Does Anyone Know When My SS Payment Will Be Cut?

[MineralMan]

I need to start planning for it. Currently, I receive a certain amount every month, deposited directly into my checking account. It's part of my regular monthly budget planning. If that amount is going to be less soon, I need to know about it.

So, when will I see less deposited, since there is a cut to Social Security proposed?

[cthulu2016]

1. Reduction of growth vs. status quo is a fucking cut. We already went through this game with Reagan

[MineralMan]

3. But I just read in another thread that I'll be getting

$50/week less. I really need to know when that will start, so I can plan.

[cthulu2016]

4. Perhaps you should have asked in that thread (?)

Perhaps the person making the claim is the one to ask... if the question is sincere.

[Rex]

12. You really shouldn't believe everything you read on the Internets.

How could anyone know if the actual legislation has not passed yet?

[Go Vols]

19. +1

[MineralMan]

26. Oh, OK. That's sort of a relief, then.

Is there some legislation that includes this SS cut that's being considered in Congress?

[Rex]

34. Yes it is the latest budget proposal

sent to Congress by Obama. Now I am not telling you to believe any of this article, only YOU can decide how far back into a corner you want to go with this.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/10/obama-budget_n_3050982.html

'WASHINGTON — Mixing modest curbs on spending with tax increases reviled by Republicans, President Barack Obama proposed a $3.8 trillion budget on Wednesday that would raise taxes on smokers and wealthy Americans and trim Social Security benefits for millions.'

Now I don't know if you are one of those millions included in the cut, maybe you should call Congress and get more information?

Lemme know what you find out, thanks.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

70. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[FSogol]

40. +1. They can't put it on the internet if it isn't true!

[sabrina 1]

30. So you support SS cuts then?? I always wondered where you stood on these issues.

[MineralMan]

32. No. I depend on my Social Security payments.

I've been getting them since I was 62. Recently, they went up because I earned money and paid into the SS fund. I didn't even know they increased payments once you were already receiving them if you continued to contribute to the fund.

[sabrina 1]

44. Yes, it's one of the best fiscal and social programs ever. I am glad you are benefiting from it.

You have FDR Democrats and the Professional left who were fighting for you to be able to say this decades ago, much like they are now fighting for future beneficiaries who will be able to say the thing hopefully.

Of course if the President's proposal were to pass, those future beneficiaries would not be able to say what you just said.

That is why we are doing what Democrats have always done, fighting those who would deprive future generations of the benefits of this program.

Oh, btw, this issue isn't specifically about you. It is about future generations. The door has been opened now to deprive them of this program and it is mandatory for every Democrat to slam it shut before it is too late.

Some seniors I know lost money already when they did not receive their COLA increases for two years. That was a lot of money to them as the cost of gas, medicine, food etc went up and they had to decide what to do without it. It's hard to imagine that $50 a year means so much to those who are barely getting by as it is.

Hey, I'm so glad you are benefiting from the work of past generations of Professional Lefties, I invite you to join them this time to make sure the next generation benefits from the efforts of this generation's Professional Lefties. But you don't have to of course.

[MineralMan]

60. Yes. I missed those two COLA increases, too.

There wasn't one either of those two years, because the calculations as they existed didn't call for one. The payments remained the same, instead of going up. I'm a recipient, so I noticed that.

Like everyone else, I paid into Social Security for many, many years. As a self-employed person, I paid the whole amount, too. I didn't have an employer paying part of it. For much of that time, my payments were used to help with my parents' Social Security. It's a great system that has been changed from time to time over the years.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

71. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

68. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[Cal Carpenter]

2. That's not how CPI works

and you probably know that already.

[MineralMan]

5. So, are you saying that I'll keep getting my regular

check until it goes up due to cost of living increases? It's not going down? Whew! That's a relief.

[Cal Carpenter]

16. Here's some info

From the friendly folks at AARP:

If the chained CPI becomes law, here's what'll happen:
•You'll see your cost-of-living adjustment get smaller and smaller each year.
•The average senior will lose over $2,000 in Social Security benefits in the next ten years.
•It will become harder and harder to pay for basic necessities like groceries, life-saving prescriptions or utility bills.

and some more....

Cartoon explaining weighted CPI

Chained CPI is not a cut to social security...


And as a little bonus:
[link:http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022628330|
Chained CPI kicks families off Foodstamps, reduces EITC, WIC, School lunches]

[AnotherMcIntosh]

72. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[Cal Carpenter]

76. Ah thanks

I did *not* realize that....

Damn....

[Life Long Dem]

111. For a couple recent years there wasn't even a cost-of-living adjustment.

[sendero]

28. Only the innumerate..

... do not understand that if you get $1000 dollars this year and $1010 next year, you only got an increase if the value of a dollar is constant.

It isn't. Maybe you should stick to topics you have a rudimentary understanding of, whatever they might be.

CPI-based "increases" are already cuts because the CPI does not reflect actual inflation and the algorithm used to calculate it is a tortured mess to make sure that it understates real inflation. Chained-CPI will understate it even more,

No amount of "aren't I clever" bullshit such as your little mess here will change that.

[Skittles]

38. I'll take it further

people who lack critical thinking skills think that way

[AnotherMcIntosh]

73. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[Skittles]

37. YOU WILL LOSE

DO YOU NOT GET IT???

The average senior will lose over $2,000 in Social Security benefits in the next ten years.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

75. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[russspeakeasy]

9. He probably does, but it would take away from his headline...

[Cal Carpenter]

27. Yeah

It's really cute that some folks can find humor in the struggles of old people on fixed incomes who already can't afford luxuries like heat, medications, and food.

[russspeakeasy]

48. +1

[Life Long Dem]

124. Especially the poorest elderly

Where chained cpi will lift the poorest elderly above the poverty line. Boy... we can't pay for that now can we. Just say you don't want the greedy to feed the needy.

[Hoyt]

148. You must have missed the 2006 drug coverage, and not only that, but Obama closed much of donut hole.

So, while we sit here and moan -- and call Obama some of the most vile names this side of FreeRepublic) -- over something we don't even know will happen, we do know that in past few years we've gotten pretty good prescription drug coverage (which did not exist before 2006) and a number of preventive services covered 100%.

But, instead we are raising heck about something that likely won't happen and if it does will not cut anyone's SS by $50 a week as the original poster implies (and won't cut anything from those at lowest end, might even increase benefits).

If I were Obama, I swear I'd come back to all the folks calling him names and crap and say, "OK, No Chained-CPI, with protections, but we are ending prescription drug coverage (or at least repeal the improved donut hole), we are taking back all the preventive care stuff, etc."

