General Discussion

BrooklynBoy

(19 posts)

189. This is precisely why I stayed home

Mon Dec 31, 2012, 12:37 AM

Dec 2012

I first voted in 1972, for George McGovern. With the exception of 2000, when I voted for Nader, I have voted Democrat in every election, sometimes holding my nose (Carter and Clinton).

This year is the first time I stayed home. Obama's putting SS on the table (after the health care "reform" debacle and extension of the Bush tax cuts) during the debt ceiling negotiations... when no one on the other side asked for it... was the last straw for me. I vowed I would not vote for him again.

And, I didn't. I stayed home. And I'm proud that I did. It was the right thing to do (for me). After waiting DECADES for a president who would push to implement a progressive agenda, Obama, despite his accomplishments, didn't even come close to trying. Didn't even seek single payer. He wouldn't have gotten it, but he didn't even try.

My hope is that we nominate someone like Elizabeth Warren or Alan Grayson in 2016. If we nominate Hillary, I will vote for the same candidate I voted for this year -- no one.

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Pres Obama: David, in pursuit of strengthening SS, I'm willing to cut SS benefits [View all] Oilwellian Dec 2012 OP

Well, my English teacher would call that an oxymoron. Cleita Dec 2012 #1

Definitely Moronic... WillyT Dec 2012 #2

Umm... no, it's one of two ways to strengthen an actuarial program Recursion Dec 2012 #6

"strengthening" the program on the backs of the poorest is despicable 99th_Monkey Dec 2012 #29

SS, Medicare, Medicaid and social programs are the R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #41

Amen! nt 99th_Monkey Dec 2012 #57

What? You mean we arent allowed to even discuss changes that might actually benefit cstanleytech Dec 2012 #76

The argument on DU IMHO was that there was no talk of a CPI. The President never said it. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #92

Nailed It, bvar22 Dec 2012 #130

and all those disaffected democrats... tomp Dec 2012 #222

3rd party dreams Left Turn Only Dec 2012 #234

you say my way will never work.... tomp Jan 2013 #249

Never IS a strong word Left Turn Only Jan 2013 #250

You're not allowed to lie and sell out grahamhgreen Dec 2012 #127

+1 ~ No more Third Way bullshit. Zorra Dec 2012 #173

+1 pam4water Dec 2012 #191

Now that's actually an oxymoron tavalon Dec 2012 #198

Agreed MissDeeds Dec 2012 #78

Doesnt it depend on what else they adjust though? cstanleytech Dec 2012 #73

If your income exceeds a certain amount, you pay extra taxes. That is why we have the JDPriestly Dec 2012 #90

Oh you wont get any disagreement from me at all over the need to cut military spending. cstanleytech Dec 2012 #109

And why are we still defending Europe and Japan and S. Korea? Flatulo Dec 2012 #187

Well the troops in South korea make a bit of sense when you look at cstanleytech Dec 2012 #188

85% of SS pension is taxable income if your income is above $45000, IIRC Kolesar Dec 2012 #177

Yes.... jberryhill Dec 2012 #152

It never got to that point because those dealing with reality were spending all their time cui bono Dec 2012 #204

This is precisely why I stayed home BrooklynBoy Dec 2012 #189

Why are you a member of this forum then? bama_blue_dot Dec 2012 #192

"This year is the first time I stayed home". Wow. Just wow. nt. OldDem2012 Dec 2012 #195

It's just so wonderful to see Summer Hathaway Dec 2012 #213

well, if the poster voted for mcgovern this is not about youth. tomp Dec 2012 #223

... Summer Hathaway Dec 2012 #243

well, actually... tomp Jan 2013 #248

Do you want to strengthen Social Security. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #37

It's a choice, and he is choosing the more painful of the two. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #81

SS has zero to do with the Deficit. The right answer to that moron, 'David' from sabrina 1 Dec 2012 #118

Exactly. Word-for-word. Obama needs a do over. JimDandy Dec 2012 #128

+1 n/t Oilwellian Dec 2012 #149

+Agreed Liberalynn Dec 2012 #167

Nearly accurate. It has zero to do with net debt. Recursion Dec 2012 #183

I'm confused. If it has its own trust fund why does SS borrow anything? cui bono Dec 2012 #205

