"It's Time For Companies To Step Up"

[guido911]

He's right to some degree. We've been throwing fistfuls of dollars at the private sector for a couple of years now and all we've got to show for it is a very slowly growing economy. If we had full employment demand would obviously be higher.

You want to contribute? Start hiring.

[Red Arrow]

Some of us are attempting to make sure you don't see your Social Security benefits decreased and your Medicare turned into a discount program.

One of the things that concerns me is a means test for SS benefits after about 40 years of paying in to the system.  Because I've been saving for my retirement, I expect to be told I don't need my SS benefits.

[nathanm]

One of the things that concerns me is a means test for SS benefits after about 40 years of paying in to the system.  Because I've been saving for my retirement, I expect to be told I don't need my SS benefits.

I don't support a means test, except perhaps on those with the very highest incomes/savings levels. Clearly Warren Buffett getting Social Security is a waste of money for everyone (unless he manages to lose or give away his entire fortune). Since we have a $102,000 income limit on Social Security tax, how about a $102,000 income limit on benefits? (As in, you get paid SS until the point where you draw more than $102,000 a year out of other retirement accounts with a rolling average)

Guido, I haven't had bailout money directed my way. Not even the $8,000 FTHB credit.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Artist said;
How is it these companies have all this extra money... if they arent selling goods and services?  

Look at the tag on everything you buy, everything you have bought in the last 10 years.  That will tell you the true story of where the jobs are.  Start a list with the country of origin.  Place a tick by each one for every item you look at.

Wanna bet on which one is first??  (Hint; it ain't the US.)

You can't even go to Lowe's and buy something as simple as a bolt or screw made in US.  Hillman brand.  Made in China.

That is the story of the last 25 to 30 years in America.  Jobs have been exported wholesale.  There are no jobs to "step up" for.  They are gone.  And will remain gone for at least decades, even if we started tomorrow morning about 10:15 to work to bring them back.  That is the new reality.  They just don't exist any more.


Nathan;
SS benefit is based on that 102,000.  When Warren gets his, it will be based on his contribution up to the 102,000.  Won't be a hill of beans to him, but it will be based on his tax.

[Red Arrow]

I don't support a means test, except perhaps on those with the very highest incomes/savings levels.

Then it only becomes a matter of where to draw the line.  I'm afraid that line will be drawn a lot lower than what you propose.

[Gaspar]