General Discussion

Armstead

(47,803 posts)

76. Disagreement is not necesarily ignorance

Mon Apr 8, 2013, 12:26 PM

Apr 2013

I have a pretty basic position after looking at the facts about chained CPI proposals at this point.

"If it aint broke, don't fix it."

SS may need long term adjustments to fix long term problems. But the starting point should not be tampering with benefits in a program that so many rely on (and have paid into already) and that basically works.

It's things like the stupid credit-card wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined with tax breaks for millionaires and corporations -- and a skewed set of economic values and policies that favor the rich while bankrupting the middle class -- that have caused our budget problems.

Forcing seniors, the disabled and others who must rely on SS and other programs is not the solution to those problems. Focusing on those is a distraction by the GOP and Corporate power structure to avoid looking at real solutions.

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Been Away from Here. Got Apathetic. Then Got Pissed. Had to come back and vent. [View all] Armstead Apr 2013 OP

du rec. nt xchrom Apr 2013 #1

Good rant Blecht Apr 2013 #2

K&R G_j Apr 2013 #3

The public wakes up somewhat to the left -- But the politicians push them back to gthe right Armstead Apr 2013 #5

agreed G_j Apr 2013 #12

G_j, I agree. saidsimplesimon Apr 2013 #104

OMG, this must be the first anti-President Obama post I have read on DU graham4anything Apr 2013 #4

Doy, you are putting such a narrow filter on things Armstead Apr 2013 #6

+1 In three or so years, Obama will be out making hundreds of millions of post-Presidency dollars, merrily Apr 2013 #140

So personalities are more important than policies? Lydia Leftcoast Apr 2013 #9

Whadaya expect? Fuddnik Apr 2013 #11

Why does it have to be personal? G_j Apr 2013 #10

Frustrating, isn't it? BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #15

so, are you implying G_j Apr 2013 #17

Well, nobody could ever possibly have a problem with his policies. Fuddnik Apr 2013 #19

Of course not! Perish the thought! BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #30

+infinity BumRushDaShow Apr 2013 #18

If Obama had a white face mhy head would be exploding just as much Armstead Apr 2013 #28

Thanks! BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #29

WTF? G_j Apr 2013 #34

It is "liberal" to treat all people as people -- including criticizing them Armstead Apr 2013 #44

It is a liberal trait to research the FACTS first before criticizing people, but BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #53

I have a die-hard Republican Facebook friend who..... Purrfessor Apr 2013 #68

Disagreement is not necesarily ignorance Armstead Apr 2013 #76

Excellent, excellent post. Number23 Apr 2013 #108

A Democratic President's putting certain things on the table is in itself damaging, and permanently. merrily Apr 2013 #142

Bingo! Armstead Apr 2013 #145

What certain things are you referring to? A new formula to calculate COLA? BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #192

Immediately making up their minds? zeemike Apr 2013 #79

If you step back for a moment BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #85

Bam...you start out with the big lie. zeemike Apr 2013 #91

Bam! And you respond with one of your own. Good goin' there, buddy. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #129

Sounds like you are a DINO to me. zeemike Apr 2013 #151

And it sounds as if you're a faux-Dem to me. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #183

The board of trustees did NOT say SS was in trouble zeemike Apr 2013 #187

I never meant to demean your personal situation. I'm sorry if that's what you took away from my post BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #188

No you demean the personal situation of millions like me. zeemike Apr 2013 #189

I demean the millions in similar circumstances as you?? How do you figure BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #190

Your rationalizations are remarkable. rhett o rick Apr 2013 #109

As is your denial of the facts. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #130

Good grief. So your argument has slid to name calling and rudness. rhett o rick Apr 2013 #149

I give as good as I get. And my patience has run dry. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #193

How do you explain this? HomeboyHombre Apr 2013 #120

They don't explain it, and won't explain it. nt bobduca Apr 2013 #122

+1 nt HomeboyHombre Apr 2013 #124

I just did, Newbie. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #133

Thats the other thing I love about centrists bobduca Apr 2013 #163

That's what I like about DU Newbies . . . BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #179

Easily. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #131

What's pathetic are the content-free HomeboyHombre Apr 2013 #164

If you're a "proud Democrat" BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #178

See my Reply 18 Armstead Apr 2013 #47

Only to those BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #61

I reply to you because.... Armstead Apr 2013 #67

Oh Jesus Fucking Christ. Fuddnik Apr 2013 #48

I expect them to at least do their research before bashing this president BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #56

As long as it's not Alternet, right? Fuddnik Apr 2013 #69

could you please stop accusing people of being racist? G_j Apr 2013 #96

Talk to John Conyers. merrily Apr 2013 #143

Good clip: very appropo. maddiemom Apr 2013 #157

Thank you merrily Apr 2013 #161

This post is HIGHLY unfair. stillwaiting Apr 2013 #49

What's HIGHLY unfair is the unwillingness of so-called Liberals and self-proclaimed Democrats BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #54

