Does he really think this country is dumb enough not to know how Social Security works?

And if it's a "disgrace" because of the way it's structured, hasn't it been a disgrace from day one? Wouldn't "fixing" it require getting rid of it?

Quote, originally posted by http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/07/10/1190761.aspx »

McCain: Social security a 'disgrace'? Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:16 AM by Domenico Montanaro Filed Under: 2008, McCain AP reports: “Like many other politicians, McCain often questions the long-term viability of the government retirement program. But he raised eyebrows with an unusually harsh assessment Monday at a town-hall forum in Denver. Asked by a young woman if she is likely to receive Social Security benefits someday, McCain said it was unlikely ‘unless we fix it.’” More: “‘Americans have got to understand that we are paying present-day retirees with the taxes paid by young workers in America today,’ he said. ‘And that's a disgrace. It's an absolute disgrace, and it's got to be fixed.’” “Speaking to reporters on his campaign bus Wednesday in Ohio, McCain went into greater detail. Young workers, he said, ‘are paying into a system that they won't receive benefits from on the present track that it's on. That's the point. I don't think it's fair. I think it's terrible.’ ‘That's why we have to fix it,’ McCain said, pointing to a 1983 bipartisan agreement that bolstered Social Security for a while by cutting benefits and raising taxes.” The Washington Post adds, "John McCain once said economics was not his strong suit. Well, today, Social Security became a problem for the presumptive Republican nominee, too… If that payment system is a disgrace, it has been one since Social Security was created during the Great Depression. For as long as the popular program has existed, today's workers have paid the benefits of today's retirees… Reaction to McCain's statement has been slow to burble, but it is beginning to burst." McCain is known for bus rides where he will happily chat about anything. But one question posed Wednesday afternoon on the Straight Talk Express made McCain clearly uncomfortable, NBC/NJ’s Matthew E. Berger reports. Maeve Reston of the Los Angeles Times -- the pool reporter on the bus -- asked McCain about comments adviser Carly Fiorina made earlier this week, calling it unfair that insurance companies cover Viagra but not birth control. "I certainly do not want to discuss that issue," McCain said to nervous laughter, according to the pool report. He went on to say he did not know what he voted for on the issue. "I'll look at my voting record on it," he said, before an extended pause. "I don't recall the vote right now. But I'll be glad to look at it and get back to you as to why." Pressed by Reston whether it was fair that some insurance companies cover the erectile dysfunction medication but not birth control, he gave another long pause, clocked at eight seconds. "I don't know enough about it to give you an informed answer because I don't recall the vote, I've cast thousands of votes in the Senate," he said. Reston went on to describe it as a "delicate issue," to more laughter, this time described in the pool report as "relieved laughter." "It's something that I had not thought much about and I did hear about her response but I hadn't thought much," McCain said. "But I will get, I will get back to you today on it. "I don't usually duck an issue, but I'm, I'll try to get back to you," he said.

Modified by njn63 at 10:19 PM 7/10/2008

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If McCain means we need to cut military spending, and streamline social programs I'm all for it. I have a feeling that his intentions are cutting social programs, and increasing military budgets.

1991 CRX HF- 46+ mpg beater
2000 S2000 Hardtop

myspace.com/nicknelson

both of you realize we need to change the current system...yet think we can do that by spending less on wars and on social programs.

i think the answer is that we just give the govt less money to waste...and elect politicians who are less likely to take more money from us through taxes.

privatizing social security would just give everyone a chance to get a better return on their investment...without the govt squandering that money on other things.

btw, i have no idea what john mccain wants to do...as its really not that relevant. our current govt is incapable of making meaningful changes...so barack obama and mccain can say whatever they want...its not going to make any difference in the next 4 years.

91 Eclipse GSX
ITR powered EG #511401 SOLD

Yep, that's really the kinda guy I want to have with his finger on the big red button. [/sarcasm]

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross." - Sinclair Lewis

RonPaul2008!!!

"Everything in the world may be endured except continued prosperity."
--- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross." - Sinclair Lewis

RonPaul2008!!!

"Everything in the world may be endured except continued prosperity."
--- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Some of you may not be old enough to remember but this reminds me of the last year of Raegan's administration.

"My name is Ronald Reagan. What's yours?" -introducing himself after delivering a prep school commencement address. The individual responded, "I'm your son, Mike," to which Reagan replied, "Oh, I didn't recognize you."

"Everything in the world may be endured except continued prosperity."
--- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Many people have no idea how social security works.

It drops deep as it does in my breath
I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death - NAS

I take 7 MC's put em in a line
And add 7 more brothas who think they can rhyme
Well, it'll take 7 more before I go for mine
And that's 21 MC's ate up at the same time - Rakim

I've had conversations with more than a few people who know very little about politics/government and they all knew how it works. I think it's one of relatively few things in the government that I'm comfortable saying the majority of American's understand at a basic level because it directly impacts their planning and life.

Might as well throw this quote in here. Not really worthy of it's own topic and it's along the same line of idiocy. This quote is from Phil Gramm, economic adviser (and UBS lobbyist) for the McCain campaign:

Quote, originally posted by http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/10/obama-mocks-gramm-over-mccain/ »

"We have sort of become a nation of whiners. You just hear this constant whining, complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in decline," he said. “You've heard of mental depression; this is a mental recession."

Even though I partially agree with his comments that your perspective plays a huge role in your view, what a stupid thing to say and what a terrible way to word it.

1991 CRX HF- 46+ mpg beater
2000 S2000 Hardtop

myspace.com/nicknelson

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vAH3AeFy0SY

"Patriotism is usually the refuge of the scoundrel."
-Mark Twain

Ron Paul 08

Like school lunch programs, or benefits for the disabled, or the GI bill, or Social Security, or medicare, or meals on wheels, or the head start program, or VA house loans. Like those...or were you just generalizing?

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross." - Sinclair Lewis

RonPaul2008!!!

Man, I'm glad you said it.

We can cut head start in half though. HALF the Pre-K kids in the program are illegal aliens.

The rest can stay.

I don't care for the disabled, half of them are fruads, same goes for medicare, etc. Cut back spending on people who never deserved them. Pay the people who have paid their dues.

Quote, originally posted by tjbizzo »

You do know that social security IS a social program, right?

Yeah, that's why it's called "Social" Security.

hey everbody we just found a bush supporter from the 1st and 2nd time.
i hope you have a roth IRA or some type of savings plan because all those "dues" you paid wont count for shit when social security goes out the window

actually im a staff account, and accounting is what i major in so i know a thing or too about money an financial responsiblity. i started my 401K already so please dont let my age fool you i mae money and i know how to utilize it. if you would like some advice dont be to proud to ask.

also why in the hell would i want to move out at the age of 20 in this shit hole economy ??? give me a logical and sensible answer please.