Tomorrow doesn't seem to matter when it's an election year.

Mentioned in an earlier version of this article:

"And in a win for the Hispanic community, Republicans would drop a proposal to require that low-income workers who claim a refundable child tax credit be required to have a Social Security number. The proposal was aimed at blocking illegal immigrants from claiming the credit, but the idea created a firestorm among Hispanics who pointed out that many of the children affected by the cutoff are U.S. citizens."

So, Illegal Immigrants, who pay NO FEDERAL INCOME TAXES, are getting over a thousand dollars each back without even having to have a Social Security number to file taxes WITH?

Wait, WHAT?

Say, how come we don't have enough revenue again?

How come we are funding Illegal Aliens at the expense of our own US Citizens?

I would REALLY like to know how much money my taxes are paying out to Illegal Immigrants

while American Citizens Seniors and Children are looking at reductions in services and income.

Are we seriously looking to cut Social Security and medical benefits to the elderly instead of cleaning up that kind of nonsense?

Seriously?

http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/14/10409503-lawmakers-reach-tentative-deal-on-payroll-tax-jobless-benefits

And another thing. Let's assume this 20$ a week will really jumpstart the economy. That's a big assumption to make, but let's just say it's true for the sake of argument.

He could have cut Federal Income tax and done the same thing. The republicans would have cheerfully voted for it.

Why target Social Security specifically? Why not just cut federal income tax?

I'm a liberal. I LIKE Social Security being funded.

Interesting side note, the CBO says that 60% of the benefit of this cut will go to people making 100K or more per year.

Seriously, WTF?

Let's do what needs to be done and that is cut spending,and quit monkeying with Social security!

Take the limit off for who has to pay social security taxes. Guess that won't fly, god forbid we ask high earners to pay their share.

Alil Common Sense - a couple of thoughts...

The Social Security Administration projects that approximatley 75% of illegal immigrants pay social security and medicare taxes. Additionally, many of those paying taxes, pay more than they are required to because they are afraid to come to the attention of the IRS by filing a return that includes a refund. The government also projects that taxes paid by illegal immigrants vastly outstrips the amount of tax money they receive. So, your assertion that illegal immigrants pay no federal income taxes is false.

Secondly, you have heard of mathematics, right? Since the amount of social security taxes one pays is tied to one's income does it not make sense that if you cut that amount that those making more money would receive more of the benefit??

nosferatu - When is the last time that you contacted your congressional representative (and had all of your like-minded friends do likewise) and express your desire to have the law changed? We live in a participative democracy. You have the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. If you don't like the current law, do something about it.

Sure if you take the limit off the high income earners then you need to take the limit off the benefit they receive. High earner pay way more than their share. The low earner will get many times what they paid in back. The higher earner will be lucky to get back what he paid in. The key problem with social security is they keep raising the minimum benefit because you have people who think the government OWES them enough money to live on when they are old.

The larger problem was the idiots in congress kicked the can down the road when they "borrowed" the money out of social security. So now its time to pay the bill and they scream.... or kick the can down the road again. One day its all going to come down like in greece.

It's the democrats who offered to fund this will the millionaires tax.

It's the GOP that refused to do so.

Funny isn't it? The republicasn who want to destroy SS and medicare go along because it helps to starve the beast (can a republican bill to cut bennies be far behind?) and democrats who can't seem to pass up an 'injured group' goes along with the SS tax cuts and can a bill to raise taxes on businesses and rich people be far behind?

No wonder the approval rate of Congress is less than 10%. They certainly don't practice what they preach, and that is primarily because they don't even know what they are preaching anymore. They will say or do almost anything to gain or maintain their seats in Congress, because they love the Golden Parachute it provides. Yes, they keep kicking the can down the road, but what will happen when they reach the end of the road. I have seen several bumper stickers which read, "At the end of the road, you'll meet Jesus". When that day arrives, they are all going to hear the Truth, and it will hurt more than they can possibly comprehend.

What is missed and not talked about by any politicvian is the huge loss of jobs that HAVE taken millions out of the treasury. This same loss of jobs creates problems for those on social security..but...neither party is addressing jobs...only how to cut taxes for their wealthy friends and hand out better tax breaks for companies wanting to take jobs elsewhere. Its amazing to me that our elected in congress have no problem with companies sending in goods from other country that have very poor working conditions for their people. That must be ok however, because only profits count..people do not...especiaslly those in the USA.

I'd be ok with this type of stimulus spending if we could offset it with real cuts/tax increases down the road. But, I'm not ok with just borrowing now with no attempt at a future offset. Give us another decade or so, and we will be the next Greece - it can happen here.

If they could do it now, during the election season, then they could have done it all along. The need is one that is inescapable because millions are depending on these monies to pay their bills. To pay the mortgage, to buy groceries and put fuel in the car so they can search for work.

The ReSuckicans, ALL ReSuckicans, need to grow up and face the fact that there is a reason they are called "the needy!" They need help! What is to be done with the poor and needy? I want to know. Shall we just shoot them all? Set fire to them and turn them to ash like Hitler did the Jews? If you have money and/or a better life; you had very little to do with such a happenstance. These individuals are born into poverty; don't you all get it? Apparently not! Your bible says, "but the poor, ye shall have with you always!" So what are we suppose to do with them? Ignore them? Pretend they are not even there? Sit on $200 millie while your fellow persons die of starvation and exposure to the worst elements? Many are already sleeping on the ground in winter; on the cold ground. The US is the most wasteful nation on this marble that we call a planet and still, you want to be stingy with the less fortunate. Yes! Some are dope addicts, but so are you! The difference; your dope is called a prescription. Yes! Some are alcoholics, but so are you! The difference, you suck down cocktails in your nice, warm homes. Some are unwed mothers and some are those who are mentally incapacitated; and a whole host of other diseases and/or ailments, but they are human! So your God loves only those who are well off?

You make me sick! You watch over every coin for fear that someone will take it. You believe that those less fortunate should bow to you and kiss your a$$e$ simply because you have money. I am more a Christian than any of you and I neither serve nor believe in your God. Any God/gods, that would sit back and watch this horror show can never be a God that I would serve! Truly I say, I hope there really is a "next life" which includes a "hell" and I hope that it is where you greedy snobs will spend your eternity!

We have a president that believes in turning this country into a nanny state. But, there is nowhere near enough money to pay for it, and stealing from future generations simply cannot go on for much longer before a total financial meltdown occurs. People that believe taxing the rich is the solution need to wake up. If you took every dime from the top 1% it wouldn't amount to a drop in the bucket. Obama is adding to the national debt at an alarming rate. There is simply no way we can tax our way out of this mess, and there is no one in Washington making the tough choices. We have to cut actual spending and not the pretend cuts of reducing future growth that Washington touts as meaningful.

JC Breeze,

Why is it ok for our generation to borrow from future generations to pay for our lifestyles?

I think basically everyone agrees that nobody should be homeless or hungry, but it doesn't require $3+ Trillion in spending to meet these goals. In fact, only a very small portion of the budget goes for these items. The vast majority of the budget goes to defense, SS and medicare/medicaid.

I'm perfectly fine with debating the revenue side (i.e.; should we increase tax rates), but it needs to be a realistic debate. Even if we taxed the 1% at 100%, we would still be running deficits in the hundreds of billions each year.

What we want in this country far exceeds what we're willing to pay - this is true for all classes of people in this country. For me, it's morally unacceptable to tell future generations they have to lower their lifestyle so we can live better today.

Rick,

I largely agree with you, but the only point I'll add is I don't think Obama is the only problem. With the exception of a minority of rank-n-file members in both parties, our politicians in Washington are all part of the problem. Also, ultimately we, the voters, are the problem because we vote for whoever says they will give us the most without making us pay for it. Until we start voting for fiscal conservatives (they do exist in both parties), things are not going to change.

