Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Capt. Obvious

(9,002 posts)
Fri Apr 5, 2013, 07:59 PM Apr 2013

My grandparents had no retirement - they lived off of Social Security

Sure, SS is not meant to be one's sole retirement plan but to many it is and will be. It was my plan (besides death) until not too long ago. I couldn't afford to part with any of my check when I got them.

How anyone can even think of lowering the amounts paid out is beyond me. It's fucking cruel is what it is.

And beating your chest and tooting your own horn about how well you planned is pretty cruel too.

Capt. Fucking Obvious

eta: they passed away in the 90's for anyone wondering.

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

theoldman

(3,674 posts)
1. The present COLA is too small
Fri Apr 5, 2013, 08:10 PM
Apr 2013

Lowering it is a stupid idea that only a stupid senior Republican would support. Why cut off your nose to spite your face.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
2. It's only the republicans that really support that. The republican people along with dem people
Fri Apr 5, 2013, 08:28 PM
Apr 2013

who collect social security don't agree with the cuts.

Cha

(295,899 posts)
4. I live off my SS too..
Fri Apr 5, 2013, 10:43 PM
Apr 2013
I have explained this before. The President's proposal would create a minimum baseline for Social Security benefits so that no one who works their whole life has to live in poverty in retirement. The minimum benefit would be above the poverty line, for the first time fulfilling the promise of Social Security to end elderly poverty and actually boosting benefits for the lowest wage workers, which the protectors of the Entitlement Status Quo are effectively against. The president's proposal would also boost benefits at age 85, making sure the people most at risk of running out of their savings are taken care of. Let me say that again: for those in the greatest need, the president's proposal would increase benefits.


Recap

•Add life to the Social Security and Medicare trust funds.
•Wipe out poverty forever for the poorest when they retire after a lifetime of backbreaking, minimum wage work.
•Force pharmaceutical companies to stop raiding our treasury for seniors' medications.
•Ask the wealthiest seniors to pay a higher Medicare premium.
•Close tax loopholes for the rich.
•Institute universal preschool.

http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2013/04/for-ideologue-left-social-security.html

Progressive dog

(6,861 posts)
7. People who support SS and Medicare are not the whiny left
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 03:13 PM
Apr 2013

Sorry, but I am not among the "whiny left". I am not certain why the link points to a poorly written, fact devoid, opinion piece.
Recap
"•Add life to the Social Security and Medicare trust funds."
We can always add life to the SS and Medicare trust funds by making seniors pay more of the costs. That is what chained CPI does.

"•Wipe out poverty forever for the poorest when they retire after a lifetime of backbreaking, minimum wage work. "
Then we can reduce benefits for middle class retirees to pay for increasing benefits to the poor,wiping out their poverty after they retire, assuming they make it that far. An added bonus is the loss of middle class support for the programs.

"•Force pharmaceutical companies to stop raiding our treasury for seniors' medications. "
Now maybe the negotiated pharmacy prices are part of the President's proposal, but I can't find it.

"•Ask the wealthiest seniors to pay a higher Medicare premium."
Wealthiest seniors already pay a higher premium, you must mean less wealthier.




 

Spitfire of ATJ

(32,723 posts)
5. What gets me is everyone saying SS isn't supposed to be your sole retirement plan...
Fri Apr 5, 2013, 10:55 PM
Apr 2013

Meanwhile pensions are non-existent and payroll has become a joke where everyone lives from paycheck to paycheck.

Where is this magic windfall at the end of your life supposed to come from? Lottery tickets and prayer?

Face it. Social Security is the soul normal income for Americans who retire. That is what it was intended to be.

Be realistic. Before minimum wage and child labor laws do you REALLY believe employers offered a pension plan?

Heywood J

(2,515 posts)
6. I can't help but remember one of my coworkers
Sat Apr 6, 2013, 02:15 PM
Apr 2013

saying that retirement was going to be a bridge pier, head-on at 100 mph.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»My grandparents had no re...