Treasury still has to write the checks Recursion Dec 2012 #214

Then cut the problem with treasury's cash flow, ... CRH Dec 2012 #221

How is it borrowed? Sorry, I don't get it. cui bono Dec 2012 #245

Best.Answer.Ever! tavalon Dec 2012 #199

If only he would. But it is telling that he did not. What he did do was break the ice. As another rhett o rick Dec 2012 #235

No, you're not strengthening it by weakening it. grahamhgreen Dec 2012 #123

The program is there to help the needy. If it helps them less, it isn't strengthened. cui bono Dec 2012 #203

I think every DU'er needs to read this: snot Dec 2012 #224

This is a GREAT READ. Highly recommended. Gets right to the point, and kicks ass. leveymg Dec 2012 #228

Thanks for the thanks! I found it on the snot Dec 2012 #229

Goes to prove that every now and then even the truth leaks through the corporate media. ;-) leveymg Dec 2012 #231

Incredible piece Oilwellian Dec 2012 #240

+1000 n/t Catherina Dec 2012 #244

Indicates the policy choice made by Obama to reduce outlays instead of raising the cap. leveymg Dec 2012 #226

I hope no one attacks anyone who calls him out now. proof is here of his roguevalley Dec 2012 #30

We've got your senior back! JimDandy Dec 2012 #129

thank you jim honey hugs roguevalley Dec 2012 #184

Now hold on just a sec. He still hasnt said he will "cut Social Security benefits." What he did say, rhett o rick Dec 2012 #144

You know, you added too much of an explanation that actually attempted to rationalize that statement cui bono Dec 2012 #206

this place has been infested.... tomp Dec 2012 #225

Scary is a good description. rhett o rick Dec 2012 #230

I thought "oxymoron" Jackpine Radical Dec 2012 #156

Maybe for Rush it should be Oxy-Moron. Cleita Dec 2012 #242

It's not oxymoronic BainsBane Dec 2012 #197

I don't know how you could have missed the MTP interview as it was replayed over and over again Cleita Dec 2012 #241

I don't spend all day watching TV BainsBane Jan 2013 #247

It's too bad that ProSense Dec 2012 #3

You're counting on the Senate? The Senate that wouldn't give Obama a Public Option when he asked? Tom Rinaldo Dec 2012 #35

Yes, it's too bad. If CPI is dead then there was no need for our President R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #43

I understand what you are saying, bama_blue_dot Dec 2012 #49

"No, no, no." The GOP has been saying that since Obama was elected. Everybody knows that. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #66

I agree, bama blue dot. Although I think we're def. in the minority here. nt AnnieK401 Dec 2012 #212

So discouraging. TDale313 Dec 2012 #4

Republicans insist on CPI now nadinbrzezinski Dec 2012 #5

Repubs want it in this smaller, quick fix deal as well Oilwellian Dec 2012 #13

Why not, THIS is the prize that the "fiscal cliff" was designed for. NorthCarolina Dec 2012 #93

And that is exactly why a Dem should NEVER say it is negotiable. cui bono Dec 2012 #208

Sigh. djean111 Dec 2012 #7

post #3 Dragonfli Dec 2012 #34

It has already started. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #45

He never said that! MannyGoldstein Dec 2012 #8

He said it. ProSense Dec 2012 #11

but he didn't mean it, right? Dragonfli Dec 2012 #38

When oh when will you grasp this multidimentional chess thing UnrepentantLiberal Dec 2012 #84

LOL! JimDandy Dec 2012 #141

And even then, TDale313 Dec 2012 #12

LOL n/t Oilwellian Dec 2012 #20

LOL Cali_Democrat Dec 2012 #42

This is a win for the president, Manny. UnrepentantLiberal Dec 2012 #86

A.B.W. is name of their strategy kenny blankenship Dec 2012 #143

That was not the President in that video. Lasher Dec 2012 #210

Hey Manny! tblue Dec 2012 #236

I wish I had taken a hallucinogen MannyGoldstein Dec 2012 #238

How can Obama call himself a Democrat? n/t leftstreet Dec 2012 #9

There's something magically litmus-testy about the way inflation is currently calculated? (nt) Recursion Dec 2012 #15

