Progressive Coalition Warns Congress, Obama Against Deficit Commission

[Me.]

“A coalition of 56 progressive organizations sent a letter Wednesday to Congressional leaders and the White House asking them not to agree to the creation of a debt commission proposed by Sens. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), which they said unjustly limits Congressional debate and "paints a target" on Social Security and Medicare.

Leaders of member groups, including labor, civil rights and Social Security advocates, say they haven't seen enough details on the alternative deal currently being struck between Conrad, House leadership and the White House. But their united attack on the Conrad-Gregg bill "can be taken as a warning" that similar opposition awaits any bill that would "fast-track" social-services cuts through the legislature, Campaign for America's Future co-director Roger Hickey said on a conference call with reporters Wednesday.” Cont…

"If Conrad wants to get serious about fiscal responsibility, there are ways to do it without hurting women and children," National Women's Law Center Vice President Joan Entmacher said. For instance, Congress ought to pass health reform, restore the estate tax and change laws that allow hedge fund traders to pay lower tax rates than the average worker, she said. And then there's the $145 billion in bonuses the financial sector is distributing to its employees this week.” Cont…

“Kennelly questioned whether the White House is "tone deaf" for considering cuts to social services given how much Americans are hurting. "I am really very amazed that the White House right now would have to have a commission to look at Social Security when we've never needed it more," she said.” Cont…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/20/progressive-coalition-war_n_430284.html

[bluestateguy]

1. Jason Linkins at HuffPost said "what's the point?"

These stupid commissions just waste everybody's time and push a lot of paper, only to have their much-heralded recommendations ignored by the people who actually make laws.

[Me.]

2. These Guys Are Looking To Do Real Damage

“Under the Conrad-Gregg language, an 18-member panel would get up-or-down votes from both houses of Congress on whatever spending cuts or tax increases 14 of them are able to agree upon.

Conrad threatened last week to hold up a bill which would increase the national debt ceiling -- necessary to keep the government functioning -- unless his bill makes it in as an amendment. While Conrad deals with the White House, Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) said Wednesday afternoon that he and Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) are also determined to get the debt commission at all costs.” Cont…

“For his part, Conrad said Wednesday afternoon that his compromise with the White House awaits guarantees "in writing" to have a commission "that would be credible, and that means to get a vote on the recommendations of the commission." Conrad said he expected to receive those documents and then meet to discuss them later Wednesday.

The proposed 18-member panel would get an up-or-down votes by both houses of Congress on whatever spending cuts or tax increases 14 of them are able to agree upon.” For his part, Conrad said Wednesday afternoon that his compromise with the White House awaits guarantees "in writing" to have a commission "that would be credible, and that means to get a vote on the recommendations of the commission." Conrad said he expected to receive those documents and then meet to discuss them later Wednesday."

[Lasher]

8. If S.2853 passes, recommendations of the commission would not be subject to a Senate filibuster.

A simple majority of 51 votes would be all it would take at that time to gut Social Security and Medicare. That's why S.2853 must be stopped. I believe they're going to try this week to attach it to the legislation that authorizes raising the national debt ceiling.

[DJ13]

3. Commisions are a welfare program for former officials unable to land

the really good paying lobbyist jobs.

[mzmolly]

4. How about if SS and Medicare are off limits from the get go?

:shrug:

[Hardrada]

6. As George Carlin said, "They (the elite) want it all

and they are going to get it all."

[TxRider]

9. It'll be 401k's and IRA's they come after once SSI is gone

[Nite Owl]

5. Guess the Pentagon

isn't part of any cost cutting now is it?

:mad: :grr:

[Lasher]

7. Hell no, it never is.

I'd love to see some department of war 'reform'.

[Me.]

10. K

[Junkdrawer]

11. Too late. He's appointing the Commission by Executive Order....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7525149

[Me.]

12. Dear God

What the hell is wrong with Obama and just wait until the American people find out how much of the reCon agenda he's fulfilling. This will be so devastating to so many. What the hell is wrong with him?

[Junkdrawer]

13. But you don't understand. The corporate guys really, really, really, really want it....

They have their hearts set on cutting SS and Medicare. And you, you meanie, want to disappoint them.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

14. They can examine what eats up the greatest percentage of GDP - defense

Why aren't they starting in a far more logical place?