I did not vote for a "Grand Bargain"

[democrattotheend]

119. I did, sort of

I don't like what the Republicans want to do with Social Security and Medicare but I also think something needs to be done if we want to preserve these programs in the long term. I'm in my late 20's and not even the most optimistic projections say that they will be there for me at the current rates. Cuts are going to have to be made at some point, and I would rather have it happen now when we have a Democratic president and Senate who can push a better solution than if it were left up to the Republicans. I read the other day that Obama is open to compromise but wants to make sure that any cuts don't hit the poorest beneficiaries of SS and Medicare, and I think that is the right approach. I would rather see my fairly well-off grandfather have his social security checks shrink a little bit than see cuts to food stamps or FEMA or other important programs. If we don't curb entitlement (and defense) spending there will be less and less available in the budget for other programs in the future that are considered "discretionary".