Ron I agree. Kick out every incumbent and start over. The voters are absolutely to blame for what is going on in Washington. Electing someone because of what they promise to spend on them. But Obama is the architect of the largest budget deficits in history. He promised to cut the deficit in half in his first term, and instead he has more then doubled it. Given a second term with his spending addiction unabated he will add more to our national debt then every previous president combined. We simply cannot afford a president that wants the keys to AF1 and a credit card. It is totally irresponsible behavior with no end in sight. History is going to treat Obama, and congress very harshly, and it will be well deserved.

But I disagree with you on one point, things are going to change and very soon. It will not however be of our choosing, but it will be the result of our actions or rather inaction. This country is being spent into oblivion, and the party cannot go on much longer. Nations that hate this country won't have to attack us, they are going to be to sit back and watch us collapse financially. The United States will be foreign owned. Everything in this country is being mortgaged by our mounting debt, and everyone, not just the rich is going to lose because of it. Better bone up on foreign currency, because the dollar soon won't be worth the paper its printed on. All thanks to stupid voters, and the corruption that is Washington DC.

It's interesting to me that people don't realize the ones that will be hurt the most when we can't pay our bills will be the poor and middle class. The rich will lose some also, but they have resources to mitigate the damage - and they can afford a 75% wealth reduction much more easily than the person with no assets that loses their job or has to work for half of the current minimum wage (or the retiree that gets their benefits cut in half).

People need to take a close look at Greece - and realize it will be much worse in the US because we are too big to bailout.

Ron, would you give up your social security or agree to not have any expensive treatment when you reach 80 years old for cancer or some blood disorder. What is the closest military installation to where you live? Would you agree to close it?

I am willing to give up my social security because I don't need it. If I need expensive treatment after 80 I will forgo it and move on or pay for it out of my own pocket because I can. You can get rid of the Air National guard unit in my neighborhood. I am sure that the Canadians and Mexicans will not be attacking us in my life time.

I believe very strongly in applying the rules to myself first before asking others to do the same. (ex: I didn't really need it, so I didn't take unemployment insurance when I was out of work)

As to your examples, as long as long as I think the money is being reasonably well managed by the government, I'm willing to give up my SS (and I've planned as if I'll never get it). I think I would do like my dad did and forego the expensive cancer treatment, but I don't think any of us can really say for certain on this one until we are in that situation. If I could pay for it and I thought it had a reasonable chance at success, I'd probably pay for it myself (but I don't think I'd bankrupt my family to pay for myself).

There are not any significant military bases in my area, but I'm fine with other government closing in my area (ex: if they moved state government to another city to save money I'd be in favor of it even though it would hurt where I live). I'd like it to be done responsibly so the area isn't devastated (ex: possibly budget for worker training or incentives for businesses to move in to replace lost jobs), but if it needs to be done to get costs under control, then it needs to be done.

Hey Boehner, you know what else doesn't create jobs, deregulation and tax decreases.

And, furthermore, how come these tax cuts/breaks need to be balanced with spending cuts, but the decade long Bush Tax Cuts didn't, nor did we have to cut spending to balance their extensions???

Heck, we cut taxes, engaged in two wars, and passed Medicare Part D... Hmmm????

Why now, is it different? Why now, do they have to be backed with spending cuts??? And why does it seem those spending cuts can only be made in the discretionary budget? Why not the defense budget?

Makes. No. Sense.

Why is it different now?

Well, Sarah, to point out what ought to be obvious, a lot of the players are different ones than those of 10 years ago! People, even those evil, ignorant Republicans, don't think in lock step.....you libs just like to characterize them that way.

Tear yourself away from the past and quit blaming the complete failure of the present administration on the previous administration....though, you're right, it was pretty pathetic!

Spider,

Yeah, that would make sense, if the Republicans that WERE in the congress for the passing of Bush Tax Cuts, and are STILL in the congress had this position BOTH times. But they didn't did they.

And it would make sense if this administration was the sole reason for the crapiness surrounding us. But it isn't.

And it would make sense if this adminstration was a complete failure. But it isn't.

Both parties stink of farts and mildew, because both parties are bought. And both parties are playing politics here to keep that money and power flowing. This is just another sterling example of that.

Where's the Jobs Bohner ?

http://whenarethejobs.com/

Sarah bravo, bravo, bravo for your comments. No time in the history of man, here nor any other country, is a war, let alone two, started and tax cuts are made. This was insane. On the contrary, wars always result in tax increases not cuts. It's call shared sacrifice especially in view of the fact that the draft no longer exist.

Then to boot, the two tax cuts given by Bush didnt result in increased investments here. The economy was being maintain via faux accounting transactions not real economy growing equity which ultimately broke our banking system via the banking deregulations that the GOP so loves.

Before Bush took office, the average annual rate of GDP growth was 4%. The annal GDP rate under Bush ranged from from 1.1 to 3.6 and was zero his last year in office; and the 3.6% rate was only in 2004 and went down hill after. So, where were the investments that were suppose to materialize from the tax cuts? What they did with those tax savings were to invest a great deal in equities of emerging nations like China and India.

Finally, to make spending cuts now would be disasterous for our economy. Look at the results of the "austerity measures" in Europe, double dipped recessions and soaring unemployment. I agree we ultimately we need to address the social security solvency issue but now is not the time. BTW according to the SSA Trust Fund Annual Trustee Report which is audited by GAO and verified by the CBO it is solvent until 2029, but as stated by Sarah above, the Medicare budget went bust after Bush implemented the Medicare Prescription Drug Program.

Spider tell me how is it that the RW, now for years, and history and economic books are written blaming the recession that Reagan was fighting and the 10.8% unemployment on Carter? I guess the long-standing principle that unemployment is a lagging indicator in a recession only applies to GOP presidents?

Again, how did Obama make the recession worse when looking at the 99% of depressed European economies who implemented "austerity measures" instead of stimulus? Do you know that Japan had a similar financial recession and it took them about 10 years to arrive at the point we are now!!!!? This is not political dogma but documented facts.

Further to the post above by Sarah-3043284:

"Let's face it, this is an economic relief package, not a bill that is going to grow the economy and create jobs," Boehner said.

No duh Sherlock. Tax cuts DON'T create jobs. Demand creates jobs.

It's high time you Tepublicans give a tax break to the working middle class, but you should have paid for it by asking the rich to pay their fair share instead of robbing from the Social Security trust fund yet again. Also, the rich are NOT "job creators" either -- small businesses are, and very few if any of these business owners are in the richest 1%. Stop the spin!

As for illegals, if they receive any benefit such as tax credits, they can only receive these breaks IF they worked and paid taxes in the first place. They are also paying FICA but will not collect Social Security without a valid SS number. Why don't you ask your Teapublican representive why they don't pass legislation requiring employers to verify Social Security numbers in the first place, hmm?

Now, if you want to get rid of the $1,000 per child tax credit, I'm all for that -- Especially beyond the first two children (zero population). The rest of us are not here to support your lifestyle choice to have a bunch of kids. But getting rid of all tax credits for everyone, and on ALL of their income -- This would be a great first step in balancing the budget.

spider-737231 - I realize I'm feeding a troll, but talk about pathetic to argue the change in position is due to different players. Seriously? We're talking about many of the same GOP members who were for "deficits don't matter" and for "tax cuts pay for themselves" and for a lot of things from Cap & Trade to the Dream Act to the individual mandate for health insurance until President Obama won in 2008 -- all of four years ago. Very pathetic!

Throw the Teapublicans out! Obama/Biden - 2012!

