The raising of the USA Debt Limit has become a common activity the last several years such that it is no big deal to many Americans. Every dollar borrowed weakens the economic base of the US dollar just a little more.

If one assumes that thee USA will pay 2% interest on this debt, then at $30 trillion (rough current debt level) is $600 million. If the debt goes up to $50 trillion (this is forecast for the next 10-17 years) then we will be paying $1 trillion a year in interest payments. The USA will not be able to function very well when debt service is this high.

We need to cut federal spending and attempt to pay down the debt to $25 trillion to be able keep fiscal control of our country's business. Domestic spending vs defense spending will continue, but both will need to be cut in the future.

30 trillion in debt means we have a harder time weathering the next world crisis. Perhaps to the point of not being able to weather the next global crisis.

Cut spending (defense and Social Security etc.) to the point where we run a surplus. Keep spending less than we collect in revenue until the national debt is much, much smaller. If you can't cut the spending, increase the taxes.

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

Dems have gotten media to smear SCOTUS for a month now because they're trying to use the 14th amendment as a basis to raise the debt limit.

How the hell can I be broke? I still room left on my credit card!

D. C. Bear said:

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Cut spending (defense and Social Security etc.) to the point where we run a surplus. Keep spending less than we collect in revenue until the national debt is much, much smaller. If you can't cut the spending, increase the taxes.

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Absolutely the right things to do. I wish there was an effort to privatize Social Security in a way that workers would be required to put their 3-7% + company match into a private IRA account until they turn 55. The government needs to get out of the retirement planning business. Medicare would be a different animal to tame.
I realize the probability of this happening is very slim.

Jack Bauer said:

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Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

True.

EatMoreSalmon said:

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30 trillion in debt means we have a harder time weathering the next world crisis. Perhaps to the point of not being able to weather the next global crisis.

---

I agree. I do not understand why democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren do not understand this.

'A Quintillion Borats here and another Quintillion Borats there, and pretty soon it adds up to real money. Thankfully we can just allot more Borats telepathically to remedy things.'

- Humanoid 0xA2B25F4C (9/Steele/2221)

Look at how people spend their money. So many save nothing from their pay, but blow it on not only food and mortgages, but trips, cars, all kinds of toys they don't need and can't afford, but they have no impulse control.

My wife and I were broke when we married in 1997, but we saved as much as possible and over time not only bought our house but paid it off, own our cars outright and sent my daughters to college without anyone taking a loan.

I don't think more than 4% of the population has that kind of financial discipline. And that's why our government is so messed up - the 96% who can't save for their own future, vote for and elect politicians who make promises according to that spend-now lifestyle.

After all, it's only our grand-kids' future we are trashing, right?

Guy Noir said:

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I agree. I do not understand why democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren do not understand this.

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I agree, I don't understand why fellow republicans during the Trump administration did not understand this.

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

Forest Bueller_bf said:

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Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

D. C. Bear said:

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Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

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Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social Security and Medicare comprise 46 percent of federal spending. This is why you cut there.

Setting taxes at Eisenhower levels would involve a slight reduction in taxes, but would not solve or even change much of anything.

D. C. Bear said:

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RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social Security and Medicare comprise 46 percent of federal spending. This is why you cut there.

Setting taxes at Eisenhower levels would involve a slight reduction in taxes, but would not solve or even change much of anything.

---

Ok, if we are talking those than you can't just look at budget and income tax rates. You have to look at dedicated funding, which both have. Raise FICA and Medicare, I don't think many would notice. I have no problem raising either or both of those as dedicated funding sources.

Raise Income tax withholding, you are in for a fight.

If we are looking at balancing budget, you are not doing it with those two cutting benefits. It will be on the other programs.

Chamberman said:

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Guy Noir said:

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I agree. I do not understand why democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren do not understand this.

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I agree, I don't understand why fellow republicans during the Trump administration did not understand this.

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Good point,

RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

---

RMF5630 said:

---

D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social Security and Medicare comprise 46 percent of federal spending. This is why you cut there.

Setting taxes at Eisenhower levels would involve a slight reduction in taxes, but would not solve or even change much of anything.

---

Ok, if we are talking those than you can't just look at budget and income tax rates. You have to look at dedicated funding, which both have. Raise FICA and Medicare, I don't think many would notice. I have no problem raising either or both of those as dedicated funding sources.

