Richard (RJ) Eskow writes: "White House advisors like David Plouffe are saying that the President thinks 'we have to do more' to rein in entitlement spending, and there are reports which suggest that the 'more' he has in mind is 'less' - less for middle class and lower-income Americans, that is. They say that the President's planning to propose spending cuts for Social Security and Medicare."
President Barack Obama poses for photographers after reading a statement about a budget agreement to keep the US goverment funded at the White House, 04/08/11. (photo: Joshua Roberts/Getty Images)
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you truly believe HC would be doing things that much differently from BO? if so, you live in a dreamworld ...
"If the Republicans are so sure they are doing what the people want, then why aren't they doing what the people want? How many jobs have their policies created so far? Where is the return to Clinton era tax rates on the wealthy that poll after poll shows they favor? And why is Wall Street paying only 15% tax on their income at any level?"
Unfortunately, there is no Liberal Media. Just a bunch of blogs and a few marginilized radio talk shows.
When a Liberal/Progressive speaks the truth can anyone hear her/him over the news bulletin that Lindsay Lohan got arrested again?
Someone in the progressive movement needs to come up with a budget that has realistic numbers attached instead of whining about not taking benefits away from widows and orphans. Ryan's proposal is deeply flawed but, at least so far, he is the only person with enough courage to put forth a plan. It is clear that any effective plan will hurt -- we're on an unsustainable economic course -- so it is up to thoughtful and compassionate people to propose exactly how the hurt will be distributed instead of leaving it to those who would spend the available money on wars and big business subsidies.
Lee Nason
New Bedford, Massachusetts
http://cpc.grijalva.house.gov/
Ryan has courage?! What a load of BS that is. His teabagger mantra is to fleece the middle class and the poorest Americans. If he is "thoughtful and compassionate," then you need to seek out therapy. Or is that how that "compassionate conservatism," thingy works?
Millions of boomers have been paying their SS taxes their entire collective jobs/careers, along with high federal and state taxes which supposedly fund a multitude of "government and state necessities." Where has all that money gone? Trillions of dollars for the Pentagon and three wars and counting.
And, why is it somehow not on the Repug magic budget diagram to increase corporate taxes on big oil companies,among many others (GE, etc.)
The reason, "we're on an unsustainable economic course," is because Dubya instigated outrageous tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, (citizens and corporations)--AND deregulated Wall Street, etc.
This would not be the huge issue it has become if Obama would have done half the things he claimed he would accomplish--starting with ending Bush's tax cuts. But then it is obvious who is paying for the re-election of all the politicians (SCOTUS/Citizens United), who have turned around and screwed the middle class.
More Democrats, like Senator Harry Ried has done, need to keep pointing this out, Social Security has zero impact on the federal budget deficit and there is absolutely no reason to cut benefits and especially not because of the deficit or national debt!
We cannot pull the support out from under those dependent on them when thewy have no means to to support themselves. (jobs)
So, #1 we need to create jobs. public projects such as transportation improvements, new schools and housing, then repeal tax cuts that encourage outsourcing are some ways that come to mind.
#2 Just for starters return the tax code back to the Clinton era. Initially leave the cuts for under 250K
#3 The biggie: Examine the entire budget. One by one eliminate duplication, determine efficiencies that can be made. Some may actually cost $$. Ever hear of ROI? That can be used to decide what projects can be done.
If history is a guide we will find that investments such as providing for education through college, medical assistance, a strong Social Security, safe and reliable infrastructure will generrate more wealth than their costs.
And yes, wars are a waste of money. Which is one of a myriad of reassons we should avoid it with investments in our State Department.
Design and Construction coordinator
umass.....etc.
Could you define "entitlements" for us? Why are they refered to as "entitlements"? Could you give us a little history about that?
I just read a yahoo headline (I refuse to reward them by actually clicking on the links) stating that Obama now thinks Medicare is on the table. He's toying with my vote. I MIGHT be willing to plug my nose and vote for him if he'd do SOMETHING he was elected for - and don't give me the insurance giveaway health care bill that the GOP wrote for him.
This isn't about backbone. I think he IS showing enough backbone to stand up to the people who elected him and blatantly disregard ALL of their wishes. He could win my respect back, but for right now, he's lost it completely.
Obama cheered the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, then has not pushed to make it happen either.
Watch and see how quick he cuts into programs needed by so many Americans. THIS he will get done. Count on it.
The CPC proposal:
1. Eliminates the deficit and creates a surplus by 2021
2. Creates a "Make it in America" jobs program.
3. Protects the social safety net.
4. Ends the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
5. Is FAIR (Fixes America's Inequality Responsibly)
Check it out at the Congressional Progressive Caucus website.
You're welcome!
What does "redress of grievances" actually mean when a large swath of Americans cannot even have their voices heard? When I first heard Pelosi say "Single-payer is off the table" I knew what was coming. Sadly, my expectations have been met. And doctors and nurses were thrown out of the chamber during these talks!? Yeah, like I have a chance to heard. Obama does not give a damn. Nobody does. Irrespective of what Obama says on Wednesday, I am not certain that he can be believed. So many promises and so little delivery. I supported the man with every fiber of my being and like many, I feel very betrayed. Maybe its all my fault. Maybe I should not have believed in him. Maybe the only the person I can believe in, is in my shaving mirror. It is pretty lonely out here with liars and thieves everywhere.
Humanity rule #1: Don't victimize the defenseless. Anybody listening?
I have an idea: make a law that allows for a recall vote, but the only people allowed to vote in it would be members of the party that elected the candidate in the first place. It's not our fault for believing campaign promises that he never intended to keep. This is a kind of breach of contract and he should be held accountable.
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