"Illegals" are prohibitied from any means tested assistance, under the Welfare Reform Act of '96. That means no FIA, no foodstamps, no Medicaid. Furthermore, they use fake SSN's, but for every SSN an employer records, the IRS assigns ITIN's, that means regardless of immigration status the payroll taxes are getting taken out. And than, to top it off, they DON'T get to collect, because they used that fake SSN. They put that money into earnings suspense accounts and use it on citizens.

Furthermore, about 8 out of the 11 million undocumented workers file personal income taxes.

Thanks Pamela and True!

Rick the boogeyman is comin you better hide under the covers.

@joemike404

Do you really think writing your congressman/congress woman will do anything to change what they already support. Politicians tow the party line and that's it. All writing them is going to do is show what they already support by agreeing with you and conversely what they don't support by providing a argument against what you have written them about.

The politicians in our country are controlled by the special interests that keep their bank accounts fat. They could care less what us peasants think.

Ron, looks like you are in favor of means testing for both social security and medicare. I also would redefine what kind of care you get beyond 80 once you get one of those terminal illnesses...the Republicans call them "death-panels". I call them common sense.

Social Security is EASY to save.

RAISE THE MAXIMUM INCOME at which they stop taking social securtiy taxes.

The ONLY fix has been raise the retirement age or reduce benefits.

THAT IS THE EVIL RICH TALKING. It would be NO SKIN OFF ANYBODY to just raise it.

But NO. Boner, er, I mean Bohner won't have it. He says it won;t do much, but THAT IS ALL WE CAN GET.

Boner PROMISED to make Obama a one term president by DESTROYING AMERICA.

That, sir, is TREASON. He ADMITTED IT.

He, himself has said we are at war.

So, he is a TRAITOR DURING WARTIME.

You know what we do to TRAITORS DURING WARTIME, don't you?

... a lot of the players are different ones than those of 10 years ago!

Yeah, but you know who isn't different? Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl. The very people who have done the most bitching about Obama raising the debt limit. Their record:

June 2002: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves a $450 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $6.4 trillion. McConnell, Boehner, and Cantor vote “yea”, Kyl votes “nay.”

May 2003: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves a $900 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $7.384 trillion. All four approve.

November 2004: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves an $800 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $8.1 trillion. All four approve.

March 2006: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves a $781 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $8.965 trillion. All four approve.

September 2007: [Democratic-controlled] Congress approves an $850 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $9.815 trillion. All four approve.

So let's repeat the question: Why is it differneent now?

Finish the progression:

September 2007: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $9.815 trillion

October 2008: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $11.315 trillion

July 2008: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $10.615 trillion

December 2009: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $12.394 trillion

February 2009: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $12.104 trillion

February 2010: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $14.294 trillion

What are we now? $15 TRILLION!?!?!

Over 100% of our GDP...

You've got to love the politicians. Nancy Pelosi says "we want to pay for the cut through savings from winding down the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq."

So, we are to understand that not fighting wars is "saving"? WTF! Do they believe we are so stupid? Unbelievable. And at the end of the day they're passing paying for this political graft on to the next several generations to get reelected. Vote them ALL out and let's start over.

Rich people have ALL the money...where are the jobs

Time to take back America

We will be screwed again when the derivatives become due...they take and never give at Christmas

Rich people have all the money? Really? And you also probably found what you were looking for in the last place you looked.

King of the Obvious. Duh. Big mac, crac is whac!

norm903

I bet I have more than you ...but my grandchildren don't...dumb-ass

Crack is whack...oh so stupid

Let's go 903...where are your balls

Where are my balls? Dude, I was about to say something about my balls and your wife but that would be crass. Thanks for the set-up, nonetheless.

So presuming you have more than me that makes you one of the "rich people" you're complaining about, so why don't you go out and create some jobs big talker? I'm an entrepreneur with three employees and making an offer to someone tomorrow, so I'm putting up instead of shutting up. How about you?

What the F***???? What the hell are you smoking, Boehner??? And you think tax cuts to the very wealthy create jobs???? The wealthy are a MINORITY, so their demand is lower than that of the middle class. Giving a tax cut to the lower classes (who will spend more) will boost demand, creating growth, and increasing job creation. Cuts to the wealthy work only if applied to areas like investment, and we have done that for years. Time for the rich to pay their damn share. How the hell could you claim to "know how to grow the economy" without knowing basic economics??? Boehner ought to be employed as a car salesmen; then his employer can fire him and he can see what it really feels like to be unemployed.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

FAIR SHARE IN TAXES

NO TO TRICKLE-DOWN ECONOMICS

When will the Republicans get it through their heads that Bozobama doesn't CARE about creating jobs, and that this, like all else this fool has done, is about buying votes? Wise up, people!!

JC Breeze

The ReSuckicans, ALL ReSuckicans,...blah blah blah.... turn them to ash like Hitler did the Jews? ...blah blah blah.....If you have money and/or a better life; you had very little to do with such a happenstance...blah blah blah...your dope is called a prescription. ....blah blah blah... Some are alcoholics, but so are you! ...blah blah blah... you suck down cocktails

....You make me sick! ...blah blah blah...and kiss your a$$e$ simply because you have money. blah blah blah....I hope there really is a "next life" which includes a "hell" and I hope that it is where you greedy snobs will spend your eternity!

careful JC....your IQ is showing....

@Ron:

I hope you can see this all the way down here, lol. My point is still the same and so is my question. What do we do with those living today whose unemployment benefits have run completely out? People who had medical insurance through their employment, who need medicine, or whose children or spouse depend on UI to pay for these expensive meddies? I cannot afford to have greater compassion for a generation that may never exist plus; I am convinced that the money they need will be there for them as it was for us. This nation survived the Great Depression and because they did, and because they made new laws for future generations; that when it is their time, a way will have been planned and they will be just fine. My concern is for those who now sleep on the ground in cardboard boxes Ron.

I cannot apologize because I cannot bear to see the needy being ignored. I was once poor, so I know what it feels like when your stomach growls without ceasing as the hunger pangs cause a person to bow forward and grip their empty bellies. I am a fighter and I would not be denied. I made it through school and fought like hell against the powers that be. Most of the people I know, could not and can not now, file a civil claim in a court of law even if their very lives depended upon it! So now I do it for them, free of charge. For every one impoverished person who makes it out of their horrible situation; there are 20,000 more who will never get out! What will become of them Ron? If the gov't will not help or does not help, then what; let them eat cake? I can wish you well but I can never adjoin myself to an organization whose root philosophy is based upon ignoring the less fortunate and putting "self" above all else!

@justoneguy:

Since YOU mentioned it, my IQ is very much above normal and that should be obvious because you know I am a black man, right? Andddddddd...blacks are suppose to be stupid, correct? There are very few avenues that lead out of the ghetto; most lead to traps that end suffering early by ending life altogether. Drug addicts, drug dealers, prostitution, the pimp life and so on. I mention that I am black and have a strong IQ because that is how I got out! Learn:

Dance, sing, play sports,...or political aspirations; other than that, an academic scholarship, and I mean a full ride; or you die where you live; in the streets! I do not expect those more fortunate to fully understand but yes, I am VERY angry that life is so goddamned lop-sided!!! I do hope there is a hell and I do hope that hell will be representative of one of your biblical stories. The poor man died and went to heaven. The rich man died and went to hell. When they recognized one another, the rich man begged the poor man to dip his finger in a pool of cool water and place a drop on his parched tongue. The rich man was told that in life, he had all he could ever want while the poor man had nothing, (here's the good part), the poor man was not allowed to help the rich guy because Father Abraham said there was now a gulf between the two that can never be bridged! Ha ha ha ha ha! I am no Christian, but I love that story and I hope it is true; just as I hope that all those who hate the poor for being poor, will find themselves in that very same predicament! You suggest that my IQ is minimal; I say its fine! ROFLMBAO!

"exotix" started it, and it's worth repeating:

Where's the Jobs, Boehner ?