Raise Income tax withholding, you are in for a fight.

If we are looking at balancing budget, you are not doing it with those two cutting benefits. It will be on the other programs.

---

Anyone with side gigs, small contract work, or are self employed in any way will notice.

EatMoreSalmon said:

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RMF5630 said:

---

D. C. Bear said:

---

RMF5630 said:

---

D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social Security and Medicare comprise 46 percent of federal spending. This is why you cut there.

Setting taxes at Eisenhower levels would involve a slight reduction in taxes, but would not solve or even change much of anything.

---

Ok, if we are talking those than you can't just look at budget and income tax rates. You have to look at dedicated funding, which both have. Raise FICA and Medicare, I don't think many would notice. I have no problem raising either or both of those as dedicated funding sources.

Raise Income tax withholding, you are in for a fight.

If we are looking at balancing budget, you are not doing it with those two cutting benefits. It will be on the other programs.

---

Anyone with side gigs, small contract work, or are self employed in any way will notice.

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Besides that, you don't need to "notice" taxes for them to have an effect.

The party out of power always cares about the debt. The party in power could not care less. That's why we are where we are.

EatMoreSalmon said:

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RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

---

RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

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Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social Security and Medicare comprise 46 percent of federal spending. This is why you cut there.

Setting taxes at Eisenhower levels would involve a slight reduction in taxes, but would not solve or even change much of anything.

---

Ok, if we are talking those than you can't just look at budget and income tax rates. You have to look at dedicated funding, which both have. Raise FICA and Medicare, I don't think many would notice. I have no problem raising either or both of those as dedicated funding sources.

Raise Income tax withholding, you are in for a fight.

If we are looking at balancing budget, you are not doing it with those two cutting benefits. It will be on the other programs.

---

Anyone with side gigs, small contract work, or are self employed in any way will notice.

---

Might be true, but of all the programs those are the most effective. To cut what works is not a solution. Granted reform in pricing is needed in Medicare, but too many depend on it after a lifetime of paying in.

RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

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Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

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Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

Doc Holliday said:

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RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

---

Social Security in particular is garbage. Saving not much more than the 12.6 percent taken in Social Security taxes, people could have a comfortable retirement without any need for the welfare payments provided by social security.

Doc Holliday said:

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RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

---

To a large part of the population they rely on Medicare, just because you are one that doesn't need it does not minimize the value it has for many. I know, you are supremely talented, disciplined and business savvy that you could do better. Says the people on the Baylor Message Board. We are talking public policy, not your portfolio. The middle class, working class and working poor rely on these garage programs. Twirl some more $100 a bottle Scotch and tell us how we should cut SS and Medicare.

Raising the debt limit is a farce we have to listen to all the DC shyster lawyers cry about every few years.

I wish we would default. Nothing will ever change until people start feeling some real pain. Every few years Socialist Party A & Socialist Party B take turns telling us how not raising the ceiling will spell certain doom for the country.

Bring it on! Please default! I want millions of fat, dumb and happy Americans to feel the pain.

We will not default. The debt limit will be raised.

The Republicans lack the spine, and Biden won't want to be known as the first President to default.

It really comes down to how much we get screwed this time.

As to the solution, get back to me when we have leaders who really do put country ahead of career, and a media who cares more about the facts than their ratings.

Guy Noir said:

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The raising of the USA Debt Limit has become a common activity the last several years such that it is no big deal to many Americans. Every dollar borrowed weakens the economic base of the US dollar just a little more.

If one assumes that thee USA will pay 2% interest on this debt, then at $30 trillion (rough current debt level) is $600 million. If the debt goes up to $50 trillion (this is forecast for the next 10-17 years) then we will be paying $1 trillion a year in interest payments. The USA will not be able to function very well when debt service is this high.

We need to cut federal spending and attempt to pay down the debt to $25 trillion to be able keep fiscal control of our country's business. Domestic spending vs defense spending will continue, but both will need to be cut in the future.

---

Nobody in Washington has balls that big

Thee University said:

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Raising the debt limit is a farce we have to listen to all the DC shyster lawyers cry about every few years.

I wish we would default. Nothing will ever change until people start feeling some real pain. Every few years Socialist Party A & Socialist Party B take turns telling us how not raising the ceiling will spell certain doom for the country.

