How to Talk to a Conservative About Social Security (If You Must)

The White House and their deep-pocketed allies have launched a $35 million public relations effort to spread misinformation about President Bush’s Social Security Privatization scheme. This fact sheet will arm you with all the facts you’ll need to take them on.

FACT-V-FICTION:

CLAIM: “By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt.” [President Bush, 2/2/05]

FACT: In 2042, enough new money will be coming in to pay between 73-80 percent of promised benefits. Even with this reduction, new retirees will still receive more money, in inflation-adjusted dollars, than today’s beneficiaries. [WP, 2/5/05]

CLAIM: “In the year 2018, for the first time ever, Social Security will pay out more in benefits than the government collects in payroll taxes.” [President Bush, 12/11/04]

FACT: “In 14 of the past 47 years, including 1975 to 1983, Social Security paid out more in benefits than the government collected in payroll.” [MSNBC, 1/14/05]

FACT: Under Bush’s plan, expenditures will begin to exceed revenues even earlier, in 2012. [New York Times, 2/4/05]

CLAIM: “Under the current system, today’s 30-year old worker will face a 27% benefit cut when he or she reaches normal retirement age.” [GOP Guide to Social Security Reform, 1/27/05]

FACT: According to the Congressional Budget Office, younger workers would receive better benefits from Social Security as it exists now, even if nothing changes, than from President Bush’s private accounts plan. [EPI, 2/05]

Need more? Think Progress

If you believe that the President and his administration need to leave Social Security alone then take the time to contact your Senators and Congressmen and tell them to say "NO" to the Presidents plan.

Click here to Contact your Senator/Congressman TODAY!
posted by wanda at 2:54 AM

Spreading Democracy

Here's a quick question for all those who support Bush and his claim of spreading democracy throughout the world.
How come Taiwan and her citizens don't qualify for our aid in their efforts to seek independence and democracy?
If Bush is being honest and sincere about his desire to spread democracy and do away with "authoritarian rule" then why isn't he jumping at the chance to assist Taiwan in their efforts to become an independent country?

Could it be that even he is not stupid enough to interfere in this disput?
"China law increases pressure on Taiwan"
Or could it be that his and his co-horts real agenda in the Middle East is NOT the spread of democracy, but the overtaking of countries that (A) they know we can overrun and no one will lift a hand to help them, or (B) the desire to have people they can control, controlling the largest oil reserves on the planet, or (C) both A & B ?
Of course his supporters will find a way to excuse yet another of his lies. Or else they will simply continue to bury their heads in the sand. After all, they say ignorance is bliss. Which might explain why there are so many happy repugnicans republicans out there. They don't have a flucking clue what this man is really all about.
posted by wanda at 1:01 AM

Monday Lamintation

The call came at 4 AM this morning. The hubs brother was gone.
He'd been taken by ambulance to the hospital in Dothan yesterday morning. His kidneys were failing as was his liver. By the time we got there he was in and out of consciousness, bearly recognizing anyone. I don't think I've ever seen a human so yellow. He was in a great deal of pain. Finally the doctors gave him morphine to ease him as much as possible. Exhausted we came home around midnight to try and get a little rest. It was for naught. We planned on going back early this morning. My sister-in-law (the older brother's wife) was with him, as was his minister. His wife had gone home like us, in hopes of getting a shower, a change of clothes, and maybe a short nap. I know it will weigh heavily on her and Robert that they were not there with him at the end.
Kenneth was 61 years old. He and Wanda (she's Wanda #1, I'm Wanda #2) had been married since they were in their early 20's. They never had children, but weren't bitter about it. They traveled quite abit to Tennessee. He loved the mountains. He'd been battling congestive heart disease for over a year and had only recently been diagnosed with liver cancer. He knew his time was near and seemed to accept it with the peace of mind of a man who had his affairs in order and his soul firmly placed in God's hands. He leaves behind his wife,three brothers, two older and one younger, four nieces and six nephews. He was a good Christian man, active in his church. A man who loved life and lived it to it's fullest. He will be grievously missed.
Godspeed Kenneth
posted by wanda at 5:02 PM