Many folks are under the illusion that Obama will not touch entitlements after his re-election. His own campaign literature is indicating otherwise, and you should be aware of this. From his literature:
Both President Obama and Mitt Romney know that the program is solvent for more than two decades and that there’s a need for gradual reforms to the benefits that millions of seniors have worked for, paid for, and earned. [...]
The President knows that guaranteed Social Security benefits are not handouts, but a bedrock of the commitment to retirement security America makes to our seniors. He believes that no current beneficiaries should see their basic benefits reduced, and he will not accept any approach that slashes benefits for future generations.
I think the key word is "slashes". It is clear that the Obama administration is entertaining the notion of cutting benefits for future recipients.
•While all measures to strengthen solvency should be on the table, the administration will not accept an approach that slashes benefits for future generations.
"...all measures to strengthen solvency should be on the table"...
All measures, including cutting Social Security apparently for future recipients. That means you and I, if you aren't already retired.
From the debate the other night:
21:39:56: LEHRER: All right? All right. This is segment three, the economy. Entitlements. First — first answer goes to you, two minutes, Mr. President. Do you see a major difference between the two of you on Social Security?
21:40:15: OBAMA: You know, I suspect that, on Social Security, we’ve got a somewhat similar position. Social Security is structurally sound. It’s going to have to be tweaked the way it was by Ronald Reagan and Speaker — Democratic Speaker Tip O’Neill. But it is — the basic structure is sound.
Obama claims he has a "somewhat similar position" with Mitt Romney on Social Security? That's a curious statement he made. It's clear though, that cutting benefits is on the table, and possibly part of the plan to "tweak" social security.
I consider that any cuts to Cost of Living increases to be cuts to benefits. No cuts to entitlements should be tolerated when we the tax payers have provided massive bailouts to the banks for their criminal mistakes. Period.
This is going to be an issue that requires dissent folks...an ugly word for many who back the Democratic Party.
You're going to have to defend Social Security from attacks from either party. Obama has stated he opposes privatization of Social Security, so that's a good thing. It's clear though that we will have to oppose any effort to cut Social Security. This is a program paid for and it's time to defend it.