Big Mac. I apologize. The previous post was totally uncalled for. My apologies, if I could delete it I would.

Boehner wouldn't know a jobs bill if it hit him in the face. You see, his idea of creating jobs is to give more money to those that hire... never mind about the fact that the money just goes into their bank account since there is very little demand.

The Bush tax cuts to the rich do NOTHING but make the rich richer.

The Bush tax cuts to the poor and middle class DO stimulate demand but most is wasted on the rich.

The payroll tax gets right to the people that need it... they spend it... it creates more demand... and jobs will be created to handle the demand.

Send this to Boehner, would you? It really is pretty simple:

CREATING OR ENCOURAGING DEMAND, IMPROVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE, AND ENCOURAGING JOBS TO MOVE BACK FROM OVERSEAS IS ALL THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO. LINING THE POCKETS OF THE RICH AND BIG BUSINESS IS NOT IT.

Sarah-3043284

"Illegals" are prohibitied from any means tested assistance, under the Welfare Reform Act of '96. That means no FIA, no foodstamps, no Medicaid. Furthermore, they use fake SSN's, but for every SSN an employer records, the IRS assigns ITIN's, that means regardless of immigration status the payroll taxes are getting taken out. And than, to top it off, they DON'T get to collect, because they used that fake SSN. They put that money into earnings suspense accounts and use it on citizens.

Furthermore, about 8 out of the 11 million undocumented workers file personal income taxes.

Thanks Pamela and True!

Bravo! Sarah..... Many people think they receive SS checks every month.

Earnings Suspense File is about 520 billion in 2005, mostly from "illegals"

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/ss_secret_stash.html

EEngineer

... a lot of the players are different ones than those of 10 years ago!

Yeah, but you know who isn't different? Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl. The very people who have done the most bitching about Obama raising the debt limit. Their record:

June 2002: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves a $450 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $6.4 trillion. McConnell, Boehner, and Cantor vote “yea”, Kyl votes “nay.”

May 2003: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves a $900 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $7.384 trillion. All four approve.

November 2004: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves an $800 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $8.1 trillion. All four approve.

March 2006: [Republican-controlled] Congress approves a $781 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $8.965 trillion. All four approve.

September 2007: [Democratic-controlled] Congress approves an $850 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $9.815 trillion. All four approve.

So let's repeat the question: Why is it differneent now?

I'm going to steal this post. This deserves to be posted everywhere i find cons.

Dean80904

Finish the progression:

September 2007: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $9.815 trillion

October 2008: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $11.315 trillion

July 2008: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $10.615 trillion

December 2009: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $12.394 trillion

February 2009: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $12.104 trillion

February 2010: [Democratic-controlled] Congress raising the debt limit to - $14.294 trillion

What are we now? $15 TRILLION!?!?!

Over 100% of our GDP...

The spending all those years who does it belong to??? Its all Bush spending.

You can add 185 billion to Obama for the stimulus, which is what it added to the deficit in 2009.

And its going to add the full amount of the stimulus 787 billion every year until 2019.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Recovery_and_Reinvestment_Act_of_2009

Stop whining about the republicans controlling one out of three branches and not creating jobs.

Obama had control of all three, did he create jobs? No, he wasted his time with HRCA.

Every President in history has had to work with the other side.

Only Obama and his minions whine because they can't have TOTAL control of the legislative process.

Bush had a Dem Senate and for a while a dem house, and he still managed to do all that stuff you all are still crying about.

By your own logic, Bush was a better leader than Obama.

For the record, I hated Bush, but Obama makes me miss him.

I'll be happy when they call social security for what it is, welfare security.

I love comments like yours. You obviously don't know anyone who is receiving social security. These funds make a difference in our aging populations' living standards. While I still think there is more that we can do for this population, I do not think renaming the fund is what is needed.

At least we are getting the one trillion dollars congress pulled from SS stop that and pay it back and we will do just fine. I see some here will not take SS and that is more money for us who supported the SS. I payed for my dad and moms SS back then and you are paying for it now. And my grand kids will pay for yours. I would like to see who turn down SS? stop winning! or we could place them all on the street, but your type wants to work until they die. Damn gramps pick up that shovel and dig me a hole. Great job! some of you really suck!

Social Security has turned into another form of welfare, so call it that. It's just a financial transfer system kind of like food stamps. Workers pay SS taxes, so people on SS can get the money.

Funny, I don't recall anybody making dedicated contributions to their welfare account...and I bet we don't see anal-static giving his up, out of principle, when the time comes.

I suggest you go back and read Obama's original (and passed) Bill. The funds come directly out of Social Security. SS is a completely different pot of money from the General Fund. I'm worried about the constant stealing from SS but it's your children that will suffer. Not that anyone seems to care any more.

Don't even listen to ALAN. He obliviously would rather have the aging population just die and be done with it, but he forgot that he to will get old one day, or maybe, just maybe he will do us all a favor and anyone else who thinks like him, commit SUICIDE

Well funded, how democratically blind are you? This will rob another 105 billion from the fund annually? Greece is headed our way. Oh woo is us

The funds are dedicated to go from our taxes, to the government, then out the door to all those on SS. In one hand, out the other.

I don't understand, I'm not saying get rid of SS, but stop calling it an entitlement or something we all contribute to like an investment. It's welfare just like most of our government spending. SS is not sustainable, it like a train wreck coming down the tracks.

They like to take $1 and so we can all get back a total of $0.50 in benefits. They all have us dependent on that $0.50 when we have been better off saving it and spending it ourselves.

Anyway's SS isn't going to be around for all our lives in its current form. It's going to go bankrupt or something else bad is going to happen to it. Our politiicans are buying themselves into their office with all their spending promises us to they cannot keep.

John Haskins, that hurts.

Well, in 2007 they (the government) told us that the Soc Sec fund would "run dry" in 2041,

and in 2011, they (the gov'mint) told us that the Soc Sec fund would "be out of cash"

in 2036.

If you continue this path in a linear fashion, (linear = if things keep going the same way)

then you come up with the following:

In 2014 it will be 2034

In 2017 it will be 2032

In 2020 it will be 2030

in 2023 it will be 2028

and in 2026 it will be, oops, 2026, that Soc Sec will be done with.

That's about, eeh, 14 years if things keep going the same way, more than that if things get better,

and may be less than that if things get worse. Hm - for better - or - for worse - what shall it be?

uwec -It's not being lost. They are redirecting money from the general fund to the social security fund to make sure the 2% social security tax cut does not affect the social security fund. The social security fund is actually well funded.

Are you sure about that? We have been told this before. Please post the link for this.

Like most working Americans, I have been paying in to SS my whole career and would like it to be there when I retire. The estimated date of SS insolvency has already been moved sooner than previously thought, mostly because of politicians using the money for other things.

Now, they are cutting the payroll tax, which funds the already in-trouble Social Security program. They tell us it's fine and will be funded. Wait a few years and they'll say "oops, SS is going to be insolvent sooner than thought". Just great.

I don't think there is a link, but it was discussed and agreed to when the 1st payroll tax took effect. Now, the rhetoricians are throwing this out there about it raiding the fund, hoping that most of the people have forgotten and will support their stance about why not to have this extension. Never do they discuss the debt increase that extending the Bush tax cuts has created. What?? Why?? Because according to our "friends" across the aisle, the those tax cuts "will pay for themselves" !! How so? Beats me......

It really is welfare security. The original intent was to be a SUPPLEMENTAL income to their retirement programs - not their only retirement programs. I doubt that it will be there when I retire, but if it is you can bet your sweet ass I will do my damnedest to get "my share" of it.

If they would let me opt out of it, I would in a heartbeat.

thinker???

