"Means Testing", a GOP Talking Point

[fascisthunter]

I just heard Thom take a call from a republican that used the "means testing" meme... Thom right away called him out on it and explained that "Means Testing" was a means to an end to Social Security. If you exempt the rich from paying into SS doesn't that make SS into a "Welfare" program... and if it does, doesn't it weaken the program?

[JDPriestly]

1. For those who do not know, the reference is to one of those possibly paid

callers to the Thom Hartmann show this morning.

I was thinking as I listened to Thom just how much I appreciate the fact that he is on the air.

He had a great show today. He is just so calm and reasonable and loving. What a great guy.

Listen when you can.

http://www.thomhartmann.com/

I think he or someone on his staff checks articles on DU from time to time.

In my opinion, the top people in radio are Thom Hartmann, Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez with Democracy Now and Ian Masters (KPFK, L.A. late afternoon)

http://www.democracynow.org/

http://ianmasters.com/

I catch these shows whenever I can. They are all very informative. Not a lot of rabble-rousing, just good calm information and great interviews with people who know what they are talking about. We are so lucky to be able to listen to these programs.

[gratuitous]

2. It's one of those benign-sounding "common sense" proposals

"Yeah, why should Richie Rich get social security benefits? He doesn't need them!" The problem, of course, is that by restricting social security only to those who "need" it, you get the wealthy asking (legitimately) "Why should I contribute to a system that doesn't give me any benefits?" So, we cut the revenues we collect to support the program, and we have to cut the benefits because less money is coming in, then soon enough, social security moves from a universal program to a "welfare" program, and it's that much easier to cut because the only people on it are those lazy poor folks.

As it is, social security is quite possibly the most successful government program ever, providing benefits to millions and keeping many of those out of poverty. The notion of living out one's days in security and dignity, however, is anathema to certain segments of our society. That's reserved only for the elites!

Unfortunately, too many of the media talkers don't have any more sense than a two-by-four (or they are willfully ignorant). It's good to hear that Hartman (at least) is aware of this nonsense, and calls it out when it's presented.

[fascisthunter]

4. Thank you...

this is what I was hoping for! I want as many as possible to understand the implications of this meme.... because people don't really know. On the surface it appears logical... but it is a low-down disgusting trick to rob everybody who has been paying into the system.

[amborin]

3. yes, it totally weakens Soc Sec. good art on

but no access to links now