Just change the party mascot to a pig/weasel hybrid GMO kenny blankenship Dec 2012 #23

I think after his SS cuts are passed he may switch Doctor_J Dec 2012 #24

Many Liberal/Progressive Democrats are asking that same question. RC Dec 2012 #44

I wonder that too. SammyWinstonJack Dec 2012 #121

Join this website and sit on one's ass Kolesar Dec 2012 #178

He has to publicly state that he was willing to put everything on the table. bama_blue_dot Dec 2012 #10

Why not offer to euthanize seniors? He'd look REALLY strong! leftstreet Dec 2012 #16

Death panels. n/t ProSense Dec 2012 #18

Can't afford to lose consumers. WALMART would close. Downwinder Dec 2012 #21

Now you're being Blunt fredamae Dec 2012 #28

So you're saying... Oilwellian Dec 2012 #17

He isn't offering anything without wanting the tax cuts to expire bama_blue_dot Dec 2012 #22

This SS proposal was Obama's equivalent of 'Plan B'. JimDandy Dec 2012 #137

+1 Obama is cutting SS because HE wants to. forestpath Dec 2012 #51

I believe you are correct. Lasher Dec 2012 #211

thank you. tomp Dec 2012 #227

No. That's just silly. He didn't have to say anything of the sort. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #60

It's so silly that I have received at least daa Dec 2012 #74

Hard to disagree with that, but there's always infiniti level chess. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #80

I don't care about his clever chess tactics. He offered to make elderly people suffer. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #99

No, he has tto STFU about touching SS, but unfortunately it's already too late. cui bono Dec 2012 #209

We had to destroy the village wilsonbooks Dec 2012 #14

Are you going to believe a RW rag like the TRANSCRIPT? Doctor_J Dec 2012 #19

LOL Oilwellian Dec 2012 #31

Can you proove beyond any unreasonable doubt this video is not photoshopped? idwiyo Dec 2012 #65

This has obviously been doctored in some way. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #68

It's single sourced hearsay!!111 n/t pa28 Dec 2012 #67

*snort* Capt. Obvious Dec 2012 #216

By saying that he's given Republicans the ability to go on Fox and say see we were right he wants to Arcanetrance Dec 2012 #25

No, they can't claim that he is the one who wants to cut it.. bama_blue_dot Dec 2012 #27

Have you met any actual Republicans? Fumesucker Dec 2012 #33

Oh but they can they have the mouthpieces in place all anyone will hear is see Obama put it there Arcanetrance Dec 2012 #36

Their behavior over the past four years... Or past twenty, for that matter... JHB Dec 2012 #233

I predict a surge in Tea Party membership. Forget about getting any gains in 2014 bahrbearian Dec 2012 #48

How can he NOT get it? world wide wally Dec 2012 #26

That would destroy his legacy RomneyLies Dec 2012 #32

Not really leftstreet Dec 2012 #39

Wow.. That is very nice.. bama_blue_dot Dec 2012 #54

Oh knock it off leftstreet Dec 2012 #56

You said that it is all he will be remembered for.. bama_blue_dot Dec 2012 #59

...in response to the assertion he's destroying his legacy leftstreet Dec 2012 #94

wow. you really want to make this claim? RainDog Dec 2012 #64

It's not a 'claim,' it's fact leftstreet Dec 2012 #85

LOL RainDog Dec 2012 #102

Those are facts, and here is a claim. A Simple Game Dec 2012 #117

Forget Hillary. She and Bill Clinton are more conservative and anti-Social Security than even JDPriestly Dec 2012 #103

whew DonCoquixote Dec 2012 #125

This is EXACTLY what he wanted his legacy to be. kenny blankenship Dec 2012 #63

He wants this. Exactly right! SammyWinstonJack Dec 2012 #131

That is an accurate summary. Lasher Dec 2012 #232

It will be his legacy. iemitsu Dec 2012 #105

We already knew that when we voted for him. It always was a lesser of 2 evils vote. limpyhobbler Dec 2012 #40

But we thought one of them was a Democrat leftstreet Dec 2012 #47

Yep - that about sums it up. forestpath Dec 2012 #52

Maybe we thought one was a Democrat, but A Simple Game Dec 2012 #120

Is he still the lesser of two evils if he allows cuts to 'entitlements'? SammyWinstonJack Dec 2012 #133