Bring it on! Please default! I want millions of fat, dumb and happy Americans to feel the pain.

---

Default is the answer. Do it now at $32T or later at $60T. Less pain today than tomorrow.

RMF5630 said:

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Doc Holliday said:

---

RMF5630 said:

---

D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

---

To a large part of the population they rely on Medicare, just because you are one that doesn't need it does not minimize the value it has for many. I know, you are supremely talented, disciplined and business savvy that you could do better. Says the people on the Baylor Message Board. We are talking public policy, not your portfolio. The middle class, working class and working poor rely on these garage programs. Twirl some more $100 a bottle Scotch and tell us how we should cut SS and Medicare.

---

Medicare is expected to go under in the not so distant future. My own retirement will be affected, and I'm not retired yet. It will most definitely have to be scaled back or funded more (higher payroll tax). Third option would be to redo the system, which won't happen unless dire circumstances force the issue.

Guy Noir said:

---

The raising of the USA Debt Limit has become a common activity the last several years such that it is no big deal to many Americans. Every dollar borrowed weakens the economic base of the US dollar just a little more.

If one assumes that thee USA will pay 2% interest on this debt, then at $30 trillion (rough current debt level) is $600 million. If the debt goes up to $50 trillion (this is forecast for the next 10-17 years) then we will be paying $1 trillion a year in interest payments. The USA will not be able to function very well when debt service is this high.

We need to cut federal spending and attempt to pay down the debt to $25 trillion to be able keep fiscal control of our country's business. Domestic spending vs defense spending will continue, but both will need to be cut in the future.

---

Can't do it in 1 year or 2

It won't happen because politics

EatMoreSalmon said:

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RMF5630 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

RMF5630 said:

---

D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

---

To a large part of the population they rely on Medicare, just because you are one that doesn't need it does not minimize the value it has for many. I know, you are supremely talented, disciplined and business savvy that you could do better. Says the people on the Baylor Message Board. We are talking public policy, not your portfolio. The middle class, working class and working poor rely on these garage programs. Twirl some more $100 a bottle Scotch and tell us how we should cut SS and Medicare.

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Medicare is expected to go under in the not so distant future. My own retirement will be affected, and I'm not retired yet. It will most definitely have to be scaled back or funded more (higher payroll tax). Third option would be to redo the system, which won't happen unless dire circumstances force the issue.

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Same here. It needs to funded properly and not raided. Same with SS and Highway Trust Fund. Needs dedicated funding.

I truly believe if people know what they are finding, get good service and the funding is tied to service they will not have a problem with tax. I am a huge fan of dedicated funding and user fees.


I am not a fan of General Revenue and discretionary spending.

RMF5630 said:

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Doc Holliday said:

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RMF5630 said:

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D. C. Bear said:

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Forest Bueller_bf said:

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Jack Bauer said:

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Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

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Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

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There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

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Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

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Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

---

To a large part of the population they rely on Medicare, just because you are one that doesn't need it does not minimize the value it has for many. I know, you are supremely talented, disciplined and business savvy that you could do better. Says the people on the Baylor Message Board. We are talking public policy, not your portfolio. The middle class, working class and working poor rely on these garage programs. Twirl some more $100 a bottle Scotch and tell us how we should cut SS and Medicare.

---

At least 3/4 of the workers in the United States, most of whom who used to chug Bud Light, not twirl $100 a bottle Scotch, would be vastly better off with an individual retirement account rather than the joke that is Social Security.

RMF5630 said:

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EatMoreSalmon said:

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RMF5630 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

RMF5630 said:

---

D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

---

To a large part of the population they rely on Medicare, just because you are one that doesn't need it does not minimize the value it has for many. I know, you are supremely talented, disciplined and business savvy that you could do better. Says the people on the Baylor Message Board. We are talking public policy, not your portfolio. The middle class, working class and working poor rely on these garage programs. Twirl some more $100 a bottle Scotch and tell us how we should cut SS and Medicare.

---

Medicare is expected to go under in the not so distant future. My own retirement will be affected, and I'm not retired yet. It will most definitely have to be scaled back or funded more (higher payroll tax). Third option would be to redo the system, which won't happen unless dire circumstances force the issue.

---

Same here. It needs to funded properly and not raided. Same with SS and Highway Trust Fund. Needs dedicated funding.

