I suppose we would all like to go merrily on our way believing that neither Social Security nor Medicare play much of a role in the federal budget or deficit and thus there is no reason they can’t be left as is. The White House seems to believe that by now saying both are off the table in deficit talks. Nobody wants to hear about adjusting the Social Security COLA methodology previously considered an option with very modest consequences for individuals.
Double talk is quite common in Washington. General revenue is to be used to offset the proposed reduction in the Social Security payroll tax used to stimulate employment; but the budget and Social Security are not connected?
Where is it ordained that because you are 65 you are automatically entitled to a pay increase each year? Why is a senior so favored over a young family struggling to get by while attempting to save for their future?
The White House is said to favor cutting payments under Medicare and raising premiums for the “wealthy.” Cuts to Medicare providers were supposed to fund health care reform and later were removed from the legislation but are still assumed when the Trustees project Medicare costs. The cuts have not happened and likely never will. Are we now talking about more cuts in payments in addition to those already promised and ignored? What are the consequences of cutting and cutting payments to Medicare providers?
This President ran on a platform to eliminate the influence of special interest groups and lobbyists and yet he has not one ounce of courage to do the right thing for the Country and future generations. His focus is on positioning himself with voters, to out maneuver the Republicans and to win a second term.
Neither the President nor Democrats are unique with this reprehensible behavior to be sure, Republicans are no better, but someone needs to take the high ground and just do what is right, it would seem to me that should start with the leader of the Country, the President.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
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