[leftstreet]

153. +1

[Cleita]

6. Really, you're going there?

You will know down the line when you can't buy the the stuff you were once able to.

[MineralMan]

8. Hey, I already can't buy the stuff I was once able to.

There was this recession thing, and my income went down.

I especially miss eating out at nice restaurants from time to time.

[Cleita]

15. Well, then get used to not eating at the cheap fast food joints in the future

because that is where this is headed. Then get used to not being able to buy better food at the market, because the less you spend on stuff, the less you will get on your COLA because you are doing so well according to the number crunchers.

[MineralMan]

29. Hmm...I work with what I have, you know.

When I have a good month at work, I buy more stuff and eat better food. When my income is down, I adjust.

SS is part of my income, though, so it's important.

[Cleita]

41. So what will you do when you can't work?

I'm 73 and worked until April 2012 when I lost my job. I have not been able to find another one because every job opening here in SLO county has at the very least 200 applicants. It has put me economically in a very tight spot. Good luck for the old lady competing with the younger job seekers. I recently have started a pet sitting business and start my first job next week. I also applied for Grand Jury duty and that's $15 a day, not much but every bit helps. However, one broken hip will fuck me up for good. So don't count your chickens so glibly. They just might take flight permanently.

[MineralMan]

63. I have been self-employed since 1974. I'm still self-employed.

I will continue to be self-employed. I make my income sitting in front of my computer doing what I do best: writing. I'm very good at it, and am decently paid for my work. Not as much as I used to get, certainly, when I wrote for magazines with very large circulations. Today, I write more words to earn the same amount, but I write all day, anyhow, either doing work or for nothing. Will I always be able to write? I have no idea. I imagine so. Will I continue to get paid for it? Sure, as long as the quality of what I write is maintained, and that's not likely to diminish, frankly.

[gaspee]

94. Well isn't that nice for you

Mr. Sit On His Ass All Day.

Has it ever occurred to you that a lot of people out there work back-breaking jobs where they can't continue to work when their bodies give out at a young age.

Unbelievable lack of empathy in some people. It's all okey-dokey for you because you get to sit on your ass and write all day.

I find your smugness insufferable.

[MineralMan]

102. Hello, there. So, you don't think that writing stuff for people to read

is hard work? I beg to differ with you on that. If everyone could do it, I'd be out of work, now wouldn't I? They can't, so people pay me to do it. It's the same as any other kind of work. I have a skill that I get paid for. I market that skill and find customers for it. As long as I can produce high quality content, I have not too much trouble finding clients.

Today, I'm working on the content for a new website for a company that provides home repair and other services. It's pretty easy work for me, since I used to own my own handyman company. Next, I'll be working on a website for a thoracic surgeon. That one will be a bit harder, and will require some research, but I've already done several other medical specialty websites. I've always been interested in medical subjects, so I have a good, solid background that lets me do those websites.

You think what I do is easy? I can probably find some clients for you. Just send me several samples of your web content in a variety of areas and I'll see what I can do.

[gaspee]

120. I still find you insuffereable

And I had you on ignore on the old DU.

Whether or not you can write is not up for debate. I don't give a damn.

How about you tell a 65 year old whose body is broken from decades of work that they should keep working to supplement their social security - after all, you do it! It's easy.

You sure put me in my place, didn't you. I actually have GIGs of work on the internet. I've been online since the early 90's. On one writing website alone, I have over 800,000 words of content. I manage several. I also have multiple degrees. I also get paid for that work.

Know what I also have? I also have empathy for people like my parents and grandparents who aren't keyboard warriors and whose bodies gave out even before social security kicked in. How about you tell them to get jobs to supplement. Oh yeah, they're dead. Your bad.

[MineralMan]

127. OK.

This thread is the first time I've ever noticed your screen name.

[OldDem2012]

149. So, by your own definition you're actually another, "Mr. Sit On His Ass All Day"?....

...Are you sure you want to demean everyone who makes a living that way, including yourself? Seriously?

[HangOnKids]

170. Wait, You Aren't A Thoracic Surgeon As Well?

But you seem to do EVERYTHING. I am so sad to know you are NOT a thoracic surgeon. I was thinking of referring a friend to you. Jesus, all has just turned to shit here.

[Cleita]

106. You don't get my post. What if you can't work?

What if you sink into dementia or have a major heart attack or stroke that ruins your ability to work? It happened to my husband. One major stroke and he was never able to work again.

[MineralMan]

116. That's possible, of course.

I could have a car accident, too, and die. Many things can happen, and they do happen, despite people's plans. 20 children were shot to death in Newtown, too. Plans for the future are always subject to change.

I almost did die, 22 years ago this month. I didn't. Had I died, or been disabled by the viral encephalitis I contracted, my life would have changed. I didn't die, though, nor were my abilities diminished.

I do not live on the basis of what might possibly happen. I live based on what is happening.

"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." One of my favorite aphorisms. Jesus is reported to have said that, or something that was translated to that, anyhow. Whoever said it was a smart person.

[SammyWinstonJack]

152. *whoosh*

[gaspee]

123. I don't know why I bother

With him. I had him on ignore on DU2.

He doesn't care.

My grandparents and parents all faced this. But because they worked low-paying, back-breaking work, their social security payments were meager and they couldn't physically work.

But thinking about other people requires empathy. Which some quite clearly lack.

[OldDem2012]

150. LOL. You just keep piling up the insulting comments, don't you?....

....Just curious, but do you think comments like this attract readers or repels them?

[HangOnKids]

156. It attracts readers

Thanks for asking!!!

[marew]

184. Also...

The city was trimming a tree today behind my house. The worker was at least 20 feet up in the tree! How could an older person maintain that type of work?

[Cleita]

185. They can't.

This whole RW SS obsession is mean spirited and actually stupid.

[99Forever]

7. Doesn't that 1%er water get heavy?

[Buzz Clik]

10. As I understand it, you've already lost everything, you contracted cancer, were denied treatment...

... and you died.

We'll miss you.

[MineralMan]

14. Oh. Nobody told me. I'm sad now...

[Buzz Clik]

20. My remorse has consumed me. I am inconsolable.

[MineralMan]

22. You think you have it bad? Now, I find out I'm already dead.

That sucks, big time.

[Skittles]

39. you need critical thinking skills

this thread is just sad

[Buzz Clik]

56. This thread was desperately needed.

If you cannot accept the fact that DU has been whipped into a misguided frenzy, then please feel free to spend the next hour or two giving a hearty "+1000" the all the threads posted today on DU berating Obama and his proposal.