That's nice. stillwaiting Apr 2013 #55

You prove, beyond any doubt, BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #58

You are absolutely, 100% ridiculous. stillwaiting Apr 2013 #63

Yeah, well, I promise I won't lose any sleep over your opinion of me. Honest. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #132

You are absolutely, 100% FABULOUS in this thread Number23 Apr 2013 #110

Compromise and negotiations would be a refreshing change Armstead Apr 2013 #113

In what ways has the country been "dragged to the right" in the last 30 years? Number23 Apr 2013 #115

This message was self-deleted by its author Armstead Apr 2013 #125

Corporate power, attacks on the social safety net, true minoirity rmploymeny and opportiunities, etc Armstead Apr 2013 #126

I agree with you that the top 10% have grown obscenely wealthy Number23 Apr 2013 #127

History is not a straight line Armstead Apr 2013 #158

"History is not a straight line" Absolutely right. And neither is the present Number23 Apr 2013 #165

The gains that corporations have been at the expense of EVERYONE -- including minorities Armstead Apr 2013 #170

You don't need to satisfy me. I know this country's history Number23 Apr 2013 #171

"Obama has WEAKENED SS because it happens to be true." BumRushDaShow Apr 2013 #81

Another fact. stillwaiting Apr 2013 #88

No Congress has ever enacted a Budget, exactly as proposed & given to them by the President BumRushDaShow Apr 2013 #98

Right wingers like Bernie Sanders you mean? Armstead Apr 2013 #57

another one who just DOES.NOT.GET.IT Skittles Apr 2013 #107

Only if the shoe fits. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #134

WTF? Skittles Apr 2013 #136

Actually, BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #139

If that is true G_j Apr 2013 #152

they have nothing Skittles Apr 2013 #168

Oh right. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #177

This message was self-deleted by its author G_j Apr 2013 #185

that's a pretty involved G_j Apr 2013 #186

you're delusional Skittles Apr 2013 #167

I love you, too, Skittles BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #176

So, complaining about DLClinton means we hate Arkansans? Get a grip. merrily Apr 2013 #141

Of course. Racists also don't want SS cut. L0oniX Apr 2013 #65

And most fucking racists don't believe that they are racists BumRushDaShow Apr 2013 #84

I'm sorry, but that's a bullshit statement. Blue_In_AK Apr 2013 #119

Yep. And most of their arguments would be eaten alive by intellectuals. Comrade_McKenzie Apr 2013 #23

Please enlighten me as to "so many falsehoods"? Armstead Apr 2013 #25

If you'd done your research BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #82

First of all regarding Monopolies... Armstead Apr 2013 #89

OK, Maybe it'll go down a little eaiser if we hear it from a black man.... raindaddy Apr 2013 #35

All the President has to do is to stick to Democratic principles to 'catch a break' from Democrats. sabrina 1 Apr 2013 #37

Oh wait ...he's trying to work with the GOP who want to cut SS but don't want the blame for it. L0oniX Apr 2013 #72

Ah sabrina . . . how short your memory is. Or is it? BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #182

So rather than take time to refute even one point you opt snagglepuss Apr 2013 #60

It's just another sign of desperation from the worshipers. n/t L0oniX Apr 2013 #74

It's the only plausible explanation that can be attributed to some DUers here BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #90

I think you should examine whether you belong here when you begin accusing liberals of racism DisgustipatedinCA Apr 2013 #121

Nah. I belong here since I'm SUPPORTING A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT ON A DEMOCRATIC SITE. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #128

So, are you saying we should have different stds. for office holders based on race? lark Apr 2013 #78

No. I'm saying we shouldn't segregate this president BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #87

Very unfortunately, not a lie. lark Apr 2013 #93

well, i'm black noiretextatique Apr 2013 #95

So is Michael Steele. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #181

i am sure you know that's insulting noiretextatique Apr 2013 #191

It doesn't surprise me you didn't see the forest for the trees. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #194

You will of course points us towards posts on DU which... LanternWaste Apr 2013 #159

I've asked for the same G_j Apr 2013 #162

Why waste my time? BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #180

That's what happens when go with shitty DLC policies. Arctic Dave Apr 2013 #16

DLC = anti FDR. n/t L0oniX Apr 2013 #75

Some think they have been had... awoke_in_2003 Apr 2013 #97

And if I have to look at another "Alternet" link, I might just fucking vomit. Comrade_McKenzie Apr 2013 #24

That's whats wriong with you-- You are closed off to different perspectives Armstead Apr 2013 #27

Hey here's a clue. Worshipers are not interested in having an open mind. They already have their god L0oniX Apr 2013 #77

That's interesting. Alternet is a well known Liberal site with long established reputation sabrina 1 Apr 2013 #39

