sabrina 1's Journal - Social Security is not Part of Government Spending!

As the battle over Raising the Debt Ceiling rages on with demands to cut 'Government Spending' I'm not hearing much about the actual causes of the debt we are now in, such as the Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy and the totally ourgrageously wasteful Pentagon Budget and the multiple wars we are now spending money on.

But it's making people very nervous that we do keep hearing about Social Security as if it had something to do with the problem.

Social Security is not part of Government Spending. So why do they keep talking about it right now?

For example, last night I watched Alan Simpson on CNN, introduced, unbelievabley, as 'a reasonable voice in DC' lie blatantly about Social Security. Not once was he corrected as he, once again, misled viewers into believing that cuts to SS are needed to reduce the debt. No effort was made to stop him.

In case anyone has forgotten, Simpson was appointed to the Deficit Commission by President Obama. Why someone who has zero understanding of programs like Social Security or how they work, was given this position, remains a mystery. Here's an example, for those who missed it, of Simpson's understanding of Social Security eg:

Alan Simpson: Social Security Is 'A Milk Cow With 310 Million Tits

"I've made some plenty smart cracks about people on Social Security who milk it to the last degree. You know 'em too...We've reached a point now where it's like a milk cow with 310 million tits!"

After this outburst, only one of many insulting statements from him about America's 'lesser people', thousands of calls, from organizations, individuals and members of Congress were made to remove him from the Commission. But the WH refused to do so.

Now he's back on TV, presented as a respected member of the President's Deficit Commission, giving his 'expert' opinions on what needs to be done about the Deficit and, predictably, never fails to mention Social Security together with the words 'Debt', 'Deficit' and 'Government Spending'.

Any cuts to Social Security will only INCREASE Government Spending.

Any cuts to Social Security, including no adjustments for inflation, will only add money to the Social Security Fund.

That money will then be borrowed again by the Fed. Government which will RAISE the debt.

I hope no one in the Democratic Party has agreed to any cuts, now or in the future, to Social Security.

If anything, Social Security Benefits should be raised right now. That would be one of the best ways to stimulate the economy as that money would be spent by the recipients.

People do not like to be lied to and this is one of the biggest and most egregious lies that has been told throughout this debate on the Deficit.

HANDS OFF SOCIAL SECURITY

Make your elected representatives in Washington know how you feel. You can find their addresses, and instructions on sending them email, at http://www.contactingthecongress.org /. The FAQ at that site has some good tips on how to write an email or letter. After emailing, consider sending a letter, or calling or visiting your representatives – this has an even-greater impact than email.

Vote smart. Remember, those who are trying to take Social Security’s savings are trying to make the cuts seem small, reasonable, and bipartisan, when in reality the current proposal will reduce average lifetime benefits by more than $50,000. Know where your elected representatives stand on this issue, and reward them appropriately come election day.

Finally, we must recognize that Social Security’s future is based on America’s entire economic future. If the American economy does just as well in the future as it has in the past, then Social Security will be fine. Those who claim that Social Security is in trouble are basing it on the prediction of a new, much-slower economy stretching on into the future. They are telling us that America’s best economic days are over, and that we are sinking into second-class status. I don’t believe that, and I hope you don’t either.

Emphasis mine.

Capitol Hill Switchboard: (202)224-3121

And if you call your Representatives, please tell them to STOP LYING ABOUT SS!