[Maven]

98. If only we'd let you and the Serious People do our thinking for us

instead of listening to certain morons and evaluating the numbers ourselves we would know reason.

Correct?

[Buzz Clik]

101. More ridiculous DU hyperbole.

I said nothing of the kind.

Go away.

[Maven]

133. "More ridiculous DU hyperbole"

"Misguided frenzy"

Such contempt for DUers. Perhaps you should go away and find a place that better suits you. This was our party long before it was hijacked by Reaganites and "circle D" phonies, and we are not going anywhere.

[Buzz Clik]

177. By supporting the President I have disqualified myself from DU. Anything wrong with that picture?

And, yes, I have great contempt for a lot of DUers.

We went through this same irrational bullshit in 2009 --"Oh, my God! We're still in Iraq! The world is ending!" "Obama has not pulled the plug on 'don't ask don't tell!!!" "Why is DOMA still around??!!!111"

Those who weren't stepping in line to shit on Obama suggested that everyone show just a little patience. And guess what? We were correct!

The same players are back, filling their britches over chained CPI -- declaring their abandonment by Obama, his betrayal, threatening impeachment, etc etc. And NOTHING has gone forward. Not a thing.

Gee, who could find contempt for people who cannot learn? People who follow like sheep and obsess endlessly over nothing?

So, I'll impolitely decline your invitation and suggest you find a place for it where the sun don't shine. I'll continue to support the president until given damn good reason not to, and I'll staying be here until tossed out.

[randome]

178. Very well stated!

[Maven]

186. No, you've disqualified yourself by acting like a condescending know-it-all

Last edited Thu Apr 11, 2013, 06:30 PM - Edit history (2)

Your posts reek of a superiority complex that, come to think of it, emanates from most self-proclaimed "pragmatists" who congratulate themselves for identifying with the burdens of the ruling class. This latest reply is no different. Thank you for at least acknowledging your contempt for DUers; it does not become you.

"I'll continue to support the president until given damn good reason not to..."

Please. As if there is any reason that would be damn good enough. And that's exactly the problem, innit? You and your ilk unwaveringly support a political figure, not any discernible set of principles. Suppose chained CPI does pass. Will you hold Obama accountable then? No, you will blame Republicans in Congress - ignoring the fact that it is his proposal. No integrity. That is why you are not taken seriously.

And let me tell you something else, because I negotiate deals for a living. Putting an offer out is an affirmative act. It does not become real only by virtue of acceptance by the other party. When you make an offer, even if it is not accepted, you are setting a precedent for the starting point of future negotiations. By putting entitlement cuts on the table, he has set a precedent for including SS cuts in talks on trimming the deficit, which SS has nothing to do with. Not to mention, it's just piss poor political strategy.

People have legitimate concerns, just as they do with respect to his milquetoast approach to holding banks accountable, and just as they did when he dealt away the public option. These issues mean something to them. Mocking their reactions as unfounded hysterics doesn't support your cause. It just makes you look apathetic, mean-spirited and dishonest.

[Buzz Clik]

189. Looks like we're destined to disagree unitl hell freezes over. But, be forewarned:

every time you accuse me of trying to think for others simply by voicing an opinion and every time you invite me to leave DU for simply disagreeing with, this will only get worse.

You get the last word.

[GiveMeFreedom]

196. Way to go Mavin

Peace.

[Marr]

210. "You and your ilk unwaveringly support a political figure, not any discernible set of principles."

That's it in a nutshell.

[Skittles]

103. WTF???

I've read extensively - I am NOT misguided

[Buzz Clik]

105. Uh, yeah, you are.

And your insult was rank bullshit.

I don't care how you interact with me, but you owe MineralMan an apology.

[Skittles]

108. um....no I do not

I see lack of critical thinking skills a LOT on DU and I call it as I see it

[OldDem2012]

144. So, because you have 85,000+ posts on DU, you can insult anyone you want, is that about it? nt.

[HangOnKids]

159. Don't like her post alert on it

She did not comment on your post count, did she?

[Buzz Clik]

180. Having an opinion is not a license to insult.

[Skittles]

190. if a fact is an insult, so be it

I don't coddle apologists

[rhett o rick]

191. Yes especially if you are still collecting SS. That's fraud and you'll wind up dead in prison. nm

[MineralMan]

193. Shhh...tell nobody.

[brush]

203. Explain pls

You can collect SS work. They will reduce your check though if you haven't reached full retirement age. If you have, you can make as much as you can without a reduction.

[rhett o rick]

209. He found out he was dead. It's not legal to collect SS benefits after death. nm

[brush]

213. Ahhh! A minor but important matter. nt

[bigtree]

23. I understand he was made to eat cat food, as well

. . . and something about sex with seniors . . . let me . . .here it is . . .oh, that's just President Obama . . .oh, he's just fucking 'with' them . . . that's a relief!

[MineralMan]

66. I tried a piece of dry cat food once. Not to my taste, really.

The stuff we feed our cats costs more than people tuna in a can, anyhow. I can't afford to eat that expensive stuff. Cats: Turning expensive cat food into crap for millions of years.

Still, my dog thinks that cat crap is Tootsie Rolls, so there is that.

[Armstead]

52. Gosh this clever little exchange would fit right in at Rush Limbaugh's forum

[Buzz Clik]

54. Aw. Surely you can stand a little light on the subject.

DU has been an echo chamber of conjured outrage on this subject for so long, you probably thought that no other opinions existed. Wrong!

But, please -- do carry on. There have only been 50 or so threads of horror posted on DU today concerning chained CPI and SS. You're slacking.

[Armstead]

62. I can certainly appreciate lighthearted piling on....

I've engaged in it myself here from time to time.

But I think with something like this that hits so close to the nerves, a bit of empathy as to why people are honestly upset might be a bit more appropriate.

(Not that I'm sayin anyone needs to agree with anyone else. But just saying it might be a better idea not to rub rub salt in wounds, when this obviously is important to many.)

[Buzz Clik]

87. Out of pure self defense from the overwhelming outpouring of angst, ...

... I set my TRASH parameters set for CPI and social security. Even with that, I see at least 25 threads per day pounding Obama and declaring the demise of the entire society due to this proposal.

One alternative thread per day provides a different view at the very least. By the way, MineralMan's thread is not lighthearted -- he asked a legit, relevant question. The correct answer to that question was the source of hilarity.

[Maven]

100. Aren't they so clever? And so Serious?

Too bad we're all in such a misguided frenzy, or we could think clearly and be taken Seriously, just like them.

