Myth #1: Social Security is going broke.
Reality: There is no Social Security crisis. By 2023, Social Security will have a $4.6 trillion surplus (yes, trillion with a 'T'). It can pay out all scheduled benefits for the next quarter-century with no changes whatsoever.1 After 2037, it'll still be able to pay out 75% of scheduled benefits—and again, that's without any changes. The program started preparing for the Baby Boomers' retirement decades ago.2 Anyone who insists Social Security is broke probably wants to break it themselves.
Myth #2: We have to raise the retirement age because people are living longer.
Reality: This is a red-herring to trick you into agreeing to benefit cuts. Retirees are living about the same amount of time as they were in the 1930s. The reason average life expectancy is higher is mostly because many fewer people die as children than they did 70 years ago.3 What's more, what gains there have been are distributed very unevenly—since 1972, life expectancy increased by 6.5 years for workers in the top half of the income brackets, but by less than 2 years for those in the bottom half.4 But those intent on cutting Social Security love this argument because raising the retirement age is the same as an across-the-board benefit cut.
Myth #3: Benefit cuts are the only way to fix Social Security.
Reality: Social Security doesn't need to be fixed. But if we want to strengthen it, here's a better way: Make the rich pay their fair share. If the very rich paid taxes on all of their income, Social Security would be sustainable for decades to come.5 Right now, high earners only pay Social Security taxes on the first $106,000 of their income.6 But conservatives insist benefit cuts are the only way because they want to protect the super-rich from paying their fair share.
Myth #4: The Social Security Trust Fund has been raided and is full of IOUs
Reality: Not even close to true. The Social Security Trust Fund isn't full of IOUs, it's full of U.S. Treasury Bonds. And those bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.7 The reason Social Security holds only treasury bonds is the same reason many Americans do: The federal government has never missed a single interest payment on its debts. President Bush wanted to put Social Security funds in the stock market—which would have been disastrous—but luckily, he failed. So the trillions of dollars in the Social Security Trust Fund, which are separate from the regular budget, are as safe as can be.
Myth #5: Social Security adds to the deficit
Reality: It's not just wrong—it's impossible! By law, Social Security's funds are separate from the budget, and it must pay its own way. That means that Social Security can't add one penny to the deficit.8
Defeating these myths is the first step to stopping Social Security cuts. Can you share this list now?
Sources:
1."To Deficit Hawks: We the People Know Best on Social Security," New Deal 2.0, June 14, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89703&id=22140-15415651-RKDL.ax&t=4
2. "The Straight Facts on Social Security," Economic Opportunity Institute, September 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89704&id=22140-15415651-RKDL.ax&t=5
3. "Social Security and the Age of Retirement," Center for Economic and Policy Research, June 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89705&id=22140-15415651-RKDL.ax&t=6
4. "More on raising the retirement age," Washington Post, July 8, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89706&id=22140-15415651-RKDL.ax&t=7
5. "Social Security is sustainable," Economic and Policy Institute, May 27, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89707&id=22140-15415651-RKDL.ax&t=8
6. "Maximum wage contribution and the amount for a credit in 2010," Social Security Administration, April 23, 2010
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/240
7. "Trust Fund FAQs," Social Security Administration, February 18, 2010
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/ProgData/fundFAQ.html
8."To Deficit Hawks: We the People Know Best on Social Security," New Deal 2.0, June 14, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89703&id=22140-15415651-RKDL.ax&t=9
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Socialist Party of Connecticut News: August 2010
News and Views:
Stop The Wars and Defend Our Civil Liberties: By Andrea Pason and Billy Wharton The recent disclosure of thousands of top-secret documents by Wikileaks and the Washington Post media project “Top Secret America,” makes one point perfectly clear – the American people need to act now to stop the US military and the growing security state.
Read More: http://www.socialistwebzine.org/2010/07/act-now-to-stop-wars-and-defend-our.html
Regarding Peter Schiff’s View of History: By Todd Vachon Here is a bit of what Mr. Schiff had to say: "I think the workers benefited dramatically from the transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. We eliminated women labor in the country, child labor, because of capitalism. You know the reason – you know, my grandmother didn't have to work because my grandfather didn't have to pay any taxes. She was free to take care of eight kids, because that's what she wanted to do…” Read More: http://vachonforcongress.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html
Pennies Per Hour? How can we really expect any corporation to make things in America?
Seriously. Even if we worked for $2 per/hr it would still be more profitable for a corporation to outsource and exploit labor abroad….
Read More: http://vachonforcongress.blogspot.com/2010/08/less-than.htm
Socialists Take on NOM On Tuesday July 27th, the National Organization for Marriage “Summer of Marriage Tour" came to Mad-Town (Madison, WI) for a rally at the Capitol to spew their hatred for the LGBT Community and to say that Gays have no rights and can never have any rights… Read More: http://www.socialistwebzine.org/2010/07/socialists-take-on-nom.html
Calendar of Events:
Saturday August 14-15th:
*SPUSA National Organizing Conference- Madison, WI. Featuring Cindy Sheehan, Paul Buhle, United Sons of Toil and More!
