifeline? Corporate America, Congress and President Obama should say no to policies that make things worse for current and future retirees and should start talking about how we can make real retirement security accessible to all.
Just curious why your posting isn't in quotes??
Taken directly from IBEW website yet no source reference?
Just curious.
Had I credited the I.B.E.W. you would have went on some anti-union rant and loosed the flying monkeys I’m sure!
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 06 2014,7:54 pm
QUOTE
Dear Expatriate,
On Tuesday, President Obama released his budget for the 2015 fiscal year – and after you sent over a million letters and made tens of thousands of calls, I'm pleased to let you know that the president has taken cuts to Social Security in the form of the chained CPI off the table.
As you know, the chained CPI, a feature of Pres. Obama's 2014 budget, would have cut Social Security benefits by $127 billion over the next ten years alone. The cut would have gotten larger and larger with each passing year – making it harder and harder for people to make ends meet.
After all the amazing work of activists like you in the last year, we're happy to see the president recognize that Social Security doesn't contribute to the deficit – and that your hard-earned benefits shouldn't be cut in order to bring the deficit under control.
Posted by MADDOG on Mar. 07 2014,8:35 am
QUOTE
"This budget isn't a serious document; it's a campaign brochure," -Paul Ryan
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 07 2014,10:46 am
what would you expect from the Tea Party Water Boy.Are you implying Social Security should be cut?
Posted by Common Citizen on Mar. 08 2014,7:59 am
Exactly why do you despise the Tea Party? Lay it out for us and source it.I'm curious to know if your beliefs are based on truth or lies.
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 08 2014,8:31 am
^^^I'd be curious to hear his reasonings too.
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 08 2014,2:57 pm
Lets not limit it to just you Tea Party wackos, take it form George< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xiKqowqbOk > link for gearjammer
< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGn9QC5UcnU >link for gearjammer
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 08 2014,3:38 pm
+< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yD5ICJcJyw > link for gearjammer
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 08 2014,6:54 pm
Well for me and my iPad it's not showing, let's try it in your own words.Most of the time you're not at a loss for them.
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 09 2014,2:22 pm
It's not my fault you were dumb enough to sign a contract with a service that won't stream.< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUZGkNAUSvY > link for gearjammer
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 09 2014,6:54 pm
^^^Yep, 'bout what I expected, chicken sh!t.C'mon put the big boy pants on and write your own opinion.
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 11 2014,2:48 pm
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 11 2014,6:22 pm
^^^this is so typical of Exlax, he'll accuse any of the conservatives of parroting Rush but he'll proclaim his "man crush" of progressives like Chris Matthews.
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 12 2014,4:01 pm
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 12 2014,4:54 pm
And again,
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 12 2014,4:58 pm
(Expatriate @ Mar. 12 2014,4:01 pm)
QUOTE
< http://youtu.be/NwwY9y6O3hw >
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 13 2014,6:51 am
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 13 2014,7:12 am
(Self-Banished @ Mar. 11 2014,6:22 pm)
QUOTE
^^^this is so typical of Exlax, he'll accuse any of the conservatives of parroting Rush but he'll proclaim his "man crush" of progressives like Chris Matthews.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 13 2014,8:31 am
^^ of course you think it's Now be a good monkey and flip the switch.
Posted by MADDOG on Mar. 13 2014,12:31 pm
Posted by grassman on Mar. 14 2014,10:30 am
^ what, another one on death row in Texas went down?
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 15 2014,5:01 pm
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 15 2014,6:54 pm
(grassman @ Mar. 14 2014,10:30 am)
QUOTE
^ what, another one on death row in Texas went down?
Extra crispy
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 15 2014,6:56 pm
[quote=Expatriate,Mar. 15 2014,5:01 pm][/quote]What ever this bullsh!t means
Typical public union worker, goes through life,
Unimaginative,
No risk,
No reward,
Lazy
Closed mind.
Flips the switch, and the little pellet comes out the slot
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 15 2014,8:20 pm
Fat dumb ass trucker, typical Republitard trucker mentality! Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 16 2014,1:20 am
Or is your job more like this...
Posted by grassman on Mar. 16 2014,7:44 am
(Self-Banished @ Mar. 15 2014,6:56 pm)
QUOTE
So, what part of what Sanders said, do you disagree with?
Posted by grassman on Mar. 16 2014,7:48 am
(Expatriate @ Mar. 15 2014,8:20 pm)
QUOTE
Fat dumb ass trucker, typical Republitard trucker mentality!
Sad, yet funny at the same time.
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 16 2014,11:29 am
(grassman @ Mar. 16 2014,7:48 am)
QUOTE
(Expatriate @ Mar. 15 2014,8:20 pm)
QUOTE
Fat dumb ass trucker, typical Republitard trucker mentality!
Sad, yet funny at the same time.
Except for his text I have no idea what he posted.
Nor do I care.
What I do get to see I find entertaining. His ignorance and stupidity of actually running a business is breathtaking.
I heard he's going to be in a parade tomorrow>
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 16 2014,11:30 am
(grassman @ Mar. 16 2014,7:44 am)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Mar. 15 2014,6:56 pm)
QUOTE
So, what part of what Sanders said, do you disagree with?
Didn't think I disagreed.
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 18 2014,12:53 pm
Posted by grassman on Mar. 19 2014,12:22 pm
The wealthy have most of the money. You know the saying, "It takes money to make money". They now, are enjoying the least amount of tax, in history. They paid good money to get there. Yet they spill their garbage about the deficit. The thing that disturbs me the most is that "little players", are sucked into their bullchit. Pimples on an ass, comes to mind.