[cali]

11. you don't seem to grasp that proposed doesn't equate to passed into law.

Yes, I know you're being cutsie. That it was proposed by a dem president who vowed never to cut it is part of the problem, that it puts Social Security on the table when it's not part of the deficit problem is another thing people are troubled by. and so on.

[MineralMan]

17. I know it hasn't been passed yet. But, surely if the President

recommended it, it's inevitable. I need to plan ahead. If they deposit less in my checking account, I might have to change my spending patterns.

[progressoid]

67. Would you be as cavalier if he had asked for increased tax breaks for oil companies?

Or decided we need more funding for a new Afghanistan surge?

Ya know, just to see how the repukes would react.

[MineralMan]

74. He hasn't done that, has he?

The Chained CPI proposals in Obama's proposed budget aren't going to pass. They're not going to happen. Even the asshole Republicans get that. No such thing is going to be implemented, so all of the OMG! stuff is way overstated.

You want to do something? Get a Democratic majority in the House in 2014. That will be doing something that will benefit seniors and everyone who has been pissed on for so long. Put your energies where they will do something worthwhile.

GOTV 2014!

[progressoid]

126. I always GOTV.

In fact, I did it for this President with my money and time. Twice. If the President needs a Dem majority, maybe he shouldn't piss off the Democratic base.

The question remains, would you be as cavalier if he had asked for increased tax breaks for oil companies? Or decided we need more funding for a new Afghanistan surge? Those would be pretty unpopular too. Should we assume he's just playing political games with ALL his proposals?

[Hissyspit]

137. Straw Man.

Plenty of people have posted multiple times that the proposal itself is damaging. And you know what? It actually might get passed. Stupider, more absurd shit has come out of Washington in the past ten years.

You act as if you are making a new argument that wasn't made here all last week.

[Katashi_itto]

18. I wouldn't call it "troubled by"...I'd call it pissed off about being lied to.

[Armstead]

53. Bingo

[AnotherMcIntosh]

77. Well said.

[Coyotl]

13. Where have you been lately?

And i thought this topic was getting too much coverage over nothing happening.

[MineralMan]

21. Well, I'm trying to figure out when my SS will be cut.

It's important. I depend on SS for part of my living expenses.

[Coyotl]

25. Good luck with that.

And get back to us when that happens.

[HappyMe]

33. As we speak!

The PROPOSED budget is written in stone now. Congress passed it! Look outside, don't you see people running in the streets? Well, except for the pale, stumbling ones - those are zombies. All is lost, the end is near..crap like that.

[MineralMan]

35. Man! I've gotta start watching Congress more closely.

You say this has already passed? Geez! I'm not paying enough attention, I guess.

[HappyMe]

45. There, there.

It's the side effects of the pet food and being dead. You'll be okay.

[MineralMan]

78. Hey! Wait! I'm still typing in this thread.

I'm not dead! And you're not Gene! You guys aren't KISS! Damn!

[HappyMe]

86. Oh, I see. You just took the bad acid. Sorry.

[MineralMan]

90. I hate when that happens, you know.

I can never remember whether it's the brown acid I'm not supposed to take. Sheesh!

[tridim]

192. Lots of emoprogs on DU think it has passed. I keep asking for a link...

So far, nothing.

[RebelOne]

81. I am on SS also, but as I understand,

it will be the cost of living (COLA) will be cut, which means that we will not be receiving that the pittance we usually receive each year.

[Skittles]

110. in other words, you have critical thinking skills

[RebelOne]

151. Well, I guess you could call my knowledge of what is going on

as critical thinking skills.

[Skittles]

212. well besides knowing what is going on

you are able to understand the consequences

[GiveMeFreedom]

197. Shit!

Peace.

[Buzz Clik]

24. tip of the hat, MineralMan

This was a brilliant thread.

[Hissyspit]

134. Your standards are pretty low, apparently.

[SammyWinstonJack]

157. Being a condescending a** is brilliant?

[Buzz Clik]

179. Poor baby. Did mean old MineralMan hurt your little feelings?

Yeah, it was brilliant. All the right people are really pissed off.

[magical thyme]

31. when your grocery bill, utilities bill and other basic requirements for life

take a larger and larger bit out of your check.

Your check will remain the same. It may even increase slightly. You'll just have less and less left over after you pay for basic necessities. Assuming you are able to pay for even the most fundamental necessities.

But I think you already knew that.

[randome]

36. The proposal means you have ALREADY been cut!

What don't you understand about that????

Obama now controls the Senate budget committee as well as the House budget committee as well as the House/Senate reconciliation group.

YOU'RE ALREADY DOOMED AND YOU DON'T KNOW IT!!!!

[MineralMan]

79. Yeah, and so's your old man!

So there!

[alcibiades_mystery]

42. Between 2014 and 2015 fiscal year would seem to be the answer here

Clearly, the amount of your actual checks won't decrease in absolute terms. Rather, your cost of living adjustment will be smaller than it would have been had the President's proposal on applying a different consumer price index not been passed (it will likely be passed within the next few months). If you currently receive $1000/month, and the COLA will have been set at 2.97% under current CPI and is instead set at 2.23% under C-CPI, you will see a $7.40 decline in your check, or $88.80 for the year.

[sabrina 1]

47. It's already smaller, it is now half of what it should be. Seniors I know have been very

worried about this as the cost of living has gone up for everything they need. Food, gas, medicine etc. Not to mention that they lost two years of COLA when the wealthy in DC decided the cost of living did not go up for them. Iow, where they used to eat steak (god forbid a Senior eat steak) the cost of chicken or tuna probably went down. All they need to do, the thinking goes, is adjust their standard of high-on-hog living down a notch or two.

[pinto]

59. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2013 (SSA info) -

These are our current COLA standards. ~ pinto

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2013

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 62 million Americans will increase 1.7 percent in 2013.

The 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 56 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2013. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?

The purpose of the COLA is to ensure that the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is not eroded by inflation. It is based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year a COLA was determined to the third quarter of the current year. If there is no increase, there can be no COLA.

Who determines the CPI-W?

The CPI-W is determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of Labor. By law, it is the official measure used by the Social Security Administration to calculate COLAs.

Will the maximum taxable earnings amount change in 2013?

Yes. Based on the increase in average wages, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $113,700 from $110,100.

Will the retirement earnings test exempt amounts change in 2013?

Yes. The earnings limit for workers who are younger than "full" retirement age (age 66 for people born in 1943 through 1954) will be $15,120. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $15,120.)

