My letter to NPR:
NPR failed this morning on two counts that are fundamentally important to learned debate on the on-going economic crisis. First, Steve Inskeep cut Barney Frank short when Frank was trying to explain that Social Security is NOT part of the deficit calculation. For God's sake Steve, let the man speak. Frank was trying to counter reams of misinformation that have been coming from all sides. At least give the Public a fighting chance to understand the truth!
Second, re the conversation with Alan Simpson: there was no "Deficit Commission Report" There was a report authored by Simpson and Erskine Bowles that was NOT approved by a majority of the commission itself. The recommendations in the report are from the authors, not the commission. The recommendations are extremely controversial and will not be palatable to most of us in the dwindling Middle Class - calling for the elimination of mortgage interest deductions and a reduction in Social Security benefits that we have already paid for, among other things.
And why are you interviewing Alan Simpson in the first place? In recent interviews he has demonstrated an inability to grasp the basic structure of Social Security - he doesn't know how it works! With all due respect, he does not seem to understand questions posed to him and goes on a ramble every time - a colorful ramble, to be sure, but a ramble nonetheless.
Those of us who support NPR expect better, especially in this "Misinformation Age".
Alan Simpson Interview:
http://www.npr.org/...
Barney Frank Interview:
http://www.npr.org/...
If you feel the way I do, please contact the show:
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