Obama Playing Politics with SS

[bhunter]

Obama stated that he didn't know if SS checks would go out if the debt problem wasn't solved by 2 August. BS, he has many available options for prioritizing what does and what does not get paid. He deliberately stated this for poliitical advantage. The "eat your peas" statement was also abusrd and symptomatic of a nanny state mindset brought to us by the "tax and spend" democrats. If indeed the SS checks do not go out, it will be because of a choice by the Obama administration.

[finnbow]

A fellow from a non-partisan economic think tank on the PBS News Hour said that Obama's statement with respect to SS was truthful, in that the government will need to cut its expenditures by 44% on August 3 if a deal is not reached.

What is indefensible are the GOP's tactics, holding the nation's economic future hostage and refusing to extend the debt ceiling to pay for the legislation that they were party to passing. Maroons.

[painter]

Originally Posted by bhunter

Obama stated that he didn't know if SS checks would go out if the debt problem wasn't solved by 2 August. BS, he has many available options for prioritizing what does and what does not get paid. He deliberately stated this for poliitical advantage. The "eat your peas" statement was also abusrd and symptomatic of a nanny state mindset brought to us by the "tax and spend" democrats. If indeed the SS checks do not go out, it will be because of a choice by the Obama administration.

Holding back service men/women's paychecks was also mentioned! Not an endearing move.

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by painter

Holding back service men/women's paychecks was also mentioned! Not an endearing move.

That is what the democrats always do—create fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Obfuscate as much as possible, scream that it's the opposition, and paint the opposition as evil, brainless, or without hearts. Dehumanize as much as possible your opponents. Clinton could do this effectively, but Obama just lacks that nuance that served Clinton so well. I can't believe that anyone would believe that Obama and Geithner would negotiate in good faith.

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by finnbow

A fellow from a non-partisan economic think tank on the PBS News Hour said that Obama's statement with respect to SS was truthful, in that the government will need to cut its expenditures by 44% on August 3 if a deal is not reached.

What is indefensible are the GOP's tactics, holding the nation's economic future hostage and refusing to extend the debt ceiling to pay for the legislation that they were party to passing. Maroons.

Here you go:

"And what about that 44 percent cut in spending? That would require the federal government to cut spending all the way back to what it spent in 2003 — a year not notable for mass starvation and economic collapse. In fact, the revenue we will collect in August would more than cover Social Security payments, Medicare and military salaries, in addition to interest payments on the debt.

Obviously, the longer the impasse goes on, the more the inability to borrow will hurt. We will face a super version of the government shutdowns that we've endured before. But, eventually, the debt ceiling is going to be increased and government operations will return to more or less normal.

The real fiscal Armageddon that this country faces comes not from a delay in raising the debt ceiling, but from out-of-control federal spending and government debt."

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=13339

Also, remember the brief default of 1979. I don't see the sky quite falling the way that the democrats want people to believe.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by bhunter

That is what the republicans always do—create fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Obfuscate as much as possible, scream that it's the opposition, and paint the opposition as evil, brainless, or without hearts. Dehumanize as much as possible your opponents. Bachmann/Gingrich/Santorum, et al, do this effectively, but Bush just lacked that nuance that serves them so well. I can't believe that anyone would believe that Boehner and Cantor would negotiate in good faith.

There is a lot of truth in this statement from either point of view. Works both ways with perfect aplomb.

Do you really expect me to believe Republicans would never cast aspersions upon an opponent,
or stonewall during negotiations? Republicans never use fear as a motivator?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I present the events of the last three years. Case closed.
(Heck, the last thirty years, really..........)

Dave

[djv8ga]

Originally Posted by finnbow

A fellow from a non-partisan economic think tank on the PBS News Hour said that Obama's statement with respect to SS was truthful, in that the government will need to cut its expenditures by 44% on August 3 if a deal is not reached.

What is indefensible are the GOP's tactics, holding the nation's economic future hostage and refusing to extend the debt ceiling to pay for the legislation that they were party to passing. Maroons.

Dude...and this guy is the leader of the free world? Get a damn clue and stop watching PBS. I and nobody who can think for themselves gives a God Damn about that partisan, state run media has to say.
Also, most Americans do NOT support raising the debt ceiling. It's that idiot in the White House who doesn't think Congress is relevant anymore and that he is Emperor. This idot has lost control because it's him who's holding the USA hostage.
Please stop spewing your lefty crap and trying to snow people you're non-partison at the sametime...it's sickening. Hey guy, you're just not that smart! In fact, if you believe what you posted, you're a Moron.

[merrylander]

Sorry but it seems that business leaders and even the Chamberpot disagree with you. According to this morning's WaPo they have written to every member of Congress and said do your job and raise the debt ceiling. Also if they do send out the SS checks there will not be any money left for anything else. What they should do is withold Congress' paychecks. Actually the Goopers should all be fired since they are just sitting around with their thumbs uo their ...

[painter]

Originally Posted by merrylander

Sorry but it seems that business leaders and even the Chamberpot disagree with you. According to this morning's WaPo they have written to every member of Congress and said do your job and raise the debt ceiling. Also if they do send out the SS checks there will not be any money left for anything else. What they should do is withold Congress' paychecks. Actually the Goopers should all be fired since they are just sitting around with their thumbs uo their ...

Inquiring mind wants to know (mine)...IF they hold back SSI checks...will Medicare STILL be deducted from same?
Eh...when I was being punished as a teen...my phone and TV time were taken away. I'm now 72 in a few days and there are NEW rules???

[piece-itpete]

I find this whole thing humorous. There is no way, 0% chance, that we will default.

Therefore Obama is indeed doing the fearmongering. I liked the way he said eat our peas though

Pete