If you think Obama can't take the heat... ljm2002 Apr 2013 #50

Don't tell me treestar Apr 2013 #102

you just do NOT.FUCKING.GET.IT. Skittles Apr 2013 #106

Genius Fundraising Ploy! bobduca Apr 2013 #123

Glad to see you are back Autumn Apr 2013 #7

Good to see you back Armstead Tom Rinaldo Apr 2013 #8

Thanks Armstead Apr 2013 #114

good to see you back hfojvt Apr 2013 #13

People care but they are disillusioned Armstead Apr 2013 #31

This message was self-deleted by its author KoKo Apr 2013 #70

I didn't support Obama in the 2008 primary for the same reason Warpy Apr 2013 #14

I find myself in agreement with what you say, We can not afford Autumn Apr 2013 #22

Agree on SS. Respectfully disagree on TPP. Comrade_McKenzie Apr 2013 #20

I am fine with negotiating about trade -- But not opening the gates to Trojan Horses in the process Armstead Apr 2013 #33

Wow! You Couldn't Have fredamae Apr 2013 #21

Bullshit. BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #26

"Slows the rate of growth" while being outstripped by the rising cost of living Armstead Apr 2013 #36

As it's doing now? When was the last time an SS recipient got a cost of living raise? BlueCaliDem Apr 2013 #138

If benefits are not kee;ping up now, why make it worse? Armstead Apr 2013 #146

Blah blah blah, just raise the income cap. xtraxritical Apr 2013 #42

Oh, Gawd. Straight from the Heritage Foundation. Cleita Apr 2013 #43

In addition, we still don't even know what products will be used to calculate chained CPI Sheepshank Apr 2013 #46

And not to affect the poorest recipients treestar Apr 2013 #103

Did you really expect things to change in a big way already? marions ghost Apr 2013 #32

I thought we would at least be starting to shift in a better direction Armstead Apr 2013 #40

There are some in congress marions ghost Apr 2013 #51

Hey Armstead. Glad to see you back. Cleita Apr 2013 #38

The "CHANGE" Administration. bvar22 Apr 2013 #41

Welcome back malaise Apr 2013 #45

K&R MotherPetrie Apr 2013 #52

It's not about them anymore, they have shown us who they are Win-the-fight Apr 2013 #59

We're missing enough real political leaders Armstead Apr 2013 #64

the opposition plants our 'leaders', this is not a new tactic Win-the-fight Apr 2013 #100

You won't see the worshippers caring about old people on SS on DU. n/t L0oniX Apr 2013 #62

You won't see the worshippers caring about people whose jobs have been outsourced either. nt antigop Apr 2013 #83

here is what one of them actually put on DU SwampG8r Apr 2013 #166

Another sick worshiper ...jeeze ...a regular sociopath. I'd ban someone for saying that. n/t L0oniX Apr 2013 #169

This is a political as well as human and governance debacle Doctor_J Apr 2013 #66

Good to see you back Armstead...your voice was missed. KoKo Apr 2013 #71

thanx Armstead Apr 2013 #80

yep SHRED Apr 2013 #73

Welcome back.. haikugal Apr 2013 #86

Welcome back! CountAllVotes Apr 2013 #92

I come and go I guess -- Some like to see me when I return. Others not so much. Armstead Apr 2013 #94

I think I'm about to take another leave. I have tried using the ignore button but liberal_at_heart Apr 2013 #99

Hey Arm... Really Good To See You Again... K & R !!! WillyT Apr 2013 #101

thnx Armstead Apr 2013 #111

Glad to see you here. I've been off DU more than on myself lately. suffragette Apr 2013 #105

Superb rant -- spot on! K&R n/t markpkessinger Apr 2013 #112

How long can this continue?? kentuck Apr 2013 #116

So well said and right on! rainy Apr 2013 #117

It's all perfectly consistent-- HomeboyHombre Apr 2013 #118

We share the same boat. I'm beyond mad too. PinkFloyd Apr 2013 #135

That's pretty much it in a nutshell Armstead Apr 2013 #147

Redundancy grows old. kentuck Apr 2013 #150

Yup...it's like when Obama got elected... tex-wyo-dem Apr 2013 #137

Many share your pain, including "racists" like John Conyers, Tavis Smiley and Cornell West. merrily Apr 2013 #144

I guess we try to support the good ones, encourage mlore good ones and hope for the best Armstead Apr 2013 #148

How would be different from what Democrats have always tried to do? merrily Apr 2013 #160

If at first you don't succeed...etc Armstead Apr 2013 #172

Another saying, used by Obama himself, merrily Apr 2013 #173

Hey, welcome back ProSense Apr 2013 #153

Thank you. I know you missed me. Armstead Apr 2013 #154

Anyone ProSense Apr 2013 #155

Alowing a few more people to be considered poor enlough for medicaid is not a solution Armstead Apr 2013 #156

Amen. woo me with science Apr 2013 #184

No one said expanding Medicaid doesn't help poor people. Cutting Social Security and Medicare merrily Apr 2013 #174

Eject corrupt Republican members of Congress and Senators Cliff Arnebeck Apr 2013 #175