You have a Lot to learn...stay in school...get an education...you need one. Save for your retirement Now. When many of us Boomers were younger, we put our money in stocks and bonds. When the S&%te

hit the fan Our retirement was wiped out. THANKS to bank greed, Corp. greed & my favorite...Wall Street Greed. (bush tax cuts for all of the above didn't help) So learn from our mistakes. Save. But as far as you opting out....good luck with that. This is about More than "me, me, me" (your generation) Get over your self. Life does not always work out the way you planned. Good Luck.

alan_static

You know as much about SS as I do flying an airplane and ive never been in one.

Alan is right. In the 1950s there was something like 16 workers for every one retiree on Social security. The government estimates that by 2040 there will be a grand total of 2.1 workers for every retiree. There is just too many old people. The younger generations are screwed. But you guys can keep on thinking that it is sustainable in its current form. Ignorance is bliss

Janet -

One thing that you're wrong about -

Tax receipts actually increased after the reduced Bush tax rates went into effect - you only need to check the IRS or GAO website to verify this.

What caused the increased deficits was that spending increased at a faster rate than the revenues increased. This is why the debt increased.

Why is the concept so hard to understand?

Social security...I paid every two weeks for that benefit...I will never get (retired at 42)

Welfare...that must be from those that are young or stupid (OR BOTH)

Don't occupy my house...I have guns...and I know how too use them ( OH that's right, I have experience...and you don't)

Tammy you have a point, but you're not telling EVERYTHING. Spending increased faster than revenues did, but the Bush tax cuts also cost a lot of money ($3.8 trillion a decade) and didn't necessarily cause the increase. And the major reason why deficits are over a trillion was because the recession took away about $500 billion in revenues and increased spending by perhaps $400 billion or so.

There is technically a way to overcome the shortfall of SS. Simply institute the payroll tax cut to 90% of earnings, adjust COLA to CPI, use progressive indexing, preserve taxes on $3.5 million estates, and raise taxes on benefits. You'd overcome the shortfall and increase the surplus by 94%. It's as simple as that.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

uwec

It's not being lost. They are redirecting money from the general fund to the social security fund to make sure the 2% social security tax cut does not affect the social security fund. The social security fund is actually well funded. And yes, I am okay with that.

Not being lost? Redirecting money from the General fund? We are borrowing 40 cents of every fukn dollar we spend. That social security fund does not have one damn dime in it. It has bonds backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government...IOU's. I am sorry, but I do not have much faith in the thieves. We are just a few steps away from another downgrading of our credit status. In the end we can all be poor together. Welcome to Thunderdome.

Social Security takes 15% of the national payroll. That's a lot of money. Over the years the politicians of both parties spent it on welfare. If that money had truly been set aside, there would be trillions in the proverbial lock box. Washington now is terrified of cutting anything and thanks to Bush and especially the marxist obama, it routinely spend trillions more than we have. This will not have a good ending. The republicans are terrified for their reelection and obama thinks he can ignore our Constitution. Will no one step up and lead and tell people this will end in economic tragedy for many?

I still say kick them all out Obama included.

"the marxist obama"obama thinks he can ignore our Constitution"

You have made a lot of accusations can you prove that the President is any of these thing, or are you just running your mouth? Need to get out of the sun! did you know that all the GOP are child molesters. I have no prof of this, oh now I am just running my mouth, funny some will believe me. Shame!

Republicans may be trainable but its really hard too train turtles and rocks 8^)

You are a mental case.

The Republicans might finally be getting it, glad they left the teabaggers under bus, they are the ones who are trying to take this country down

OOOO Yea they are trainable, Kicking & Screaming all the way..... I believe boner is finally seeing the light that he is GONE come next election, what a jerk.....

Time for a Purge: I think you've been purging too much. Beyond the other crazy statements you made, PRESIDENT OBAMA (elected by the majority of the people in this country) is one of the "haves" you're talking about. He started life as a "have not" though. I don't understand why he would want to take away his own self-made success. Can you explain this to me?

MGates....

Obama, like many wealthy people know when "Enough is Enough" To many, like Mitt, Newt, Trump, Hannity, Rush the KOCH Brothers are playing a Macho game of king of the hill and those with the MOST marbles win.

Sad. You can only spend so much in your life. (unless you give back to this great country ) We live in a Very Selfish, Self centered, Spoiled society. Sad, SICK and Disturbing.

Time for a Purge; Obama may be influenced by Saul Alinsky, and that is his personal opinion. And what is wrong with Saul Alinsky?? The guy raged against the rough conditions of poor and lower class Americans and was a hero to many leaders. Do you really think that Obama wants to destroy America??? That to me sounds like libel. Obama could sue you. Doubt if he would, though. Are you that kind of right-wing conservative that thinks that everyone who doesn't share your beliefs is un-American and therefore a threat to our society???? I hope not, but either way you are wrong. Cut the right-wing crap and seek the truth, for the truth shall set you free.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

The real problem we have is people being influenced by Ronald Reagan. Tax cuts for the wealthy create jobs??? They may, but it also leads to economic inequality; and for what??? We have done that for a long time, and now we need to stop breastfeeding the wealthy.

Oh and after watching Romney bungle up with union workers, I actually want him to be the nominee. He would secure the blue-collar votes for the only SANE people, Democrats. Then again, Rick Santorum would show the Republicans for the right-wing ultraconservative scum that they are who are DIMWITS at economics. Hell, I could beat them in economic policy, and I am a young liberal "Marxist European socialist hippie." Hows' that for ya, Grand Obstructionist Party???? I'll take on Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Paul Ryan, Herman Cain, Ron Paul, Grover Norquist especially, and any other GOP leader or official ANY day of the week. That includes you weak Boner and treacherous Eric Can'tor. DOWN WITH THE RIGHT WING OLIGARCHY!!!!! DOWN WITH RIGHT-WING FASCISM!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA, AND MAY HE HAVE MERCY ON THE RIGHT WING, FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SHALL GIVE NOR QUARTER!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

DEMOCRAT CONGRESS 2012

DEATH TO THE GOP/TEA PARTY COMPLEX 2012

It was initially proposed that the payroll tax break for all working Americans would be paid for by the proposed tax on millionaires. The conservative G.O.P. flat-out rejected that. Now we know where the Republican Tea Partiers stand ...and it's NOT with a majority of the voting electorate in this country.

Obama / Biden, 2012

DSmith welcome to Politics - Standard Operating System.

Simple. Institute the payroll tax to 90% of earnings, adjust COLA to CPI, use progressive indexing, preserve taxes on $3.5 million estates, and raise taxes on benefits. You'd overcome the shortfall and increase the surplus by 94%. It's as simple as that. Just wish our leaders had the balls to do that....

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

I'd keep the Democrats and some moderate Repugs, since they are bad but are experienced, but let the rest fend for themselves.

Yes, because it's all the other guys fault.

I say keep the Dems because they are the ONLY ones who know how to compromise. They did many times, and the ultraconservatives kept pulling the rug out from under them. I know everyone in Congress is messed up. I am not idealistic. But only the Democrats and moderate Republicans seem to care enough that they are willing to compromise. The rest don't seem to give a damn. So yes, it's mostly the Tea Party conservatwits and gullible GOPers' fault.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

People who go more than 26 weeks on unemployment should not get any more money. People who want to work will find something. This is ridiculous. It is all welfare. As far as taxes, every one should pay 10% minimum income tax. Even if it is welfare or unemployment, 10% goes back to the government. It is ludicrous that almost half pay no taxes and some actually get money back. That is not a tax return. It is WELFARE.

you are on top of it all, least see in my little town we have over 200 with out a job and checking the paper want adds I notice that there are only 6 place looking for 6 worker, so what jobs are you talking about. you are one % aren't you?

Paul from NM,

WE have a progressive tax system in order to prevent the rich from amassing all of the wealth. A flat tax would only truly benefit the rich, and nobody, in my state anyway, pays 0% tax. Stop listening to talking points, turn off FOX and pick up a book.