I truly believe if people know what they are finding, get good service and the funding is tied to service they will not have a problem with tax. I am a huge fan of dedicated funding and user fees.


I am not a fan of General Revenue and discretionary spending.

---

Social security is a joke with a terrible return for the majority of people and has become an incentive for huge numbers of people to not save a dollar for retirement.

70%+ of government spending comes from SS, Medicare, servicing the debt and defense. Unless significant reductions are made in those, nothing else will matter.

BearTruth13 said:

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RMF5630 said:

---

EatMoreSalmon said:

---

RMF5630 said:

---

Doc Holliday said:

---

RMF5630 said:

---

D. C. Bear said:

---

Forest Bueller_bf said:

---

Jack Bauer said:

---

Everyone is for spending cuts up to the point it impacts them.

I am convinced that SS/Medicare will NEVER EVER get cut due to scare tactics and that seniors get out to vote.

---

Of all the things that should be cut, why would we cut the one thing that we actually have to pay for.

If they will lump sum me the over $400,000 that myself and employer have had to pay into these the last 40 years, if they will also accounting for inflation and a modest 5% interest return, I will take that $2.2 million dollar check and call it even.

---

There is no difference in money paid to Social Security and Medicare and money paid in income taxes, and we also actually have to pay income taxes. Social Security is simply a flat tax on income (up to a certain amount) and a welfare program.

---

Why pick the programs the vast majority of Americans have no problem with the Govt providing?

How about raising the taxes to Eisenhower levels, problem solved. The financially well off can continue to crow about how financially disciplined they are, progressives get Govt programs and actual working class workers who irresponsibly took their kids on a vacation can live their lives. All the whole touting the fiscally conservative virtues of Ike. What is more American than that?

---

Social security and Medicare are garbage.

When the social security program started the ratio between worker and retiree was 159 workers to 1 retiree. Today the ratio is 2.8 workers to 1 retiree.

It's spending more than its bringing in. Either the government will have to pay us less or raise taxes...maybe both. Even if it was an efficient entitlement program, it would still fail because it doesn't deliver enough money to support retirement. It will deliver poverty to those that solely rely on it.

An entitlement/welfare program costing 46% of the budget that delivers garbage is pointless. We'd be better off saving those tax dollars or using it to curb inflation by not having to print so much damn money.

A major problem with how we view welfare is we think entitlement programs are the answer instead of reduction toward the cost of living.

---

To a large part of the population they rely on Medicare, just because you are one that doesn't need it does not minimize the value it has for many. I know, you are supremely talented, disciplined and business savvy that you could do better. Says the people on the Baylor Message Board. We are talking public policy, not your portfolio. The middle class, working class and working poor rely on these garage programs. Twirl some more $100 a bottle Scotch and tell us how we should cut SS and Medicare.

---

Medicare is expected to go under in the not so distant future. My own retirement will be affected, and I'm not retired yet. It will most definitely have to be scaled back or funded more (higher payroll tax). Third option would be to redo the system, which won't happen unless dire circumstances force the issue.

---

Same here. It needs to funded properly and not raided. Same with SS and Highway Trust Fund. Needs dedicated funding.

I truly believe if people know what they are finding, get good service and the funding is tied to service they will not have a problem with tax. I am a huge fan of dedicated funding and user fees.


I am not a fan of General Revenue and discretionary spending.

---

Social security is a joke with a terrible return for the majority of people and has become an incentive for huge numbers of people to not save a dollar for retirement.

70%+ of government spending comes from SS, Medicare, servicing the debt and defense. Unless significant reductions are made in those, nothing else will matter.

---

The debt is the problem, not the couple of social programs that the majority of Americans count on in old age. You cut those programs, you are hurting alot of people, mostly working class people.

I am all for fiscal conservatism, but it can't be at the expense the elderly.

I know you and the others were born poor, never took a vacation, lived in a shack for 49 years, paid for Baylor with returnable bottles and if you can do it everyone can do it. Great, yay you. You are a Financial God looking down at the stupid poor who brought it down on themselves by getting cable r a phone when they can't afford it. Pat yourself on the back your special. I get it.

Slash defense, increase corporate taxes, buy you can't do it on the back of the fixed income elderly and elderly medical care. SS and Medicare are relied on by too many to target that as the answer. How about raising capital gains...