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27 Oct 2011 15:24

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Politics: Wide gap between Democrats, Republicans on deficit cuts

  • $2.2 trillion in cuts offered by super committee GOP source
  • » Cut spending, or do a little of everything? The above figure is, in fact, about $800 billion less than the deficit reduction the Democratic plan would have achieved, which relied on a nearly even mixture of spending cuts and tax increases (including some politically tough cuts to Medicare). The GOP plan, conversely, offers no such tax increases, instead relying on heavier spending cuts to Medicare, Social Security, and low-income welfare programs such as food stamps, along with lowering tax rates which they’re claiming will stoke hundreds of billions of extra economic activity. So, basically, the same argument is playing out exactly like it does every time, though now there’s only twelve people instead of a full Congress.

29 Aug 2011 10:58

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Politics: OMG: Rick Perry just called Social Security a “Ponzi scheme”

  • It is a Ponzi scheme for these young people. The idea that they’re working and paying into Social Security today, that the current program is going to be there for them, is a lie.
  • Texas Gov. Rick Perry • Talking about Social Security and leaving us pretty much speechless in one fell swoop. This is impressive because we like to talk a lot. source

17 Jun 2011 21:44

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U.S.: AARP freaks out over Social Security, then backtracks

  • firm For decades, the AARP has pushed against any cuts to Social Security — a cornerstone issue for its base, seniors.
  • evolving Today, however, the group did a startling about-face, claiming that cuts might be needed to ensure its future.
  • receding However, after seniors complained, the group backtracked. As AARP members, we’re beside ourselves. source

25 Jan 2011 14:11

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Politics: Obama unlikely to tip hand on deficit reduction tonight

  • Reaching agreement requires both sides to demonstrate a willingness to compromise. He’s going to want everyone to show their hand at the same time.
  • Rep. Chris Van Hollen • The Maryland congressman, who is the most senior Democrat on the House Budget Committee, commenting on President Obama’s likely tact on deficit reduction in his State Of The Union address. its been widely said the President will not endorse any specific suggestion of the Deficit Commission tonight, in particular their proposal to raise the retirement age and make cuts to Social Security. source

11 Nov 2010 09:42

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Politics: Obama: Skip the politics, let’s listen to fiscal commission’s ideas

  • Before anybody starts shooting down proposals, I think we need to listen, we need to gather up all the facts. If people are, in fact, concerned about spending, debt, deficits and the future of our country, then they’re going to need to be armed with the information about the kinds of choices that are going to be involved, and we can’t just engage in political rhetoric.
  • President Barack Obama • Offering firm – but vague – support for his fiscal commission’s work. An early version if his report was released yesterday, and it specifically made Democrats very angry (and Republicans as well, over proposed massive defense cuts). Obama’s point? Let’s look at their ideas, avoid the politics and start talking about what makes most sense. That said, though, Obama’s not offering specifics until he sees the full report, which isn’t coming along until December 1. Plus, he’s in Seoul, not DC. source

10 Nov 2010 22:01

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U.S.: Social Security solvency suggestions draw tons of criticism

  • good Obama’s bipartisan fiscal committee wants to ensure Medicare and Social Security are around at least another 75 years, if not longer. We want to retire someday.
  • bad Their plan to do it involves pushing the retirement age back to 69, and cutting down on cost-of-living increases. Liberal groups are in a huge uproar over this. source

26 Aug 2010 18:43

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Politics: Alan Simpson compares Social Security to a really big milking cow

  • We’ve reached a point now where it’s like a milk cow with 310 million tits! Call when you get honest work!
  • Former Sen. Alan Simpson • In a letter to Ashley B. Carson, the executive director of the National Older Women’s League, or OWL, on Social Security. Simpson, a member of Obama’s fiscal commission, is facing a lot of calls for resignation over the comment, which is probably the dumbest thing one could say politically, considering that it’s kinda sexist. Simpson, by the way, is on the front lines trying to protect Social Security’s long-term solvency, so it’s probably good to note that this shouldn’t be taken out of context. But still. Wow. source
 

15 Aug 2010 23:52

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Politics: Max Headroom: Alvin Greene says stupid crap about aliens

  • Alvin Greene tops himself Oh boy. In this Fox News clip, radio host Keith Larson tackles the South Carolina senate candidate, who talked about illegal aliens on his show: “We wouldn’t want illegal aliens from Pluto or Mars taking advantage of our taxpayers too.”
  • Fox, obama see eye to eye?Strangely enough, on “Fox & Friends,” Obama did in fact get some support for his comments about the Ground Zero mosque. Maybe it wasn’t like the biggest thing in the world, but it definitely raised our eyebrows.
  • Social Security dems’ ace?Cenk Uygur (best known for his radio/YouTube work with The Young Turks), made a pretty sound point about the Democrats’ strongest arguing point in the midterms: Social Security. The ad at the beginning nails it.

14 Aug 2010 14:14

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Politics: Obama’s latest tactic: Vilifying the GOP’s Social Security intentions

  • I’ll fight with everything I’ve got to stop those who would gamble your Social Security on Wall Street. Because you shouldn’t be worried that a sudden downturn in the stock market will put all you’ve worked so hard for — all you’ve earned — at risk.
  • Barack Obama • Making a bold claim that the GOP wants to destroy Social Security by privatizing it – and that they’ll have the ammo to do so if you vote for them in 2010. It’s part of a Democratic campaign started by DNC chair Tim Kaine with ties around the 75th anniversary of the venerable American institution. Is he right? Is he wrong? Who knows. All we know is that it’s an interesting tactic. source

14 Oct 2009 22:59

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U.S.: Obama to seniors and veterans: Here’s some extra money

  • $250 each in a possible Social Security stimulus source