Getting money back at tax does not mean you didn't pay any taxes. It means you paid too much. Interest free loans to Uncle Sam. You ever do your own taxes, Paul?

For Coach Dan and the 14 who agreed with him. Here is a hint for free, if you are checking the want adds in a newspaper for jobs you have it all wrong. Please go to (and refer your friends) your local library and find a book on jobs searches and networking.

I am really appalled. I want to preface with the fact that I have a 4 year degree from a physical address college. It was not a cheap one either. I am up to my eyeballs in student loans despite having a really big grant from the college itself. Unfortunately my degree isn't one that immediately places a graduate. I need more schooling but I can't afford it. It's the only thing I know of that will make me happy in my career and that's what everyone always told me, you have to be happy at your job or you'll die young.

I have pounded the pavements for months trying to find a job that I can be proud of (while I was working as a sales associate at one of the crappy department stores that treat their employees worse than any other business I've ever worked for). I finally joined an employment agency which still took two weeks to find anything for me. Fortunately, when I get an interview I always nail it and get the job. I went through three jobs, one worse than the other. I had to deal with REAL sexual harassment among people who just didn't want to do their jobs and I ended up doing all of their work along with my own. I finally found a job (currently working here) that I can be somewhat proud of and don't have to pick up everyone's slack. This process took over a year, roughly 64 weeks. I was always happy to have a paycheck but it's true that it's hard to go to work when you know you're going to be absolutely miserable. My home life is phenomenal so that has always helped but I know that for those who have a terrible home life on top of a horrible job market it can be near impossible to get out of bed in the morning.

I'm not trying to make excuses but if these people can prove that they're actively looking for jobs then by GOD we should help them stay off of the streets!

Some people have no skills that will help them in the job market that is available to them. There are just no jobs open there. What would you have these people do? Move? Do you realize how expensive it is to move? Go to school? Do you realize how expensive school is?

I don't think republicans think about the whole picture they just give a "solution" and don't think about the availablity of the terrific solution to the people they're talking about. Sure it's available for some and they can give an example or two but not for most, in most cases because republicans can't see past their own lives.

Stealing from future generations to handout 10.00 to 40.00 bucks and we have cheering in the streets. No one seems to care or is even talking about the fact that a gallon of gas is now approaching 4.00 nationwide. It was 1.79 the day Obama took office, so lets not confuse the fact that the oil barons are making double under Obama then they made under Bush.

Heating oil is up, averaging 3.70 plus a gallon and over 4.00 in some places. It is just so great that Obama and Congress is stealing from future generations to handout twenties when it is now more then double the cost to drive and heat our homes. Food prices are also skyrocketing as a result, boy that extra 20.00 might buy a loaf of bread with the direction it is heading.

Anyone that is cheering this should have their head examined. Washington isn't solving anything, they are simply digging a deeper hole and compounding the problems. I hope you embrace socialism with the same enthusiasm that you cheered on the collapse of this once great nation. But hey, we are the United States we can afford it, yeah right. Can't wait to hear that collective whoops, but of course by then it will be too late.

Rick, gas prices rely on market speculation; plus with things with Iran heating up no wonder prices are high. Plus gas was $4 during Bush in 2008 summer. And the government doesn't control prices or speculation, unless your promoting socialism.

America's isn't going to collapse, at least not from socialism. It was right-wing trickle-down economics, lax regulation, and rampant spending on stupid foreign adventures and tax cuts that did us in. Thanks to laissez-faire capitalism, we are in the pits. So thank the right for the decline of America. Socialism, like sugar, is good in small doses. We haven't had a socialist government. And we COULD have solved our debt problems had your stupid Tea Party congressmen bungled up the debt debate. $4 trillion may not cover everything, but it is a good start. Add in tax reform, economic growth, and entitlement reform, and we could probably eliminate the debt in the 2020s and reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio substantially.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

Oh and if we elected Romney or Santorum or Gingrich, gas prices would be perhaps $4.50 because of a potential war with Iran. Didn't think of that, did ya???

@ted

I couldn't agree with you more, so sick of these politicians making a big deal about "allowing" us to keep $20 a week of our money. Bread crumbs, ummm, oh big of them.

@ted

I also agree with your earlier post to kick them "all" out, including Obummmer.

4.00 a gallon gasoline, but here is a twenty. 4.00 a gallon heating oil, but here is that same twenty. How far does that same twenty go in a grocery store now a days? Nothing but fools cheering on a fool. This is a top down problem, and this country cannot survive four more years of Obama.

nothing human about the gop

Yeah you guys are right, being human is spending this country into oblivion. Hyperinflation is right around the corner, all thanks to the human in the White House.

crawl out from under your rock. bush started two wars and cut taxes. that is why we have a HUGE deficit. Paying teachers, firemen, policemen, etc..... is not what caused the deficit. Are republicans suffering from amnesia? Because for the life of me, none of them remember that Bush entered office with a budget surplus. And Bush was behind TARP before I ever heard of Obama.

Rick, inflation is barely 3%. Hyperinflation would be at least 10%-20%. Don't see that coming. And for your information, Obama has HELPED us recover from the recession. Maybe you haven't noticed the recovery and job creation lately, but that don't make it fake. Lay off the GOP kool-aid Rick and seek the truth, for the truth shall set you free.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

Go look at the figures, debt does not go up every fukn year if there is a surplus.

09/30/2001
$5,807,463,412,200.06

09/30/2000
$5,674,178,209,886.86

09/30/1999
$5,656,270,901,615.43

09/30/1998
$5,526,193,008,897.62

09/30/1997
$5,413,146,011,397.34

09/30/1996
$5,224,810,939,135.73

09/29/1995
$4,973,982,900,709.39

09/30/1994
$4,692,749,910,013.32

Quick question: where did you get this stuff? Not that I'm doubting it's authenticity, but I'd like to see a citation...

Oh, blah blah. Did you just start paying attention to politics this year? I'll forgive you if you're no older than 18. But, everything you just said is said endlessly about the party that isn't in power.

After Kerry and the Dems lost in '04 it was, "This is the end of the Democratic Party". Then in '08, "This is the end of the Republican Party".

Get real and bring some value to the conversation about the topic, the payroll tax cut extension.

Because the GOP want to preserve tax cuts for the "job creators" but don't think that 160 million Americans getting an extra $1,000 a year to spend on goods will do anything to help the economy. I find it amazing that millions of Americans continue to think that the GOP actually know about the American economy. Poor things don't know that they're being screwed....

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

I know right? The GOP is screwing them and they are screaming for them to do it more. Apparently they either don't get it, or they like it? $1040.00 in their pockets and they are against it.

How dare he! Democrats are the ones pushing for this in the first place. Speaking of political games... that's exactly what he's doing here. One strategically placed statement and he thinks republicans are off the hook for fighting it tooth and nail only months ago... AMAZING!!!!

Translation from Bonehead: We are not going to allow the Democrats to take credit for us backing down in the face of overwhelming disgust of the American people with the Repug/teabags in Congress. We are not going to give up protecting our big donors tax breaks."

No it was a way to give even more money to those who already pay nothing in federal tax. The only tax they pay is social security. I was surprised they did not try to cut the sales tax or something so the welfare people could get more money.

Wow Gil, You sound totally nuts. You sound like one of those homeless guys that yells that the end is near and writes out crazy jibbrish on any piece of cardboard he can find laying around. Get a clue bud.

Gil....Do you Really think Anyone Cares what nonsense you wrote Before? Get a Life. Your truly Pitiful.

do you think it would hurt the gop if they had the same plan no because of all the money they get from the billionaires under the table to do their commands the gop are nothing more then puppets to them and obey on command

Go goggle Ron Paul 2012 and read his view of our congress and politicians funding. He wants to slash their pay, perk and travel and his own pay as president would be cut down to under 40k per year. Now even if you do not like RP, try sitting on that idea of his and tell me the only problem he would have doing it is CONGRESS would not vote for it.

