(over 25 years in retail doesn't really let one get a pension ), I was so mad that it's now "back in play" after all the promises that it was "off the table" made by people who supposedly care about us. What the h*ll are they going to do, raise Medicare/cade rates while cutting the reimbursements to care providers even more drastically, so that even more stop accepting it. Oh, and I wonder if they're going to roll back the big cost of living increase scheduled for this year?

(Don't worry Lambert, I've already earmarked your money for this month when I get it.)

As Anatole France said:

The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread. That is one of the good effects of the Revolution.

It's going to be a real dilemma. Throw my shoes -- or save them for eating?

NOTE Thanks, WRH. It is appreciated.

It's not going there...

NYT article

besides the apparent falsehood that the system is going to run out of money? I am furious with Obama for starting this crap again. I'm stunned that after what's happened on Wall Street, they're still talking about privatization!!! I do not trust these guys. Even if they claimed that rules and regulations were in place, I still wouldn't trust them.

I didn't have much faith in Obama before. He supported the bailout, which has turned out to be a gigantic rip-off. Now it's getting scary.

The economy is so weak it can be drowned even with a Dem Congress and President.

Think about the stunning audacity here when you consider the current melt down on Wall Street. Just what the fuck is O going to propose-"Put your money in the stock market it's got no where to go but up!!!!". I received an email from them requesting a contribution. Not that I expect them to read it but I emailed them back and said that if O actually manages to do this I'm done with teh Democrat party. Fuck these assholes. It truly is time for a 3rd party.

were in the fore front of stopping shrub's little ploy. It's going to be interesting to see what they have to say about O trying this.

read it and see how similar -- spending discipline, tax cuts, green fuel, SS, healthcare reform and technology, etc...

State of the Union 2005 --

... America's prosperity requires restraining the spending appetite of the federal government. I welcome the bipartisan enthusiasm for spending discipline. I will send you a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation, makes tax relief permanent, and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. (Applause.) My budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 government programs that are not getting results, or duplicate current efforts, or do not fulfill essential priorities. The principle here is clear: Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely, or not at all. (Applause.)
...

To make our economy stronger and more productive, we must make health care more affordable, and give families greater access to good coverage -- (applause) -- and more control over their health decisions. (Applause.) I ask Congress to move forward on a comprehensive health care agenda with tax credits to help low-income workers buy insurance, a community health center in every poor county, improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs, association health plans for small businesses and their employees -- (applause) -- expanded health savings accounts -- (applause) -- and medical liability reform that will reduce health care costs and make sure patients have the doctors and care they need. (Applause.)

To keep our economy growing, we also need reliable supplies of affordable, environmentally responsible energy. (Applause.) Nearly four years ago, I submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation, alternative sources, a modernized electricity grid, and more production here at home -- including safe, clean nuclear energy. (Applause.) My Clear Skies legislation will cut power plant pollution and improve the health of our citizens. (Applause.) And my budget provides strong funding for leading-edge technology -- from hydrogen-fueled cars, to clean coal, to renewable sources such as ethanol. (Applause.) Four years of debate is enough: I urge Congress to pass legislation that makes America more secure and less dependent on foreign energy. (Applause.)

All these proposals are essential to expand this economy and add new jobs -- but they are just the beginning of our duty. To build the prosperity of future generations, we must update institutions that were created to meet the needs of an earlier time. Year after year, Americans are burdened by an archaic, incoherent federal tax code. I've appointed a bipartisan panel to examine the tax code from top to bottom. And when their recommendations are delivered, you and I will work together to give this nation a tax code that is pro-growth, easy to understand, and fair to all. (Applause.)

...

One of America's most important institutions -- a symbol of the trust between generations -- is also in need of wise and effective reform. Social Security was a great moral success of the 20th century, and we must honor its great purposes in this new century. (Applause.) The system, however, on its current path, is headed toward bankruptcy. And so we must join together to strengthen and save Social Security. (Applause.) ...

All these ideas are on the table.

I know that none of these reforms would be easy. But we have to move ahead with courage and honesty, because our children's retirement security is more important than partisan politics. ...

That is where huge piles of his money came from. This is what they were paying for.

It is astonishing that, with Wall Street having ruined the country, they are still planning to turn Social Security over to them.

All these stupid, naive, white liberals who fell for a con job because they thought they were so smart they didn't have to actually research who Obama is have the destruction of our lives to answer for.