wrote in message
...
On Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:47:46 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:


wrote in message
. ..
On Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:28:00 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

You can't cut any existing programs because it is
politically unacceptable. I already stated that.

Actually, you can cut existing programs, but you have to have two things
in
order to do it. 1) intestinal fortitude 2) ability.

If the Republicans get control of the House, it will definitely not
happen.
If the Democrats retain control, it's unlikely to happen, but it's
possible.


I am skeptical. Our senate race may eventually come down to who will
admit Social Security in it's present state is unsustainable and that
person is going to lose.

Everyone says they are going to fix our deficit problem but they are
unwilling to tackle entitlements. It can't be done.

Untrue... there are several ways to fix the deficit. The best approach
would
be to reduce military spending significantly, end some of the more
outrageous subsidies, and address the fraud issues. At the moment, the
"entitlements" are deficit neutral. They'll be a problem at some point,
but
not now.


Bull**** Social Security is upside down this year and Medicare has
been upside down for several years. (not close to revenue neutral) The
boomers have not really even hit the system yet in any significant
numbers. There are some in SS at the age 62 level but they don't get
to medicare until next year.

It's not upside in the sense of impacting the deficit now and is adequately
funded until 2040 (?). It's right wing nuttiness to imagine otherwise.

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:46:48 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

Bull**** Social Security is upside down this year and Medicare has
been upside down for several years. (not close to revenue neutral) The
boomers have not really even hit the system yet in any significant
numbers. There are some in SS at the age 62 level but they don't get
to medicare until next year.

It's not upside in the sense of impacting the deficit now and is
adequately
funded until 2040 (?). It's right wing nuttiness to imagine otherwise.


Funded? You mean there are IOUs in the box, not "Funded".
This is and always has been "Pay as you go" and we now are not paying
for all of it, so we are borrowing to pay.
The trust fund is just a line item on the debt. We spent all of that
money.


So, you think we should hoard the cash? Give me a break!