Time will tell. n/t A Simple Game Dec 2012 #161

I don't know about other people. I've always been a Democrat, but there are other alternatives JDPriestly Dec 2012 #107

Yeah either that or try to nominate better Democrats. limpyhobbler Dec 2012 #111

Yes. The Party has worked to undermine very progressive candidates in the past. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #154

This is the problem with that idea: Le Taz Hot Dec 2012 #218

yeah I read that and totally agree there are a lot of problems with the primary process limpyhobbler Dec 2012 #246

Two posts down thread were hidden for advocating about the same as you. JimDandy Dec 2012 #148

I'm not "advocating" for anything. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #153

To whoever objected/alerted on this post: Le Taz Hot Dec 2012 #219

This is ridiculous Cali_Democrat Dec 2012 #46

******MORE BULLISH HE NEVER SAID BENEFITS !!****** uponit7771 Dec 2012 #50

**WOW /// $$ *** THaT IS SOME epic DENiaL @@##!! cthulu2016 Dec 2012 #55

Remove the fucking cap! Bozita Dec 2012 #53

This always gets my vote first. n/t JimDandy Dec 2012 #146

Then does the highest pension payout become higher? Kolesar Dec 2012 #179

Any high incomers in danger of starving or not paying their heating bills during their retirements? Bozita Dec 2012 #193

Ouch! JEB Dec 2012 #58

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #61

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #88

I guess everyone here understands that the President can only express his personal opinions.... OldDem2012 Dec 2012 #62

So you're saying... Oilwellian Dec 2012 #69

Are you saying the Senate will allow such legislation to hit the President's desk? nt. OldDem2012 Dec 2012 #165

There are many Dem Senators on video record who claim they would Oilwellian Dec 2012 #174

What Senate Dems say "on the record" is very different from what they do when.... OldDem2012 Dec 2012 #194

He never had to say it at all unless he meant it. R. Daneel Olivaw Dec 2012 #75

The opinion of the President is just that, nothing more.... OldDem2012 Dec 2012 #166

He OFFERED to cut Social Security benefits. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #113

Nooo... not the OBVIOUS solution.... JimDandy Dec 2012 #151

as the federal reserve nineteen50 Dec 2012 #70

Yep, he's a Republican. UnrepentantLiberal Dec 2012 #71

Killing old people, veterans, kids won't strengthen. It's cowardly policy. No big ideas - jtuck004 Dec 2012 #72

Good point about Chamberlain. Obama needs to read up on that. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #115

If she is, I seriously doubt she depends on it fully, as a means of support. SammyWinstonJack Dec 2012 #140

$990 mo SS, $400 mo pension for 28 years employed by a now gone oil co. jtuck004 Dec 2012 #145

The paychecks that are $50, $100, $200 less for the same work are the paychecks that JDPriestly Dec 2012 #155

You and I think it is necessary, and we know why. jtuck004 Dec 2012 #162

Maybe, but . . . JDPriestly Dec 2012 #164

"The people who should be called upon to sacrifice are those who have gained" jtuck004 Dec 2012 #170

Thanks. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #196

Let's see him live on less than $1,200 - $1,300 per month. JDPriestly Dec 2012 #77

Senate "fiscal cliff" negotiations hit major setback over GOP demands that it include chained-CPI ProSense Dec 2012 #79

GOP DEMANDS WHAT OBAMA PROMISED. Shocking n/t leftstreet Dec 2012 #95

not true -- the talks stalled b/c Dems wanted the debt ceiling raised, IN EXCHANGE for SS cuts nashville_brook Dec 2012 #100

It should NEVER have been mentioned in the first place . . . that only complicates the negotiations DrDan Dec 2012 #101

I don't believe it. Jefferson23 Dec 2012 #82

I was watching when he said it. I knew he was going plethoro Dec 2012 #83

Terrible decision and exactly what the right wants former_con Dec 2012 #87

Our benefits are not your's to give away Obama. iemitsu Dec 2012 #89

Dear President Obama, YOU'RE NOT CHARGING THE RICH ENOUGH for ANY changes in SS or Medicare. patrice Dec 2012 #91

butt, butt, butt, it's a bi-partisan screwing stupidicus Dec 2012 #96

"We had to destroy that village in order to save it." KamaAina Dec 2012 #97

Oh, that's OK. It's just posturing and if the Repubs accept his offer he'll veto it. Tierra_y_Libertad Dec 2012 #98

