The November Surprise: Attack Social Security

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2006/10/03/the-november-surprise-attack-social-security/

The November Surprise: Attack Social Security

by Tula Connell, Oct 3, 2006

Amid pre-election chatter of a potential “October Surprise”—an unplanned or manipulated event that could change the course of the election—more of us should be paying attention to the upcoming November surprise. Because after Nov. 7, Social Security again will be in the cross-hairs of the Bush administration.

MOST RETIREES RELY ON SOCIAL SECURITY FOR THEIR INCOMES
Percentage of older Americans receiving Social Security benefits, by relative importance of benefits to total income


Source: Social Security Administration, Fast Facts & Figures About
Social Security, June 2003



If you look closely, the signs are all there. Just last week, the pro-privatization group, the American Institute for Full Employment, started a new Social Security campaign pledge that will be sent to each member of Congress this week. As reported by the Alliance for Retired Americans, the “For Our Grandchildren” pledge asks for a commitment to require that “all options be on the table” in future discussions about strengthening Social Security. The board of advisors for the American Institute for Full Employment includes 10 members of Bush’s 2001 privatization commission.

The pledge directly challenges the “Golden Promise” campaign kicked off by Americans United and Democratic leaders earlier this month at a rally sponsored by the Alliance for Retired Americans. The Golden Promise campaign, spearheaded by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), calls on members of Congress to sign a petition and pledge to oppose any effort to privatize Social Security.

In a warm-and-fuzzy report titled Social Security Reform: Building a Nest Egg for You and Your Grandchildren, the innocuous-sounding American Institute for Full Employment misleadingly makes it appear that the majority of America’s seniors would benefit from privatizing Social Security.

FULL story at link above.

[sendero]

1. And I've heard..

.. that some Dems are going to resurrect the issue for this campaign.

I think they certainly should.

[Ignacio Upton]

5. Unless we pressure them

They won't do shit, because their campaign consultants are a bunch of weak-kneed wimps.

[HockeyMom]

2. Pension Reform Act of 2006

Slipped in private accounts. You are AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in a 401 or 403, UNLESS you KNOW of this provision, and specially Opt Out. How many people know this? Your company can decide, not you, how much you contribute. If you are already enrolled, your company, not you, can decide if your contribution is too little and increase your deductions.

I am sure they will try to do something to this with Social Security. I have already begun to spread the word among my fellow employees.

[The_Casual_Observer]

3. If you are employed in a typical private sector job you will need

to depend on Social Security in retirement. Other than some personal savings in a 401K, that's all there is.

[Demeter]

4. November Surprise: No More GOP!

There isn't going to be another act in this psychodrama--the Republicans are through! There's nothing left but the screaming and the trials to come.