That is our system folks and I want a man/woman in there who will make us see how corrupt and greedy our house and congress really are. Stand up and PUSH BACK!!! elect the best person for the job, not the best party. Because every party has a poop'r!!! Do not stand back and let them run over you/us, we push and we push and we push, until we get what EVERYONE needs, not just the poor, the rich and the middle class, EVERYONE!! Fix your town, then your county, then your district, then your state and big brother federal govt' will either fall into line or get blown out of the water!

We have always stood up to tyranny and we have always won for our freedoms and we have to keep standing up and pushing back because that is what America is all about. Standing up for our country and our people and demanding equality. Women stood up to be able to vote, blacks stood up for equality, we thrive when we fight for our rights, we sink when we become complacent! We will always have to stand up and be watchful but the time has come to DO IT and to keep doing it!

PUSH BACK!!!

ep1237, You mean like all the money they get from soros, buffet, gates, ge, and the like?

Texas Fighter Gal, I do believe I am falling in love.

Texasfightergal, yes they (congress members) all need a "boot up their a**es but Ron Paul is not the solution. If you think that businesses will do what is right for their consumers and that our drinking water will be safe without government intervention you are naive. There is a reason why Ron Paul's supporters are young and fresh out of high school or college. They just got out of their parent's houses and they want to do whatever the hell they want to do, drugs especially. We should know better (mostly from history) than to think that people are going to act with any kind of decency without clear rules and someone to enforce them. There would be absolute chaos!

I agree with what he believes is going wrong with the government but I almost NEVER like his solutions to the problems. They are beyond extreme.

We are trying to live in a society here, and anyone who knows anything about humans living together and how society works, knows that the first thing people do besides create religion is create government. This is common sense because we are animals (like it or not, many other animals have very similar brain structure as humans and some of them have proven to have emotions and can work together for a common goal outside of human's interferance [gorillas in the wild]) and if we don't keep each other in check with an organized set of rules we will all start to act more like more primitive animals than we already do.

Government is here for our protection and we should use it to our advantage. You're right, vote everyone out that is not working in our interest and we need to change legislature and lots of regulations but these are things that Obama wants and is fighting for, for all Americans. He is fighting some pretty strong forces and doing a good job of it. I'm very proud of him and I feel for him because he's aged quite a bit since 2004 but it's because he cares so much. Read his book.

Nice one, Gates. Counters the Ron Paul argument without bringing any criticisms or name-calling. You nailed it on the head.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

Sorry Freshieee, but are you saying congress does not need a cut in pay, perks and travel? That they should continue their disgusting spending habits? I was in not pushing Ron Paul, but an idea that might just save you and I some money.

And I happen to think our govt' is full of corruption and I am sick and tired of it. Both the Democrats and Republicans have corruption in their party and I want it GONE!!! But I do not believe, and I say this as nicely as possible, I have no faith in Obamas ability to eliminate the corrupt threats to our nation. I did when I voted for him and he has broken too many promises that truly mattered to ME. I do not care if he has kept every promise you cared for him to keep, he broke the ones that mattered to me. My faith in him is broken and he has done nothing lately to restore it. No if he will admit that our borders are not safe in anyway shape or form, and that we need to stop policing the world and that maybe detaining potential terrorist indefinitely regardless of being american citizens, is perhaps not the best way to instill a sense of faith in our govt'. If he changes his mind about these things, then I might just get my faith back. Argue what you will, but these are my worries, not making sure Catholics get contraceptives w/o a co-pay. I have larger issues to deal with as I live 125 miles from the border and well, my issues are daily piling up against Obama.

Texas-I don't oppose cutting perks for Congress. I've even proposed it in my deficit reduction bills. And I know that Obama ain't perfect, hasn't done much on immigration (but has stepped up immigration security and deport large numbers of illegals), or fixed corruption in government. But admit this; America is a paradise for the rest of the world. Most nations would kill to have our system; the Chinese, the Indians, the Egyptians, the Greeks; a lot of people. I know it has its faults, especially with how money plays a big part in politics. Then again, he cannot challenge the Supreme Court in an election year.

But he has targeted at least one form of corruption; trickle-down economics. He has offered to rescind tax cuts for the wealthy and actually tax them and corporations more. That is a significant source of corruption in our nation, and at least he offers a solution to it.

Again, I am not trying to "convert" you or anything, just shedding some extra light....

AMERICA 2012

I agree, America is close to paradise. But you already know how I feel about taxing corporations more. I disagree with it, "if", IF they created jobs HERE. Obama wants more manufacturing to come back here and I say we already do not have those jobs and we are already paying unemployment, so if he eliminates corporate taxes on job creators and in doing so removes people from unemployment and those people are now paying taxes we just doubled our income by saving an unemployment check and receiving their taxes. So we are no worse off by not taxing the corporations than we were before, its better.

I mean heck Freshieee, if those stupid corporations are already NOT paying their fair share, they can atleast be bribed into not having to pay anything by hiring Americans to make the products here. I would love nothing more than to be able to say keep taxing the corporations AND force them to manufacture here, but that is just not how businesses work. They will always go to the lowest bidder. So we need to be that lowest bidder on taxes AND punish with higher import taxes those who do not manufacture here. Imported Goods should always be more expensive, ALWAYS!! Makes no sense for them not to be more expensive.

Then you get the green folks who wants less massive ships going to and from other nations using large amounts of oil, spilling it along the way, etc.

So the ultimate goal here Freshieee is to bring back the jobs, not bring in more corporate taxes. Corporations are greedy and until some genius finds a way to remove greed from the WORLD, all we can ask for are the jobs, and the workers taxes. Then after about 10 smooth and prosperous years you look into re-taxing corporations, depending on the planetary competition tax wise. I do not want other nations corporations to come here bc that is not healthy for their nation, they would get were we are now. American companies need to manufacture here and Chinese companies need to manufacture in China. If we want Chinese made products its only fair to pay for the extra import tax.

And you know I do not like tax hikes when they still offer cuts. Thats just stupid, Cut the Cuts and then make sure they are paying. How the hell people get away with not paying taxes owed amazes me.

As to border security, One day they say he is cutting 75% of border agents, the next day he only decreased the budget by 2%, and the day after that we hear of another rancher by the border fighting to keep their land safe and the day after that we hear Obama is going to create 80k unemployed military at the same time he is cutting border security, etc.....

Too many issues not being combined and not being recognized as being able to help each other. Put those 80k newly home troops on the border, keep them employed AND stop illegal border crossings and drug cartels. But he can not do that bc he is standing on a platform of "the border is safe". It would be hypocritical of him to make a move that undermines his words. And I do not mean keep 80k troops on the border, Let them work it AND look for a new job, then we slowly decrease our border security as they find other jobs while slowing down or finding a way to permanently STOP illegal crossings. How many people would NOT think that was smart and a way to help our newly home heroes by not instantly putting them out of work, instead putting them to work temporarily protecting their REAL HOME, while they find decent work. Of course you also offer Tax incentive's to hire prior military.

Technically, Texas gal, I do not want to raise corporate tax rates from 35%. I simply want them to pay a higher effective tax. I would lower the tax to perhaps 24% and offer a net tax expenditure of 4% including a deduction for domestic production and hiring. But I want corporations to pay an effective tax rate of at least 18%. That would be fair and competitive with the rest of the world. But it's not just the taxes (which is a very small part); its cost. Wages have driven companies away, but they are coming back, probably because of American productivity and increasing transportation costs. I say we reform the corporate tax code to make it fairer.

