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Even by 2100, retiree benefits will be double what current recipients get, with minor or no remedial adjustments. Media reports, however, say otherwise, calling the system in crisis when none whatever exists. For decades, it's been the single most important program keeping seniors and the disabled out of poverty. Eroding or destroying benefits will be catastrophic. That's precisely what's planned, however, Obama in tow with Wall Street, betraying the people who elected him, this among many other ways.
If ever a Social Security fix is needed, a simple solution exists. Remove the payroll tax ceiling, taxing all earned income at the same rate. Doing it will dispel insolvency arguments. Improved fairness will also result for a program designed as social insurance, not welfare, as is Medicare, both programs funded by employer/employee payroll tax deductions.
Another equitable solution is also avoided - overhauling the dysfunctional tax system, replacing it with a progressive one, making high earners pay their fair share instead of getting a free ride like today.
Robin Hood Economics
At issue, is ending all social benefits, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, returning America to pre-New Deal days with everyone on their own to survive. At the same time, military budgets keep rising. Greater wealth disparity is planned, and repressive crackdowns will target resisters, both parties committed to regressive changes, no end to imperial harshness, and channeling the nation's resources unfairly, benefitting the few, not the many.
A Final Comment
Whatever National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (NCFRF) proposals are adopted, more are coming, including from a lesser known group - the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) headed by former Senator Pete Domenici (R. NM) and Alice Rivlin, former Congressional Budget Office director and Clinton Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Established in 2007 by former Senators Howard Baker (R. TN), Tom Daschle (D. SD), Bob Dole (R. KS), and George Mitchell (D. ME), it aims "to develop and promote solutions....that make sense for the nation and can be embraced by both sides of the aisle." Its focused issues include national and homeland security, financial services, transportation, and reducing the nation's deficit. Its recommended spending cuts will be proposed, complementing NCFRF's with more draconian ones, underscoring fear to get them enacted.
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