Here's Professor James K. Galbraith, who's both knowledgeable and clear, on the coming Social Security attack. The interviewer is Sam Seder:
Tons of info in this rich discussion. "Why don't we do something that's based on pure common sense?" Why indeed. The life expectancy (non-)issue is discussed at 3:00. Galbraith's own proposal is discussed at 4:50. The deficit discussion starts at 8:15. The administration position is discussed at 16:04.
This is a case where good policy and good politics are perfectly aligned. Nevertheless, even as we speak, our nice Democratic president, Barack Obama, is huddled with his crack team at the White House, trying to decide whether to drive the first stake into the heart of FDR's most successful program.
What you can do — Tell your local Democratic congressperson and senator that if Obama takes down the Democratic party, he or she could personally be next to join the unemployed.
Suggest that your local Democratic official talk him out of it, if only for survival. Be polite, firm, and persistent.
GP