Details Here: http://socialistparty-usa.org/2010conference/index.html
Our Media Recommendations for the Month:
Film: The Fever: By Vanessa Redgrave http://www.democracynow.org/2007/6/13/vanessa_redgrave_combines_lifelong_devotion_to
YouTube Video: Crises of Capitalism -Animated Talk By David Harvey, Animation by RSA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOP2V_np2c0&feature=player_embedded#!
Print: Top Secret America By William Arkin of WaPo http://www.democracynow.org/2010/7/19/top_secret_america__washington_post
Audio: Solidarity Forever: Being Sung By Pete Seeger (with a great slide show to accompany it too!) http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=kYiKdJoSsb8&feature=related
Online Labor Action:
Support Bangledeshi Garment Workers: Is 35 cents/per/hr too much to ask from Walmart? Please sign this petition to support the struggle: www.wakeupwalmart.com
Turkey: Free Jailed Trade-Unionists Now! http://www.labourstart.org/
Our Radical Quote of the Month:
“I have never had a vote, and I have raised hell all over this country. You don't need a vote to raise hell! You need convictions and a voice!” - Mother Jones
Happy Birthday
Alex and Mimi! Did I forget anyone?
In Solidarity,
Todd Vachon
Statewide Chair
Socialist Party of CT
spcentralct@gmail.com
www.votevachon.com
State Secretary: Dr. James Marra
Ps;
Please feel free to send suggestions and submissions for the September Newsletter!
Don’t Forget to join us on Facebook: CT Socialists
And on Myspace at www.socialistpartyct.org
Stop The Wars and Defend Our Civil Liberties: By Andrea Pason and Billy Wharton The recent disclosure of thousands of top-secret documents by Wikileaks and the Washington Post media project “Top Secret America,” makes one point perfectly clear – the American people need to act now to stop the US military and the growing security state.
Read More: http://www.socialistwebzine.org/2010/07/act-now-to-stop-wars-and-defend-our.html
Regarding Peter Schiff’s View of History: By Todd Vachon Here is a bit of what Mr. Schiff had to say: "I think the workers benefited dramatically from the transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. We eliminated women labor in the country, child labor, because of capitalism. You know the reason – you know, my grandmother didn't have to work because my grandfather didn't have to pay any taxes. She was free to take care of eight kids, because that's what she wanted to do…” Read More: http://vachonforcongress.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html
Pennies Per Hour? How can we really expect any corporation to make things in America?
Seriously. Even if we worked for $2 per/hr it would still be more profitable for a corporation to outsource and exploit labor abroad….
Read More: http://vachonforcongress.blogspot.com/2010/08/less-than.htm
Socialists Take on NOM On Tuesday July 27th, the National Organization for Marriage “Summer of Marriage Tour" came to Mad-Town (Madison, WI) for a rally at the Capitol to spew their hatred for the LGBT Community and to say that Gays have no rights and can never have any rights… Read More: http://www.socialistwebzine.org/2010/07/socialists-take-on-nom.html
Calendar of Events:
Saturday August 14-15th:
*SPUSA National Organizing Conference- Madison, WI. Featuring Cindy Sheehan, Paul Buhle, United Sons of Toil and More!
Details Here: http://socialistparty-usa.org/2010conference/index.html
Our Media Recommendations for the Month:
Film: The Fever: By Vanessa Redgrave http://www.democracynow.org/2007/6/13/vanessa_redgrave_combines_lifelong_devotion_to
YouTube Video: Crises of Capitalism -Animated Talk By David Harvey, Animation by RSA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOP2V_np2c0&feature=player_embedded#!
Print: Top Secret America By William Arkin of WaPo http://www.democracynow.org/2010/7/19/top_secret_america__washington_post
Audio: Solidarity Forever: Being Sung By Pete Seeger (with a great slide show to accompany it too!) http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=kYiKdJoSsb8&feature=related
Online Labor Action:
Support Bangledeshi Garment Workers: Is 35 cents/per/hr too much to ask from Walmart? Please sign this petition to support the struggle: www.wakeupwalmart.com
Turkey: Free Jailed Trade-Unionists Now! http://www.labourstart.org/
Our Radical Quote of the Month:
“I have never had a vote, and I have raised hell all over this country. You don't need a vote to raise hell! You need convictions and a voice!” - Mother Jones
Happy Birthday
Alex and Mimi! Did I forget anyone?
In Solidarity,
Todd Vachon
Statewide Chair
Socialist Party of CT
spcentralct@gmail.com
www.votevachon.com
State Secretary: Dr. James Marra
Ps;
Please feel free to send suggestions and submissions for the September Newsletter!
Don’t Forget to join us on Facebook: CT Socialists
And on Myspace at www.socialistpartyct.org
Pennies Per Hour?
I just have one quick question and then an appeal.
Question: How can we really expect any corporation to make things in America?
Seriously. Even if we worked for $2 per/hr it would still be more profitable for a corporation to outsource and exploit labor abroad.
Now, it is common on the right in America to blame "greedy" unions for outsourcing, but that simply isn't true. Heck, even without unions you can't find Americans that will work for pennies per hour.
