Whether you are retired, retiring or just 'wishing-like-hell-you-could-retire,' this diary is for you.
This is the 7th installment of my occasional series.
Thanks for stopping by.
Happy Birthday, Social Security !
Source:
http://s3.moveon.org/...
Kept thinking there would be something here on the FP'... but maybe I missed it?
Over at HuffPo Senator Bernie Sanders has sounded the alarm and call to action. We need to hove to, all hands on deck, shove off!
As Social Security Turns 77, the Most Successful Program in American History Is Under Fierce Attack
President Barack Obama, meanwhile, was a staunch defender of Social Security in his 2008 campaign. So far this year, however, Obama has refused to stand behind his four-year-old opposition to cuts. In fact, the president has signaled that he may be open to lowering benefits by changing how they are calculated. In my view, it is long past time that the president told the American people in no uncertain terms, as he did in 2008, that he will not cut Social Security on his watch.
To keep Social Security's finances sound in the futureI have introduced legislation -- identical to a proposal that Obama advocated in 2008-- to apply the payroll tax on incomes above $250,000 a year. Under current law, only earnings up to $110,100 are taxed. The Center for Economic Policy and Research has estimated that applying the Social Security payroll tax on income above $250,000 would only impact the wealthiest 1.4 percent of wage earners.
Occupy your Congresspersons during recess and push for Strengthening Social Security! Write letters to the editor! Hire a plane and pull a banner behind it! :)
Here's another way to get involved .....
email from MoveOn:
Social Security was born on August 14, 1935—78 years ago today.
Back then, more than half of America's elderly lived below the federal poverty line. But today, thanks to Social Security, that number is less than 10%.1
Click here to sign a Happy 78th Birthday card for Social Security and help ensure that next month's debate is about expanding Social Security, not cutting it.
Despite its historic success, there are still politicians who try to cripple Social Security and slash the benefits that retirees have earned. Even President Obama isn't immune. And when Congress returns to Washington to debate the nation's budget in September, the "Cut Social Security Caucus" will rear its ugly head again, threatening a government shutdown unless they get their way.
However, since April, progressives have gone on offensive, and we're changing the national conversation.There are now bills in both the Senate and the House that would actually expand Social Security benefits—accounting for the higher medical costs incurred by seniors, and ensuring the program's long-term viability.2
Announcing his support for new legislation last week, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii said, "Social Security is a promise made by the federal government to the American people." 3
That's what I'm talking about !
Yus!
Strengthen Social Security. Don't cut it.
In a nation turning more and more to anti-depressants over its future we need some good news, something we can be proud of and get behind!
Yesterday we went to tour an assisted living facility in Austin in case my mother worsens and needs to go there. The cost was astounding. She lives in expensive Austin, TX on her Social Security survivor's benefits, with some help from her kids, and she can't afford it the assisted living place fo sho.
Looks like I might be spending MY Social Security check to help get her the assistance she needs. She's worth it, and I am so glad I paid all those years in to both teacher retirement and Social Security and will be able to help her some.
You may know of others or yourself be dependent on Social Security?
Long Live Social Security, Strenghthen Don't Cut !
Here's more from MoveOn:
Despite its historic success, there are still politicians who try to cripple Social Security and slash the benefits that retirees have earned. Even President Obama isn't immune. And when Congress returns to Washington to debate the nation's budget in September, the "Cut Social Security Caucus" will rear its ugly head again, threatening a government shutdown unless they get their way.
However, since April, progressives have gone on offensive, and we're changing the national conversation. There are now bills in both the Senate and the House that would actually expand Social Security benefits—accounting for the higher medical costs incurred by seniors, and ensuring the program's long-term viability.2 Announcing his support for new legislation last week, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii said, "Social Security is a promise made by the federal government to the American people."3
Well, MoveOn members agree, and we'll fight like hell to make sure that promise is kept.
We're ready to use the upcoming budget debate to convince the American people about the need to expand Social Security. We'll start by reminding the public, media, and our elected officials about the important role Social Security has played in millions of lives.
Click the link below to sign our Happy Birthday Social Security card—and share the story of what Social Security has meant in your life or that of those close to you. We'll deliver it to leaders in the House and Senate when Congress comes back in September:
http://civ.moveon.org/...
This conversation lawmakers have this September can actually work in our favor if we're ready to step in, seize the limelight, and go on the offense—by pushing for legislation to expand Social Security. But to generate momentum, we'll need a sustained stream of stories and public support—in addition to support from heavyweight economists like Robert Reich, and strong member-led campaigns.
We can start today, on Social Security's birthday.
The Raiders of Your Lost Retirement
They are coming for our beloved Social Security. Bet on it. And they are strong.
But there are more of us.
Let's do it!
4:07 PM PT: My wife just pointed out that Joan McCarter had an excellent diary up earlier today, which also has action links! Good one !!!
http://www.dailykos.com/...