The earnings limit for people turning 66 in 2013 will be $40,080. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $40,080 until the month the worker turns age 66.) There is no limit on earnings for workers who are "full" retirement age or older for the entire year.

If Medicare premiums increase in 2013, how will that affect my Social Security benefits?

Information about Medicare changes for 2013, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.

How long has Social Security had COLAs?

Congress enacted the COLA provision as part of the 1972 Social Security Amendments, and automatic annual COLAs began in 1975. Before that, benefits were increased only when Congress enacted special legislation.

http://www.ssa.gov/cola/

[MineralMan]

84. That's true. My monthly payment was increased a bit in January.

Recently, I got another increase, due to income I paid self-employment tax on in 2011. They haven't calculated the increase for my contributions in 2012 yet. It's not a lot, but it's a little.

[alcibiades_mystery]

65. I'm sure it's far less than half of what it *should* be

[PETRUS]

43. Dunno.

But it sure looks like someone is overpaid...

[woo me with science]

46. The ugly demonstrations of Third Way sincerity and compassion keep coming and coming.

this time in the form of feigned, mocking naivete about how Chained CPI will hurt seniors more aggressively over time as costs of living rise.

Make no mistake about it: The Third Way mask of pretending to care about the same issues as traditional Democrats has been dropped, and the vicious contempt of corporatists for the fears of seniors and the poor to this assault on our already tattered safety nets is on full display.

This is the attitude of utter contempt that claims to represent our party now. Don't think that people aren't paying attention.

[sabrina 1]

50. Yes, it is the mocking aspect of this that is so disturbing. Seniors have already lost since the

COLA was adjusted down and not received at all for two years. But I didn't see the point of responding to what was clearly not a sincere question.

Just posting for the benefit of people who are sincerely interested in protecting the most vulnerable among us.

Thanks for your always completely sincere presentations of what the Democratic Party is supposed to represent, the reason why we are all Democrats here, and the reason why our goal now has to be to remove the Third Way infiltrators who are responsible for this latest disaster, from our party. They have their own party and it's time to get rid of them now before they do any more damage to the Democratic Party.

[dgibby]

58. Social conservatives are threatening to leave the GOP.

Maybe we can coerce Third Way/neoliberals to leave the Democratic Party, as well.

[Rex]

61. We shall see if MM is this snarky

after reality sinks in and the proposal goes through. Some reason I don't think this will be so HA HA funny to him.

[Life Long Dem]

145. Chained CPI also has protections in place for the poorest elderly

Chained CPI lifts the poorest elderly living below the poverty line to above the line. Helping the poorest of poor doesn't really sound third way to me. If the middle class helping the poor is third way then please explain.

[woo me with science]

172. Fuck "PROTECTIONS" from the President's policies.

How about a Democratic President who doesn't propose legislation that people need to be "PROTECTED" from?

How about a Democratic President who refrains from assaulting us in the first place?
.
.
.
In fact, here's a thought:

Maybe we deserve a Democratic President who actually works ON BEHALF of the people who elected him.

[Life Long Dem]

175. How about still protecting the elderly?

"How about a Democratic President who doesn't propose legislation that people need to be "PROTECTED" from?

They have no protection in place NOW. This would actually protect them from living in poverty. Fuck anyone who says fuck the poorest elderly.

[woo me with science]

187. War is Peace.

Freedom is Slavery.
Ignorance is Strength.
Drone murders are Ethical, Legal, and Wise.
Chained CPI is Superlative
and
Assault is Protection.

Corporate Propaganda will repeat the Mantras with Great Seriousness, despite having been corrected and corrected and corrected and corrected and corrected.

Why? Because that is the nature of Propaganda.

The chocolate ration will, always and forever, only have been increased.


Myths About Chained CPI, Debunked
http://www.thenation.com/blog/173786/top-5-myths-about-chained-cpi-debunked

[sabrina 1]

174. Please educate yourself about what this does. It has already adversely affected the poorest of the

poor. I really do not have much interest in the attempts to try to put, well, lipstick on a pig.

Two years without a COLA increase and now not even half of what it should be, is all we need to know about this Republican theft of SS.

[Life Long Dem]

181. So lifting the poorest elderly above the poverety line

is adversely affecting them. I see. So fuck the poorest elderly.

[randome]

182. And "...already adversely affected..."

Not sure what you mean by that. If you're talking about chained CPI, you know this is merely a proposal so far, right?

And if no COLA increase occurred, it's because the current formula does not allow for it.

[bvar22]

207. Nobody buys that.

We don't want vague, capricious, arbitrary "promises" of protection.
We have heard all that before.

President Obama already has a big pile of Bogus Promises.
But we should BET OUR LIFE on him keeping this one of "protections"?

We demand and expect OUR Social Security.
We already PAID for it.

[elleng]

49. No, MM, no one knows IF or WHEN or HOW MUCH.

I also receive a certain amount each month, and SocSec sends notices about changes, so it will NOT be a surprise IF it happens. We will all be able to plan for any changes.

And see what alci, in # 42 said.

[onenote]

51. I have a more serious question: How are the estimates of the impact being figured

While it may be possible (I don't know) to figure out what the first COLA adjustment to be impacted by a change in the law would be (although that would depend on when things happen), COLA adjustments fluctuate from year to year based on inflation. In the 1980s, when inflation was off the charts, the COLA adjustments were large. In more recent years, when inflation was minimal, COLA adjustments have been minimal (or even non-existant).

I see various estimates of the impact of the change in the law over many years, but I don't know how the difference between the annual COLA adjustment under the current approach and the Chained CPI is being forecast for years from now. Anyone able to help explain?

[AnotherMcIntosh]

80. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[TreasonousBastard]

92. It's simple-- ignore everything you hear...

several analysts have noted that the chained CPI has been getting closer to the unchained CPI over the years and might be even with it in a few. Besides, there are other CPI's, including CPI-E which the BLS specifically designed for seniors. And CPI tends to have its market basket changed every so often anyway.

In my case, as in many others, if I get a COLA at all, it might be reduced by 5 bucks or so under chained CPI. That's 60 bucks a year and if I live to 80 it will be less than $1,000 that I have "lost" over the rest of my entire life. Big deal! If I live to 80 I'll have more than that to worry about.

But, we don't know what inflation will be, we don't know what future markjet baskets will be, and we don't know what another 20-30 million seniors now coming into the plan will demand from future Congresses. So, we don't know anything, really, but so far it doesn't look nearly as bad as it does through all that hair on fire.

