Cutting $250 checks amounts to pandering
For the first time since 1975, Social Security recipients will not receive a cost-of-living adjustment. This is because the Consumer Price Index (which Social Security increases are linked to) actually fell by 2.1 percent. Hence, by law, no Social Security increase.
Simple, right?
In theory, but nothing is simple in Washington, where pandering has been raised to an art form.
Fearing a backlash from senior citizens - a voting block no politician wishes to cross - the Obama administration has rushed out a proposal to cut $250 checks to all 57 million beneficiaries who stand to see payments frozen at this year's levels.
The cost of doling out the added money would be $13 billion - money that the government would simply tack on to the already enormous national debt. However, it is this sort of irresponsible government spending that has driven the national debt to soar to nearly $12 trillion.
Proponents of the payouts could argue the amount is a drop in the bucket compared to the massive stimulus program passed this year or the infamous bailouts to banks and auto companies. And they'd be right, of course. The amount is not huge, but it's not pocket change, either.
One of the problems with government handouts is that once you start doling out cash (by merely printing money - a dangerous long-term economic practice), it's difficult to ever say ''no'' to any constituency.
But here is a clear example in which ''no'' is the sensible answer. Social Security benefits were tied to the CPI for a good reason - to allow benefits to keep pace with inflation. With an absence of inflation - likely a one-year phenomenon - it's entirely appropriate to freeze benefits.
To do otherwise is to admit that we are selling out America's future taxpayers merely to placate today's voters.
THE HERALD-PALLADIUM (St. Joseph)
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TruePatriot
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11-07-09 7:16 AM
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OscarMike, the way you write I doubt if you could read it anyway.
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OscarMike
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11-05-09 9:49 PM
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What we really should be up in arms at are these fools are voting for before they sing these bills. So much pork is put in these Bills just before the vote. The thing we should be screaming at is Speaker Nancy Pelosi's in September she stated that she would give 72hrs that everyone would beable to go over the final draft. Know she saws the vote will be Saturday and who know the final draft will come out. The Dems have the votes to pash anything. So be it but is it to much to really read it. Before we vote on it.
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Abides
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11-05-09 2:50 PM
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So people with jobs face the threat of losing their income, and certainly won't expect a raise this year. But if you're on the dole, you get $250? However you parse it, it isn't fair.
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upfinndian
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11-05-09 11:51 AM
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not only in the Grand Ol Copper Country, NaTiOnWiDe the rate is high of freeloaders getting disability checks, food stamps, housing.. and being discouraged from working.. anyone could be diagnosed bi-polar or something if they wanted.. Ive had people tell me "No one would hire me, so I had to go this route" we'll soon have a zero unemployment rate. they try to hide these numbers, the percentage of people on some sort of welfare, it's what they need right now to get industry out of America, poor countries dont matter, its mighty America they need brought down to get their world system
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localshopper
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11-04-09 4:38 PM
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Is this $250 going to people who are on disability? I think it is a crime that Social Security Disability pays out more then for a person who actually worked and earned the money. Our area is highly populated with people who are getting SSDI and it would be beneficial for all taxpayers if this system was revamped. And the Social Security Administration should pay rewards to people who can provide them with proof that someone is cheating the system. I really believe this is what is bankrupting Social Security.
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Dethray
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11-04-09 12:16 PM
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Where were all you people that are complaining about government spending when Bush and his cronies were throwing money into a stupid war? At least it's(the $250.00)being spent on Americans the people who put the money in all their working lives
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adventure
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11-04-09 8:10 AM
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TruePatriot, actually what people don't realize, like yourself, is that Social Security is unconstitutional, and is equivalent to a government run ponzi scheme. The only difference is, when a private citizen cheats people out of billions, they get put in jail. Then need to gradually eliminate Social Security. Why should us poor people be forced to put money away for our retirement using one of the least profitable routes, that we don't know if it will even exist when I retire? Right now, if I took the money I pay into Social Security, and bought savings bonds, I'd have MORE money when I retire, yet, I'm FORCED by government to "invest" in S.S. So much for helping the working man.
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TruePatriot
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11-04-09 5:13 AM
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What people do not realize is the consumer price index formula was reconfigured under Republican leadership precisely for the purpose of providing a hidden cut in social security benefits to the seniors. Seniors are the ones who take the brunt of double digit inflation in healthcare even when the CPI says inflation is not a problem. As a result, even in years when they do get a small raise in their checks, the raise is smaller then it would have been under the old way of formulating the CPI. Another example of how the Republicans are looking out for the most vulnerable in our society.
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adventure
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11-03-09 6:20 PM
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I'd rather our government stick to the Constitution.
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TruePatriot
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11-03-09 5:34 PM
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I would rather give so-called government handouts to the seniors then to the super wealthy as the last few Republican presidents have in good or bad economic times. Thats how we got in this mess in the first place. At least the vast majority of the seniors will spend it stimulating the losal economy.
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upfinndian
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11-03-09 2:42 PM
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....as long as we all understand those massive corporations are so much more important than any of us seperate individuals....We The American People have no one lobbying for Us.
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buckskin
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11-03-09 1:34 PM
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right on, if they keep spending like drunkin sailors on a Cinderela pass, this nation is gonna be bankrupted much sooner than we expect .
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adventure
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11-03-09 12:23 PM
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Our government never ceases to amaze me....and usually not in a good way.
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RabbitKiller
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11-03-09 11:50 AM
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I'll take whatever pay raise Congress is getting next year.
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