No easy answers we're all farked

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Are the Republicans in the House of Representatives so empty headed that they would not raise the debt ceiling, and as a result, irresponsibly cause a financial calamity that would ripple across the world? Honestly, are the problems with Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid so enormous and compelling that we have to sacrifice the integrity and well being of our economy to begin to address them? I can only hope that Republicans come to their senses and act rationally.

President Obama is absolutely right on the need to raise the debt ceiling without a scene. We need to show the world that Americans are confident in these times of difficulty. Hopefully, the Republicans in Congress will ultimately have the sense to agree on this. The way that I look at it, there is plenty of room for all parties to negotiate spending and new revenues to address the Sequester in the time before March. Even afterward, much can be done to make the right adjustments to control deficit spending and spur on economic growth. Again, I can only hope that Republicans come to their senses and act rationally.

jp5 · Joined: 19 May 1998 Posts: 3394 Location: OnUr6

capetonian · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 1196 Location: Florida

jp5 · Joined: 19 May 1998 Posts: 3394 Location: OnUr6

The only gold I have is in my teeth.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

The GAO released yesterday its 2013 Financial Report of the U.S. Government. Quote: "... absent policy changes, the federal government continues to face an unsustainable path." Thus if the feds don't reign in the rabid spending and fix health care, Medicare, and SS, the USD is doomed. (The CBO said about the same thing last year.)

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

"The GAO released yesterday its 2013 Financial Report of the U.S. Government. Quote: "... absent policy changes, the federal government continues to face an unsustainable path." Thus if the feds don't reign in the rabid spending and fix health care, Medicare, and SS, the USD is doomed. (The CBO said about the same thing last year.)"

The above position is predicted on a twisted negative view. The US Dollar isn't doomed, and making Social Security and Medicare sustainable in the future is based on relatively simple changes in the future. Simply raising or removing the income ceiling currently on wages would have a huge impact on ensuring the viability of Social Security in the future. Add to that, taxing capital gains to support both SS and Medicare would provide immense financial support. Moreover, targeting fraud waste and abuse in Medicare costs could realistically provide great strides in controlling costs.

However, if one was to see only the Republican view, none of the above can be considered. Why is that? Stupidity or a patent selfishness controls their vision. Regardless, Republicans aren't interested in ensuring the future viability of Social Security or Medicare. They don't think we can afford these programs and they would prefer to eliminate them as they exist today. That's the truth about their position.

pueno · Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 2807

wynsurfer · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 940

With regards to the sustainability of social security, why do the very wealthy only have to pay taxes on the the first $100,000? Which is about $7.000. Why not tax them at the same rate as the rest of us? A ceo making $200,000,000 a year should pay at the same rate as the rest of us, which would amount to $ 14,000,000. The average joe pays into s.s at a rate 2,000 X greater than the wealthiest americans. You call this fair?