My suggestion is everyone shut up about chained CPI and work on some serious stuff.

(OTOH, if they do with the serious stuff like they're doing with this-- we in big trubble)

[tkmorris]

55. It'll be gradual, and you'll need to do some math

I assume when you calculate your budget each year you adjust for inflation, correct? Of course you do, you aren't an idiot. Well see, your SS payment should go up in real numbers in direct proportion to inflation in order to maintain the same buying power. Any discrepancy between the COLA adjustment and actual inflation would be an increase, or decrease depending on the direction of said discrepancy.

Of course you know all of this and were just being too cute by half with your OP. It's a little insulting that you would imagine anyone would be taken in by that, but I just figure you overestimated your own cleverness. Good luck with your thread!

[AnotherMcIntosh]

83. The cuts will take effect as soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended and made applicable. Please see #64.

[tkmorris]

155. Yeah, I know that. Thanks though.

[sinkingfeeling]

57. There is no proposed cut to SS, only a change of how a COLA would be

figured. According to the SSA, that would make a difference of .38%. If you are getting $2100 a month, and the COLA for this year is 1.7% (as announced), then instead of a 'raise ' of $35.70 a month (to $2135.70) you'd be getting a 1.32% increase of $27.72 or $2127.72.

Of course in some years, there is no COLA at all.

[MineralMan]

89. Thanks. That's true. There were no COLA increases for two years.

The calculations didn't show an increase. The old method doesn't correspond very well to the spending patterns of seniors, especially with regard to food cost increases and increased costs for other important items like prescription medications. There doesn't appear to be a great COLA formula around. If they change the formula, it will change the calculations, of course.

And that's my point. Since it appears highly unlikely that chained CPI will actually be in the final budget that eventually gets passed, I imagine we'll be stuck with the old one for some time to come.

Is change expected? You bet. That's why its so important to get a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress in 2014. Republicans will not be the seniors' friends. That much is certain.

GOTV 2014!

[AnotherMcIntosh]

64. As soon as 26 USC § 86 is amended to increase the amount of SS payments subject to taxation

from 85% to 100% and such amendment is made applicable to your Social Security benefits.

You won't have to wait until any chained-CPI changes take effect.

When you see any version of the proposed changes, search for "26 USC § 86" or its equivalent (26 USC §86, 26 USC 86, IRC § 86, or IRC § 86.)

At the present, 26 USC § 86 provides
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/86

(a) In general

(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), gross income for the taxable year of any taxpayer described in subsection (b) (notwithstanding section 207 of the Social Security Act) includes social security benefits in an amount equal to the lesser of—
(A) one-half of the social security benefits received during the taxable year, or
(B) one-half of the excess described in subsection (b)(1).

(2) Additional amount
In the case of a taxpayer with respect to whom the amount determined under subsection (b)(1)(A) exceeds the adjusted base amount, the amount included in gross income under this section shall be equal to the lesser of—
(A) the sum of—
(i) 85 percent of such excess, plus
(ii) the lesser of the amount determined under paragraph (1) or an amount equal to one-half of the difference between the adjusted base amount and the base amount of the taxpayer, or

(B) 85 percent of the social security benefits received during the taxable year.

(b) Taxpayers to whom subsection (a) applies

(1) In general
A taxpayer is described in this subsection if—
(A) the sum of—
(i) the modified adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year, plus
(ii) one-half of the social security benefits received during the taxable year, exceeds

(B) the base amount.
(2) Modified adjusted gross income
For purposes of this subsection, the term “modified adjusted gross income” means adjusted gross income—
(A) determined without regard to this section and sections 135, 137, 199, 221, 222, 911, 931, and 933, and
(B) increased by the amount of interest received or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year which is exempt from tax.

(c) Base amount and adjusted base amount
For purposes of this section—

(1) Base amount
The term “base amount” means—
(A) except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, $25,000,
(B) $32,000 in the case of a joint return, and
(C) zero in the case of a taxpayer who—
(i) is married as of the close of the taxable year (within the meaning of section 7703) but does not file a joint return for such year, and
(ii) does not live apart from his spouse at all times during the taxable year.

(2) Adjusted base amount
The term “adjusted base amount” means—
(A) except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, $34,000,
(B) $44,000 in the case of a joint return, and
(C) zero in the case of a taxpayer described in paragraph (1)(C).

...

Good luck on that proposed-cuts-to-Social-Security-won't-effect-me type thinking.

[boilerbabe]

69. this sort of thread must come easy for you to post after all those years posting on

Free Republic eh, MM? you have to be a bit more passive-aggresive about it on here, i understand that, but still....

[Hassin Bin Sober]

85. Hit the nail right on the head.

Typical republican - I got mine fuck everyone else.

[OhioChick]

88. "after all those years posting on Free Republic"

[MineralMan]

93. I did post on Free Republic, until I was banned in 2006

for "anti-Freeping." Haven't been back since.

Someone's always bringing that up, it seems, even though it's never been a secret, since I used the exact same screen name there as I do here. I was arguing with the Freepers. Several DUers have done that at one time or another.

[Bluenorthwest]

109. That story keeps changing, and YOU posted many times about your 'former' Freeper past that's the

only reason it became a topic here, you kept on about it. You wrote lots of horrible anti gay things there and on other boards and for some time you denied those facts and posed as a man who'd fully embraced equality 'for decades' when a few short months before you were authoring OP's about how gay people should not be allowed around kids.
All of this is a matter of record on DU. This is the history you are trying to rewrite. Many, many of us remember and will recount.

[The Link]

147. "You wrote lots of horrible anti gay things there"

I would like to see an explanation for that shit right there.

[Occulus]

176. He self-deleted all of those back when we had Meta.

Now he can change the story whenever and however he likes and nobody can tell him he's lying again.

I think getting rid of Meta was a horribly shortsighted mistake, for all of the problems it had. Without Meta we would have never exposed emilyg and r_digital as trolls, for one. They would almost certainly both still be here.

r_digital was exposed as posting on a RW site talking about his trolling here, and emilyg was exposed as a severely homophobic bigot when someone discovered her blog. Both were outed in Meta and very quickly banned as the disruptors they were.

[GiveMeFreedom]

198. I think your worrying a little to much

about MM, he's doing a fucking stupendous job of letting everyone know just what he was like back then. A pig with lipstick is still? Well, no offense to pigs intended. Given enough time, enough rope, Peace.

[Marr]

211. +1

[Wind Dancer]

130. Anti-Freeping?

It all makes sense now.

