Disaster Capitalism: Is delaying SS checks the kabuki crisis the RW needs for "Grand Bargain"? [View all]

[Faryn Balyncd]

Despite the $2.6 trillion balance of the SS Trust Fund, designed with the express purpose of separating SS transactions from general Treasury transactions, we are now hearing hints that SS checks may be delayed if the debt ceiling is not raised by October 17.


The Republican desires to resuscitate hopes of a "Grand Bargain" to finally achieve their dream of "chained CPI" and Medicare cuts, has been reported met not only with rejection, but appropriately with dismissive laughter.


While the Republican strategy of endless debt ceiling crises including shutdown has not achieved their goals, is the delay of SS checks the Shock Doctrine crisis needed to create political pressure for the revival of a "chained CPI"/Medicare cut "Grand Bargain"?


If so, on what legal, constitutional basis can the Trustees of the Social Security Trust Fund be prevented from using the $2.6 trillion balance, created from the surpluses of lifetimes of SS contributions, to meet existing obligations?


Will we persevere to prevent the gutting of SS and Medicare? Or are we back to kabuki theater?