The other typical response is to blame the victim; you know, "those people will work for nothing, they're stealing our jobs."
But again, when these same overseas workers reveal that they only work for nothing because they haven't a choice, and then decide to form unions, the story changes to "those greedy workers want too much and now my $8 Walmart shirt costs $10. WTF!?"
The plain and simple problem is that there are little or no labor/environmental protections in "developing countries."
Remember, capitalists don't just decide whether or not they want their brand to be "made in America". They are forced by the laws of competition to seek out the cheapest possible labor sources in order to maximize profits.
If they don't and their competitors do, they won't be capitalist much longer.
So, it would seem that the best solution for workers on both sides of the ocean is to win labor struggles overseas that bring the living standards and labor/environmental practices over there about 125 years into their future (aka our present).
It begins with struggles like the one detailed below.
Remember though, labor struggles are very dangerous in countries that don't have labor laws (just as it was for American workers in the 1880s who fought and died for the 12hr day, then the 10hr day and finally the 8hr day and some kind of minimum wages and safety standards). It's dangerous because there are no existing labor laws, and the capitalist-owned government sends in the troops to gun you down when you start organizing to get your fair share of the product....
That's why our open and visible support for workers abroad is so important. As citizens of "the empire", our support gives them a bit more security than they would otherwise have.
Please consider signing this petition to support one such case in Bangledesh and then pass it on to some friends, maybe even keep an ear to the street for others in the future.
Higher wages and protections abroad makes their lives better as well as pressures corporations to return jobs "home", thus making our lives better too.
The details are below.
Thank You,
Todd
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Is 35¢ Too Much To Ask From Walmart?
Please join Wake Up Walmart and the National Labor Committee in calling on Walmart to support a 35 cent per hour minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh.
Last week we posted on our blog about how Walmart's $8 pairs of jeans were made by Bengali garment workers, mostly young women, who are paid the equivalent of 11.5 cents an hour. This week these workers took to the streets in protest over wages, where at least 25 workers were injured by authorities.
Please join us in calling on Rajan Kamalanathan, Walmart's Vice President of "Ethical" Sourcing, to support protesting workers in Bangladesh in calling for a garment worker minimum wage of 35 cents an hour. Visit: www.wakeupwalmart.com to sign the petition.
Walmart’s claim that it sources its products in an ethical manner is completely undermined when workers are forced to take to the streets in protest over wages so low they have been called “not only insufficient, but also inhumane” by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Thank you for your support,
Wake Up Walmart
www.wakeupwalmart.com
Question: How can we really expect any corporation to make things in America?
Seriously. Even if we worked for $2 per/hr it would still be more profitable for a corporation to outsource and exploit labor abroad.
Now, it is common on the right in America to blame "greedy" unions for outsourcing, but that simply isn't true. Heck, even without unions you can't find Americans that will work for pennies per hour.
The other typical response is to blame the victim; you know, "those people will work for nothing, they're stealing our jobs."
But again, when these same overseas workers reveal that they only work for nothing because they haven't a choice, and then decide to form unions, the story changes to "those greedy workers want too much and now my $8 Walmart shirt costs $10. WTF!?"
The plain and simple problem is that there are little or no labor/environmental protections in "developing countries."
Remember, capitalists don't just decide whether or not they want their brand to be "made in America". They are forced by the laws of competition to seek out the cheapest possible labor sources in order to maximize profits.
If they don't and their competitors do, they won't be capitalist much longer.
So, it would seem that the best solution for workers on both sides of the ocean is to win labor struggles overseas that bring the living standards and labor/environmental practices over there about 125 years into their future (aka our present).
It begins with struggles like the one detailed below.
Remember though, labor struggles are very dangerous in countries that don't have labor laws (just as it was for American workers in the 1880s who fought and died for the 12hr day, then the 10hr day and finally the 8hr day and some kind of minimum wages and safety standards). It's dangerous because there are no existing labor laws, and the capitalist-owned government sends in the troops to gun you down when you start organizing to get your fair share of the product....
That's why our open and visible support for workers abroad is so important. As citizens of "the empire", our support gives them a bit more security than they would otherwise have.
Please consider signing this petition to support one such case in Bangledesh and then pass it on to some friends, maybe even keep an ear to the street for others in the future.
Higher wages and protections abroad makes their lives better as well as pressures corporations to return jobs "home", thus making our lives better too.
The details are below.
Thank You,
Todd
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Is 35¢ Too Much To Ask From Walmart?
Please join Wake Up Walmart and the National Labor Committee in calling on Walmart
Last week we posted on our blog
Please join us in calling on Rajan Kamalanathan, Walmart's Vice President of "Ethical" Sourcing, to support protesting workers in Bangladesh in calling for a garment worker minimum wage of 35 cents an hour. Visit: www.wakeupwalmart.com to sign the petition.
Walmart’s claim that it sources its products in an ethical manner is completely undermined when workers are forced to take to the streets in protest over wages so low they have been called “not only insufficient, but also inhumane” by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Thank you for your support,
Wake Up Walmart
www.wakeupwalmart.com
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