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 19 2014,1:12 pm
grassman quote:QUOTE
The wealthy have most of the money. You know the saying, "It takes money to make money". They now, are enjoying the least amount of tax, in history. They paid good money to get there. Yet they spill their garbage about the deficit. The thing that disturbs me the most is that "little players", are sucked into their bullchit. Pimples on an ass, comes to mind.
God,Guns, Gays and apple pie flag wavers, lots of distractions while the fat cats loot the nation! yep you got a lot of pimples posting here!
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 19 2014,1:26 pm
(Expatriate @ Mar. 19 2014,1:12 pm)
QUOTE
grassman quote:
God,Guns, Gays and apple pie flag wavers, lots of distractions while the fat cats loot the nation! yep you got a lot of pimples posting here!
QUOTE
The wealthy have most of the money. You know the saying, "It takes money to make money". They now, are enjoying the least amount of tax, in history. They paid good money to get there. Yet they spill their garbage about the deficit. The thing that disturbs me the most is that "little players", are sucked into their bullchit. Pimples on an ass, comes to mind.
God,Guns, Gays and apple pie flag wavers, lots of distractions while the fat cats loot the nation! yep you got a lot of pimples posting here!
For both of you, It's all out there, go get some.
Quit being whining little bitches
Jealousy does not become you.
Posted by grassman on Mar. 19 2014,2:26 pm
^^^^Dense as a sinking turd. Just doesn't get it. 
ACNE sucks!
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 19 2014,3:19 pm
^^^oh Exlax might some day.
Posted by grassman on Mar. 19 2014,4:15 pm
You say go get some. What if everyone went and got some. I don't want to ever hear you bitch about a sh!tty road. Maybe we can just wish them to be fixxed.
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 19 2014,4:44 pm
I deal with crappy city streets everyday, it's just part of the business. At the beginning of summer I'll start putting trucks in the shop for alignments.Of course not everybody going to go out and stake their claim, some need to sit on their wide-ass and flip the switch.
Posted by Common Citizen on Mar. 19 2014,6:27 pm
(Expatriate @ Mar. 19 2014,1:12 pm)
QUOTE
grassman quote:
God,Guns, Gays and apple pie flag wavers, lots of distractions while the fat cats loot the nation! yep you got a lot of pimples posting here!
QUOTE
The wealthy have most of the money. You know the saying, "It takes money to make money". They now, are enjoying the least amount of tax, in history. They paid good money to get there. Yet they spill their garbage about the deficit. The thing that disturbs me the most is that "little players", are sucked into their bullchit. Pimples on an ass, comes to mind.
God,Guns, Gays and apple pie flag wavers, lots of distractions while the fat cats loot the nation! yep you got a lot of pimples posting here!
Go back to staring at your red button and let the adults in the room move this country forward.
Posted by grassman on Mar. 19 2014,8:42 pm
(Self-Banished @ Mar. 19 2014,1:26 pm)
QUOTE
(Expatriate @ Mar. 19 2014,1:12 pm)
QUOTE
grassman quote:
God,Guns, Gays and apple pie flag wavers, lots of distractions while the fat cats loot the nation! yep you got a lot of pimples posting here!
QUOTE
The wealthy have most of the money. You know the saying, "It takes money to make money". They now, are enjoying the least amount of tax, in history. They paid good money to get there. Yet they spill their garbage about the deficit. The thing that disturbs me the most is that "little players", are sucked into their bullchit. Pimples on an ass, comes to mind.
God,Guns, Gays and apple pie flag wavers, lots of distractions while the fat cats loot the nation! yep you got a lot of pimples posting here!
For both of you, It's all out there, go get some.
Quit being whining little bitches
Jealousy does not become you.
So, what you are saying is, you are one of those takers we been hearing about. Wow. I heard it was low life , unemployed, deviants. Thanks for setting that straight. Now it is clear to me that the real takers are the ones that fleece the system and say "HEY THAT'S PROGRESS"! you appall me.
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 20 2014,4:52 am
Fleecing the system? Just how do you figure that? There's a big difference between those that pay into the system and those who collect from it.
Posted by grassman on Mar. 20 2014,5:28 am
(grassman @ Mar. 19 2014,12:22 pm)
QUOTE
The wealthy have most of the money. You know the saying, "It takes money to make money". They now, are enjoying the least amount of tax, in history. They paid good money to get there. Yet they spill their garbage about the deficit. The thing that disturbs me the most is that "little players", are sucked into their bullchit. Pimples on an ass, comes to mind.
You have the attention span of a kitten.
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 20 2014,6:41 am
(grassman @ Mar. 20 2014,5:28 am)
QUOTE
(grassman @ Mar. 19 2014,12:22 pm)
QUOTE
The wealthy have most of the money. You know the saying, "It takes money to make money". They now, are enjoying the least amount of tax, in history. They paid good money to get there. Yet they spill their garbage about the deficit. The thing that disturbs me the most is that "little players", are sucked into their bullchit. Pimples on an ass, comes to mind.
You have the attention span of a kitten.
It takes "drive" to make money. Do you think somebody just gave me a truck years ago and said good luck? Do you think I just showed up with a load at a customer's and said "I'm your new drayman"? It take work, it takes effort. All I here from you and Exlax is I'm part of the problem, just a willing dupe. One has to know how to work the system, how to turn obstacles into opportunity, not whine because it's "not fair".
Attention span of a kitten?
I think you wallow in self pity.
Just remember,
Life's tough Buttercup
Posted by grassman on Mar. 20 2014,6:49 am
The conversation is about how the tax code has been bought by big business. Sorry, but you are not big business.
Posted by Self-Banished on Mar. 20 2014,8:13 am
Nope, I'm not, I just work with them.
Posted by Expatriate on Mar. 26 2014,1:04 pm