I would increase duties for Chinese goods (mostly because of unfair trade violations) and for any imports that are from unfair traders. And I would increase emphasis on export financing and benefiting exporters. I haven't heard much on Obama decreasing border agents, but I have heard a lot of his deporting illegal immigrants. I wish he could reform immigration. That is one of his problems. But putting 80,000 troops anywhere is expensive, and that could cost $160 billion (if you take the rule of thumb that it costs 2x the salary of an employee in benefits and such) a year. Nobody is willing to spend that kind of money, even on the border, during our deficit debates. The border isn't safe, I'll give you that.

Yet when I look at the issues, I think Obama has done a pretty good job all-in-all. Plus he is much better than his competition. I hope he fixes immigration and the budget, but only we can give him the chance to do so. I wouldn't advise giving the GOP one, especially after they cost us our AAA credit rating (they share the blame with Democrats, but they were more stubborn) and bungled the payroll tax cut. Not much supporting them.

And nice name.

Genius, you can't file taxes without a SS#.

Thanks for pointing that out MGates. I was about to suggest that he/she try filing his/her income taxes with a SSN for themselves and each dependant. These folks should stop watching Fox noise. Seriously....

Wow, ignorant. Do you know what the government is like in Mexico? No, no one from any English speaking part of the world would want to live in Mexico so no, they don't need to have it in English too.

And your point is....??

The Spanish instructions are for Puerto Ricans, and as I recall they are US citizens!

Mexico doesn't have a lot of English-speakers, unlike America.

Don't forget the bottom feeders are exactly what the Democrats want so they can stay in power. We have an entire generation of "gimmes."

Joyce

are you really that Uninformed or are you just plain ignorant? Turn off faux, put down the tea and educate yourself.

@praysalot #2.14, #15.2 and #19.2

The ongoing inflammatory nature of your remarks at these posts of yours ..... they are truly breathtaking, and I do not mean that in a complimentary manner. Apparently, if you disagree with someone, you feel like you have a license for a personal attack.

People have a right to their opinions, and your attempts to belittle them show an arrogance and, perhaps, an ill-founded "superiority complex" that I have only seen in a few. This is not intended to be a "chat vine" where you pour out your venom. The article is about fairly mild, and possibly accurate comments of Speaker Boehner about what the payroll tax deduction means to jobs creation.

You have just put yourself in the running for the daily Massengill Award ! Congratulations !!

Who do you want to do it? JW

What do you consider as "fair share" ep1237?

Working class billionaires pay the same tax rate as you....most likely they pay more since I doubt you pay any. And the government cannot just "set" gas prices. Oil companies would simply stop or dramatically cut the supply to the U.S.

As for the lottery....as soon as you find someone willing to give another $1 to the government for the privilege of playing the game, let me know!

Ignorance... ignorance. Boy I'm tired of it... I don't know that much about economics but even I know that that is about the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!

Gas prices are not set by the Government they are set by OPEC. Which is way "drill baby drill" is so asinine.

I'd say the millionaires ought to pay about 45.4% in income tax and 25% capital gains with a 3.5% deduction for investment in DOMESTIC companies, funds, programs, etc. Carried interest is income, and tax cuts for corporate jets, hedge fund managers, and so on should be stopped and 2/3 devoted to cutting the deficit. The rest should go to fixing the economy through tax credits, incentives, and programs. Since the rich control much of the wealth in America, they ought to pay a lot of the taxes.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012

Cut in Social Security tax rate is about as stupid a thing the government can do. The reason such cuts are being made is that 50% pay no income taxes but do pay Social Security. Only way to give 50% a tax break. Since benefits are based on contributions to Social Security I guess since we are paying less the resulting benefit when one retires will be less as well. Irrespective it is smoke and mirrors...the system if bankrupt and everyone knows it so from this perspective let's cut the Social Security tax as low as possible. At least the result will be we pay less into the system before it has to drastically reduce the benefit (CBO) by 25% to match the funds inflow to cover outflow of benefits to be paid (year 2025). Increased taxes are ok as long as it does not impact those that support the run away train of Federal spending.

Federal debt will reach over $16 Trillion by end of 2012. This equals over $55,000 per man, woman and child in America. Average household is 3.8 persons. So about $200,000 per family. If you are in the 99% (which I am and am not complaining) why is that so? Did you think becoming a teacher, laborer, non educated person with no skills or God forbid a liberal arts degree from a "fine" university, or have a technical skill that you would be in the 1%? Oh I get it. You want what others have but want someone else to pay for it. The day of reckoning it coming. Our federal spending levels are unsustainable which is for sure going to reck our economy resulting in alot of pain for all American citizens but after the crash things will improve in 15-20 years. Socialism has never worked and never will.

I agree with you Bill , I also have worked and paid into SS for over 40 years and paid into medicare as well. Another thing that is wrong is they refer to thease programs as entitlements, they are not. Noboby receives benefits because they are citizens, they have to pay into the programs to receive them when they retire.

Randall, while I'd like to agree, there are many people who have never paid in a penny, collecting funds from it. So, in that sense, it is an entitlement. I've also paid in for over 30 years and will feel pretty lucky if I see any return. What's funniest about the whole thing is the supposed tax cut is nothing more than the government reducing future liabilities. Paying 2% less for a few years is going to make a huge difference in benefits come retirement time.

Bill, S.S was a great idea originally, however it has been stolen from and twisted so that your money you paid in full faith to the govt' has since been handed out to illegals and other nations. That's just not fair to you now is it? You worked hard for that money and entrusted it to the govt's keeping and now they are telling you "oooops, someone else did bad, your money is gone, but we are not going to fix what took your money, we are going to instead throw some more blame. We are instead going to make a big ruckus about needing to raise taxes again, keep the borders unsecured and funding illegals occupation here via your tax contributions and S.S contributions. We will not address the need to fund our veterans health programs so they can receive timely benefits even though we contracted with them to provide these funds decades ago when they served. We will instead pay for your neighbors rent, utilities and 5th baby, all with money you gave to us when you worked to better your life and had faith in your govt'. Actually all that money was sent to Africa, so we are now taking your grandchildrens' money and giving it away to those poor souls who just do not feel up to working, who do not feel up to dressing well to apply for jobs, so they can keep their welfare benefits."

Bill, YOUR S.S funds are not yours, they are someone elses' and that's just BS (pardon the language). Your money is gone and now they are trying to tell you its okay to rob Peter to pay Paul. And I have a feeling you did not grow up in that era of thinking! You grew up thinking that " whats mine is mine and I should decide how it is spent." You are one of the entitled Bill, bc you GAVE funds to an agency that contracted with you to pay you back. You are entitled to get paid the money back plus interest. But who do they steal from to pay it back and how can they take more to give to those who NEVER contributed, never signed that contract to the govt' and have in fact never pledged allegiance to the govt'?

Bill, you are a generation of givers and this is the generation of takers! All that's left now is to see who runs out of money first! I am just 27 years old and I would never call you a welfare recipient bc you worked hard for 40+ years and trusted the system, while my parents generation and my own, have done nothing but scream more, more, more. We are like the kids who are at 40 years of age calling you up and asking you to keep paying our bills bc we want to go on vacation and need the money. But I will stand up and push back. It is time to own up to our responsibilities and to take care of ourselves and our families, old and young.

Very nicely said Texas....

Well said Bill

Social Security is a grey area. Its not exactly welfare but its definitely a scam. You're actually getting back less money than you paid in due to the time value of money principle. Sum up all that you paid into social security and then adjust it for inflation over your lifetime. Then sum up the check that you'll be getting until your (estimated) death. Youll see that you paid in more than youre getting back after adjusting for inflation. If you would have taken that money and invested it, you'd have way more. But the government knows Americans spend every dime we have and don't save anything, thats why they forced us into this system isnt it? Because we need big daddy to take care of us.

Idiot