sn’t it curious that candidates like Sharon Angle who criticize the “raiding” of social security actually support that very action? There is a real disconnect between the grassroots populists who support massive changes to our social insurance programs, and the monied interests who cultivate that support. The actions of the deficit commission and the deficit hawks are not in the best interest of the working class either now or in the future. While controlling the debt levels of the United States is critical, doing so by addressing the true drivers of that debt is the proper focus. The current and lasting theme of attacking Social Security and Medicare while leaving the real drivers alone is akin to cutting the household budget of vegetables and school clothing to support an internet porn habit.
Posts filed under Medicare
The Fraud Of Private Social Security
The pundits certainly are in overdrive, and proving every day that speed does in fact kill. The ultimate target of this theme, a theme being driven through financial reporters who got F’s in their ECON 101 courses, is the privatization of Social Security and Medicare. Never mind the brief use of Medicare as a tool for the right in its fight against health care reform. That was then, this is now. Privatizing the two pillars of the U.S. retirement system would drive $2 trillion or more annually, into the hands of Wall Street investment concerns.
Deficit Hawks
Deficit hawks are in the news a lot lately, and it seems that the label is one that every politician aspires to earn. Who wouldn’t want to be associated with “fiscal responsibility” and “sound financial management”? In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit to being proud of President Clinton’s accomplishment (achieved through the Deficit Reduction Act of 1993, and not through the efforts of a GOP-majority House not in office until 1995). He managed to start paying down the debt largely incurred on President Reagan’s watch. I was even aggressively critical of President Bush’s expansion of federal debt (for those with short or tea-compromised memories, he doubled the debt during his term).
Entitlements, Fair Taxes, And The Blame Game
Ah, the blame game; its fun for the whole family and has an appeal that jumps every racial, ethnic, or socio-economic boundary. All you need to play is a problem you want to solve (in your mind), and someone you either don’t like or don’t know and, voila, problem solved. It is always easiest to… (read more)
The Misdirection Play
Football and politics have a lot in common; and by football I am mean charged-up and violent American football. Careful preparation and brute force are foundational elements for both “sports”. The ability to get the job done, regardless of ethics, feelings, sunshine, or puppy dogs is also prized in each arena. One tactical element existing… (read more)
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