Time is of the Essence: The Future of Social Security Cannot be Ignored

[jtown1123]

For everyone here who is concerned about Social Security and the constant attacks to undermine it (Bush privatization, Catfood Commission, etc.) please hear me out.

There is a lot to dislike in Obama's Tax Cut Compromise. But, a very serious threat to Social Security is sneakily tucked into this proposal in the form of a payroll tax holiday, which is a treasured Republican plan to temporarily decrease Social Security FICA taxes and drain resources from SS general revenue. Let's be clear, although there are vague references to a plan to cover this shortfall from "other places" this is highly suspect. The great thing about Social Security is that it is self-funded and does not have to rely on competing for funding from the general federal revenue.

And, as we see today, making a tax cut temporary is politically impossible. When this is about to expire, Republicans will scream and holler that Obama is raising taxes on the middle class, and he will likely extend them, as he is up for reelection. This will further undermine Social Security's finances (starve the beast strategy) so it will be ripe for cuts when the deficit grows even larger.

Time Goes By Blogger has urged all Social Security advocates to visit NCPSSM's Legislative Action Center, where they have set up a new letter urging our Reps to vote against this proposal in the compromise:

"The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) tells me that time is of the essence on this proposal as Congressional members try to get out of Washington for the holidays. In an email, the NCPSSM said,

'Flooding members' offices is what is absolutely needed...House members have been far more vocal in their opposition to this deal than we’ve seen in the Senate but it’s vital that seniors and their families contact their representatives in both.

'Far too many in Washington don’t understand the fundamental threat of what’s being proposed and they need to hear from seniors.”
At their website, the NCPSSM has set up Payroll Tax Letter to legislators that is similar to what you can do at congress.org. Here are instructions:

1.Follow this link (http://capwiz.com/ncpssm2/home/)
2.Under “Elected Officials,” enter your Zip Code and press Go
3.At the top of the next page, select “Issues”
4.At the top of the page, select “Tax Holiday is no holiday at all”
Separate letters to the House and to the Senate will appear. Feel free to personalize them. Fill in the required information, press “send message” and you're done.

PLEASE DO THIS in addition to calling and emailing individual lawmakers. And please don't put it off for later. Time is short and the future of Social Security is at stake."

http://www.timegoesby.net/