This message was self-deleted by its author Bad_Ronald Dec 2012 #104

PBO did say a lot of his peeps were underthematrix Dec 2012 #106

I'm fine with this, IF it gets the people on board with a permanent tax hike on the rich. BanTheGOP Dec 2012 #108

du rec. nt xchrom Dec 2012 #110

Stop this madness. Social Security doesn't contribute to the deficit. Faygo Kid Dec 2012 #112

The President CLEARLY stated THAT! bvar22 Dec 2012 #135

So much for "People are crazy/disloyal for thinking Obama will offer cuts (again)!" DirkGently Dec 2012 #114

it's just trial balloon starvation. nashville_brook Dec 2012 #122

Obama and the Republicans are playing the Good Cop / Bad Cop Game AZ Progressive Dec 2012 #116

The thing that amazes me is how many on this site are going on about oh it won't pass the Senate and Arcanetrance Dec 2012 #119

You're exactly right MissDeeds Dec 2012 #126

To some on this board, that's EXACTLY what it means. SammyWinstonJack Dec 2012 #142

Appalling FlyByNight Dec 2012 #124

This is no way to run a country. WorseBeforeBetter Dec 2012 #132

If he'd done this in his first term, he wouldn't have had a second term. lob1 Dec 2012 #134

SS DOES NOT ADD ONE NICKEL TO THE DEFICIT. WTF. grahamhgreen Dec 2012 #136

Defense Cuts?! joelfreak Dec 2012 #138

I would bet you money... Oilwellian Dec 2012 #147

Really! Obama must have missed all the negotiating JimDandy Dec 2012 #159

GET WITH THE PROGRAM, JOELFREAK!!! Skittles Dec 2012 #168

I beat you because I love you. CranialRectaLoopback Dec 2012 #139

you couldn't even poost your thread title without manipulating Obama's words MjolnirTime Dec 2012 #150

Oh Oilwellian Dec 2012 #157

it actually doesn't affect existing benefits. its a change in the rate of growth. MjolnirTime Dec 2012 #163

Really? Oilwellian Dec 2012 #176

Yes, you can cut cost and gain in benefits....Obama skilled bashers not uponit7771 Dec 2012 #201

The President said that the Chained CPI will 'strengthen SS'. sabrina 1 Dec 2012 #160

+1! uponit7771 Dec 2012 #200

This is NOT what I, and millions of other people VOTED FOR!! DearHeart Dec 2012 #158

...and my decision is, I won't do it" n/t Pryderi Dec 2012 #169

I heaven05 Dec 2012 #171

Betrayal italiangirl Dec 2012 #172

Don't give up Oilwellian Dec 2012 #181

"In pursuit of bashing Obama, I'm willing to make up bullshit" NYC Liberal Dec 2012 #175

Why was SS increased at higher than the Consumer Price Index, anyway? eom Kolesar Dec 2012 #180

The title does not match or even paraphrase what the man said. And if you read the entire Tutonic Dec 2012 #182

You're right. I just checked. allrevvedup Dec 2012 #207

Can we all finally agree that there was never a pony? lumberjack_jeff Dec 2012 #185

Mr. President haydukelives Dec 2012 #186

K&R DeSwiss Dec 2012 #190

That does not even make sense! CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #202

Where's William Pitt when we really need him? BigBearJohn Dec 2012 #215

Assuage the large scale butt hurt? eom Kolesar Dec 2012 #217

There was never any danger Republicans would support chained CPI anyway. bornskeptic Dec 2012 #220

Our politicians, including Obama, answer to those who bought them! We allow bribery and extortion Dustlawyer Dec 2012 #237

i'm tired of the whole bullshite newspeak Dec 2012 #239

I'm a senior and I'm okay with this underthematrix Jan 2013 #251

Unfortunately BO is a tool....... Swede Atlanta Jan 2013 #252