[Maven]

139. Zactly

[CokeMachine]

146. Find some new material -- META is dead, get over it!!

[OldDem2012]

82. Ziiiiinnnnnggggg!!! Nice one! nt.

[kentuck]

91. You do harm to the Party by even suggesting cutting Social Security.

Don't legitimize Republican desires.

[MineralMan]

95. Hell, I'm not suggesting that Social Security be cut.

I was asking when the cuts in my monthly deposit would start, so I could start planning for it. It appears that nobody can answer my question. Apparently, nothing has been enacted yet. Congress still hasn't even introduced a budget bill yet.

So, I'm going to keep writing to legislators and other elected officials protesting any proposed cuts in Social Security, just like I've been doing for some time now.

[Bluenorthwest]

99. People are responding to the actual content of your post, not the affected pose you wrap that

content up in. You were not asking a sincere question and to pretend repeatedly that you were is extremely cowardly.

[MineralMan]

107. I was asking an important question, though. The answer, of course, was

one I knew in advance. Nobody's Social Security payments are going to be reduced. Future payments may not increase by as large an amount, if certain proposals become law, which appears very unlikely at this time.

The question is important, because there is misinformation being disseminated about this.

You're right. I know what the answer to my question is. I posted for a specific reason, which some people recognized. Others did not.

GOTV 2014! Mid-term elections determine who is in control of Congress.

[Bluenorthwest]

113. Passive aggressive posturing.

My State sets new records for voter turnout with each election. So spare me the advice.

[MineralMan]

118. Whatever you say...

[AnotherMcIntosh]

115. Your question was answered in post #64.

[MineralMan]

117. And several other times in this thread, as well.

Thanks as many times as you posted it. That's many thanks.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

143. I suppose that you are thanking me for kicking your thread. I didn't post such comments for that

purpose. I posted such comments so that others, who have apparently risen to your bait, would understand that we may see a cut in Social Security benefits as early as January 1, 2014.

Obama's expressed admiration for Reagan (who originally reduced SS benefits by adding the IRC 86 provisions without much notice), and his proposal to cut Social Security benefits under any approach, indicates that he's likely to reduce SS benefits by following Reagan's approach and modifying IRC 86.

[Bluenorthwest]

96. This affectation is beneath even you. Passive aggression is the tactic of choice for folks who fear

the results of an active and direct statement of their position. Smarmy.

[Marr]

97. Funny how the same people who once assured us all that Obama would never ever propose this, are now

saying it's really no big deal.

Who could have seen that coming?

[MineralMan]

125. Actually, it would be a big deal, if it were actually implemented.

Frankly, I doubt that will happen. I doubt it very much.

You may notice that even Republicans in Congress have been forced to admit that it's not a good idea. They oppose it too. Strategy, I believe. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. President Obama's proposal has put public opinion about changes in Social Security in front of everyone, and they're doing what's required to let their legislators know they don't approve of this.

I've been doing that for a long time already. It's good to see that public comment is affecting even Republicans.

Chained CPI is a dead duck, I think. That's a good thing.

Strategy? I'm not sure, but I'm betting that it is. President Obama isn't running for anything.

[Skittles]

135. do you not get it?

IT SHOULD NOT EVEN BE PART OF THE NEGOTIATIONS - this is PURE CRAP

[MineralMan]

138. Have you not noticed?

President Obama's proposal has ensured that it will not be enacted. Even the Republicans are condemning it now. There will be no Chained CPI for SS or anything else in the budget.

He asked people to react strongly to his proposals, and they reacted. The result is the death of this proposal, which never had much of a chance of actually being enacted in the first place.

[Skittles]

140. "President Obama's proposal has ensured that it will not be enacted"

that is some fucking twisted shit right there - he proposes SHIT and people react by saying it STINKS - it makes him look like an IDIOT

[Marr]

168. I doubt that it will happen, too-- but I don't see how this can be viewed as any sort of

smart strategy on the part of Obama.

The GOP doesn't want tax increases of any sort, and, much as they may relish the thought of destroying SS, this would have to be done in trade for some tax increases. It's much easier to simply do what they're already doing, and point out Obama's attempt to cut SS benefits, touting themselves as saviors of the elderly.

As far as Obama not running again, that's true, of course-- but other members of his party are running again. And he's dealt their 2014 prospects a serious blow with this offer.

No, I think it's much more likely that Obama simply offered something he considered acceptable in pursuit of his "Grand Bargain", and the GOP has chosen to take the easy route of simply blocking it and touting his attempt. And they'll clean up politically for it, too.

[bvar22]

104. Lets put faces on your callousness and indifference.

[font size=1]I’ve supported you in both your campaigns in time and money. Please return the favor to all of us that believed in you. Don’t be the first Democratic President to downgrade FDR’s legacy.[/font]


[font size=1]This is my son Raffi, He has a brain tumor, I had to take early retirement to care for him and we rely on Social Security to live. Please don’t bargain us away.[/font]



[font size=1]I am a senior and I voted for you because I believed you would protect seniors. Now you are arbitrarily threatening Social Security. Is this what I can expect from a Democrat President? I ask you to stand by your promises to seniors — we do NOT support Chained CPI. It will hurt us and it will hurt our children and grandchildren.[/font]

Come On, MM.
Mock these loyal Democrats.
Sat something snarky about them and their concerns about retirement.
Show us who you really are!

[AnotherMcIntosh]

112. Rec

[Jersey Devil]

121. There is no way that this stupid and cruel proposal can be justified

Even if you were to try to blame his advisors for being stupid and callous, where the f**k was his own brain when he first heard this garbage?

[MineralMan]

128. OK. Here's mine:

MineralMan - Social Security and Medicare Recipient

[bvar22]

141. PERFECT!!!

Last edited Thu Apr 11, 2013, 06:10 PM - Edit history (1)

Compare your photo with the others I posted above.
Notice the difference?

THANKS!!!

[11 Bravo]

158. If a photo of a smiling elderly man in sunglasses says all of that to you, then you need ...

to ask the voices in your head to speak a little more quietly.

[MineralMan]

161. Hey! Who you calling elderly?

[11 Bravo]

183. Hey, I took a shot. I'm pretty sure we're about the same age (I'm 62), and I sure as shit ...

feel "elderly" from time to time! We both appear to be cursed with pragmatic old asses.

[randome]

167. You get 2 Zantis for taking this thread in a bizarre direction!

[Number23]

194. SNAP!!!!!!

Dayummm!!!

[Hassin Bin Sober]

171. So in other words, a chunky old man with one foot in the grave and another on a banana peel...

.... who is already "getting his" and is unlikely to bear any brunt of chained CPI over any significant time says "what's the big deal?"

