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Politics : The Obama - Clinton Disaster -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Bill who wrote (43805)	1/25/2011 11:54:30 AM
From: DuckTapeSunroof	1 Recommendation Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 103300

Pawlenty eyes limits on Social Security benefits By PHILIP ELLIOTT The Associated Press Tuesday, January 25, 2011; 11:36 AM washingtonpost.com BEDFORD, N.H. -- Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday that limiting Social Security payments to wealthier Americans could help the nation confront its mounting national deficit. Pawlenty, a potential 2012 presidential contender, told an audience in the early voting state of New Hampshire that annual increases in payments to wealthier Americans could be scaled. The Republican said wealthier Americans don't rely on such cost-of-living adjustments. "We have a mathematical problem . It's eighth grade math, it's junior high math," Pawlenty said. "We have to say, 'Look, we have to get this fixed. We have to get it fixed soon.'" In 2009, the system paid out $700 billion in benefits to more than 53 million people. But it faces a $5.3 trillion shortfall over the next 75 years as the nation ages and fewer workers support more retirees. Those currently receiving Social Security have not seen their payments increased during the last two years. Pawlenty said those who have adequate income should have their payments curbed, while others should have increases. Determining that scale is known as "means testing." "Look, means testing isn't ideal, but amongst the choices - the suboptimal choices we have in front of us - means testing just the cost-of-living increases - not the whole program - is a reasonable step," Pawlenty said. "What that means is, in the future, if you are wealthy, your increase to Social Security will be smaller than if you're middle income or lower middle-income or poor." Pawlenty said drawing lines between classes is not ideal, but the nation faces a mathematical reality in what it can afford. He called the scaling "reasonable" but added it would not be enough to solve the entire national debt that now totals $1.4 trillion. Pawlenty also said raising the retirement age is an option he's willing to consider for younger workers entering Social Security programs. "Your retirement age is going to be pegged to some reasonable correlation to life expectancy," he said. Pawlenty wrapped up a two-day visit to New Hampshire as part of his book tour. He said he will decide whether he will seek the White House in the coming weeks.

To: Bill who wrote (43805)	1/25/2011 11:57:59 AM
From: DuckTapeSunroof	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 103300

Re: "No, what you're saying is that you want to preserve the little wastes of money while the big wastes of money are being debated." You just might be hearing voices or something because I clearly NEVER said anything of that sort about 'preserving' little wastes. That's ENTIRELY a construct inside your own head, Bill. Re: "Of course, the new breed in congress want to cut everything." (I highly doubt that....) Re: "So why not start with the low hanging fruit?" I've got no preference about WHERE they start! Just DON'T OVERLOOK 90% of the federal budget for the 'pocket lint' items. 'Cause that ain't gonna get it!