[OldDem2012]

131. I don't recall anyone mocking folks currently taking SS or any other earned benefit.....

....but I can clearly see a mocking of the posters stirring the pot on DU over a budget PROPOSAL that will NEVER make it to the President's desk for signature. I see a lot of "chicken littles" just looking for something else to hate about the President.

Oh, just so you know, before you get all twisted about MY comment, I just received my first retirement check from SS and we've been on food stamps for the last three and a half years. We sold, or spent, all of our assets just to make ends meet so we wouldn't end up having to live in our one remaining car. And yes, I'm a loyal Democrat since the early 1960s when I became old enough to think for myself.

Go on, let's see something else snarky about those of us who are not going to be stampeded into rampant lunacy by a budget PROPOSAL that will NEVER make it to the President's desk for signature.

[SammyWinstonJack]

165. ...

[Jersey Devil]

114. This thread is smartass crapola

Defending the indefensible is what this thread is all about. Obama's chained CPI proposal is about the stupidest and cruelest thing I have ever witnessed from a Democratic President. I have no idea what he possibly could have been thinking when he proposed it. The next time I get an email asking for more money to support his programs I am sorely tempted to reply to it by saying he should take my reply and his "chained CPI" and stuff them where the sun doesn't shine.

[Hissyspit]

129. Of course it is.

[Life Long Dem]

154. Hyperbole

"Obama's chained CPI proposal is about the stupidest and cruelest thing I have ever witnessed from a Democratic President."

Really? Chained cpi would lift any elderly below the poverty line up above the poverty line. Something not in place today and something no one seems to care about.

[randome]

163. Grover Norquist calls it a tax increase.

That tells us something.

[Life Long Dem]

164. I caught that

Lets see who else they trust for defense.

[woo me with science]

188. Best summary in the thread. nt

[WonderGrunion]

199. Stupider and crueler than interning Japanese Americans

or nuking a nation...twice.

Cut the hyperbole.

[Pholus]

204. So you admit it is pretty far down there on the list then...

If your counterpoint is like the two worst things we've done.

Does that mean that this would be third?

[Jersey Devil]

206. You might want to add the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

So exactly where does the chained CPI blunder rank then? Top 10 or Top 20? It's not hyperbole to say it was an incredibly stupid proposal.

[raouldukelives]

200. Same as it ever was. nt

[aandegoons]

119. Are you trying to talk us all into voting Republican?

I mean since what they say they will do hasn't happened yet we might as well vote for them. Right??????

[NCTraveler]

122. Progressives and like minded individuals are fighting for your social security.

Maybe you have noticed.

So hopefully you will join the fight and you won't have to worry about your social security being cut.

[MineralMan]

132. I've been opposing Chained CPI in my communications with

legislators since the term was first mentioned.

It looks to me, at this point, like it's dead.

[NCTraveler]

136. The backlash against Obama was swift.

Unfortunately this is where Obama STARTED the negotiations. It is not dead. The President and the republican party are in agreement that social security is part of the deficit problem. You are very consistent with your passive aggressive behavior.

[randome]

162. But the Democratically controlled Senate is not in agreement, I'll wager.

[bvar22]

169. Dead? Not a chance.

It NOW has a life of its own.
The TABOO against talking about cutting Social Security,
much less proposing cuts to Social Security BY A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT,
has been broken.

The once inviolate 3rd Rail of Politics
(TOUCH IT AND YOU DIE!!)
is irretrievably GONE..
The Cornerstone of the modern Democratic Party is sacred no longer.

But I wouldn't expect a recent convert to understand how sacred The New Deal is to us long time Democratic Party activists.
As your post indicates,
it probably all just seems silly to you.

Cuts to Social Security WILL be forever On-the-Table in EVERY future Budget "negotiations" until it is gone.

[greytdemocrat]

142. Ha!

Well I got a SS Bene INCREASE!!!

And I'm not telling how.

[randome]

160. Did you vote twice again?

[treestar]

173. it won't be, it will be raised for inflation on a different formula

If the budget passes which is won't. And only if you are over some limit defined as poverty.

[tularetom]

195. Well, if you should happen to pass away this year your payment will probably not be cut

Paradoxically, if you live to say 95, you could actually stand to lose a considerable amount.

Of course, you will never really know how much you have lost, since you don't know what you will recieve in future years under the current plan. However, you can be sure of this: your payments each year will be less under Obamacurity than they would have been under the old plan. And the longer you receive payments the greater the difference will be.

You knew that of course. You were just making a point to all of us who objected strenuously to Obama's chained CPI scheme.

[Pholus]

201. Treat it like we were told to treat the sequester which was never gonna happen.

Plan for it now. Act like it already occurred and bank the money.

Prudent financial advice even if it doesn't occur and you weren't more interested in rhetorical points.

Remember, the sequester wasn't ever never gonna happen neither.

[DCBob]

202. really stuck a nerve with this one..

well done!

[bvar22]

208. Yes. MM rally struck a nerve!

Attacking the cornerstone of the modern Democratic Party, The New Deal and Social Security,
tends to piss off Democrats.


Well Done!

[DCBob]

214. He wasnt attacking those things..

Last edited Fri Apr 12, 2013, 07:27 PM - Edit history (1)

he was attacking the knee jerk, irrational mentality by many on this board.

[bvar22]

215. He was marginalizing and discounting the Righteous FURY of DEMOCRATS...

...who are appalled and betrayed by a "DEMOCRATIC" President putting Social Security
On-the-Table and even suggesting in public that cuts to these programs are NOT unreasonable,
and I STAND with those Democrats.

There was a time, before Obama, when NO Democrat or Republican would seriously consider,
or mention in public cuts to Social Security.
That was TABOO.
Well, that TABOO has been lifted,
and the once sacred cornerstone of the Democratic Party is NOW just another chip in the BIG MONEY game.
That can NOT be undone.

You have made it plain exactly WHERE you stand,
and so has MM.

[DCBob]

216. You do realize that there have been numerous changes to the social security program over the years.

In fact the 1983 amendments went much farther than anything being proposed now and I dont recall any "righteous fury" back then from any Democrats.

http://www.ssa.gov/history/1983amend.html

Furthermore the vote was bipartisan in both chambers.

http://www.ssa.gov/history/tally1983.html

So what different now that makes any changes proposed now "off-the-table"?

[TheKentuckian]

205. 7-12 years before it is privatized, we seem to have had your permission to discuss and react to that

or were you still Freeping then?