thebigp

ignoring entitlements--58.4h.,b58.12-1
There was absolutely nothing about America's most pressing fiscal issue: runaway spending on Medicare and Social Security. And even if Trump had mentioned the issue of entitlements in his economic speech, chances are he would have—as he has elsewhere on the campaign trail—ruled out changes to the programs. More than two-thirds of the federal budget is spent automatically on Medicare, Social Security, and other entitlement programs, such as Medicaid and unemployment insurance. Some 17 percent of the budget goes to defense, while interest on the federal debt eats up another 6.5 percent. The little that is left for discretionary spending—the 6.5 percent of the budget Congress uses to pay for disaster relief, research, education, and less salutary items such pork---could easily be crowded out.
Absent reforms, mandatory spending on entitlements will swallow 98.3 percent of the budget a decade from now, leaving just 1.7 percent for all discretionary spending—and hat 1.7 percent includes defense.
In 2008, there were 3.2 people in the workforce paying into entitlement programs for every retiree collecting benefits. That figure will drop to 2.2 in le next couple of decades, even with America's population swelling as a result of largely unchecked immigration.
"Four years later we know this much for sure: The Democrats are glib and unserious about saving the social safety net. Social Security's long-term funding shortfall has grown from $5.3 trillion to $10.7 trillion on Obama's watch. Obamacare siphoned $716 billion from Medicare, and Medicare premiums are poised (again") to rise precipitously. And now, facing a funding debacle, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton wants to increase social security benefits and expand government-funded health rare.
source-wwekly std, mark hemingway

Don G. Dinsdale Loc: El Cajon, CA (San Diego County)

Social Security is NOT an entitlement, we paid into it, it's our money...

Welfare, food stamps are entitlements... Don D.


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vernon

i don't agree medi care and ss are true entitlements they are paid for by us for us and the politicians have stolen it.welfare and medicade and food stamps and all the different subsidies are not entitlements they are charity.

Don G. Dinsdale Loc: El Cajon, CA (San Diego County)

We Disagree... Don D.

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Super Dave Loc: Realville, USA

I pretty much agree.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Social security and Medicare are self pay programs - and cost the Treasury nothing. The politicians use the Federal Budget to create the illusion that it is costing tax payers big money, but the reality is, it is just the Treasury paying the trust funds the money it OWES - from all the proceeds of collected fees, taxes and premiums paid by Medicare enrollees. Look at it this way; the money collected from your paycheck goes into the treasury. Some of that money is Medicare taxes and some SS payments, which then must be transferred to the appropriate trust fund. That transfer of funds is NOT a tax payer debt, as the money didn't belong to the treasury in the first place.

The illusion is created when the Government spends those collected funds as though they are tax proceeds, but is in fact borrowed money - borrowed from the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. When the Government pays BACK the money it owes, it appears as though it is an expense. Tax payers pay NOTHING towards Medicare or Social Security beyond what each individual pays. You are whining about the Government paying back money it owes - to you.

By all means, tell the Government to cancel your Social Security and Medicare accounts and tell them to keep the money you've already paid in. I'm sure they'll appreciate your sacrifice.

bggamers Loc: georgia

That ss check is something I earned and put MY MONEY into IT is not a gift . You better get that one straight. And believe me the goverment keeps sticking their slimmy hands into it thats why it keeps being short!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bggamers Loc: georgia

welfare is SUPPOSE to be an emergency program .But you will find out most americans can'nt get it only people from other countrys step off the plane are handed welfare and food stamps

Don G. Dinsdale Loc: El Cajon, CA (San Diego County)

About the time I give up hope for you and eye seeing things the same you come through like this one, good job... Don D.

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maureenthannon

Obama signed a Totalization Agreement which guarentees illegal imigrants,even those who've returned to their home countries, Social Security benefits. Now, even when Social Security benefits have to be cut, the illagals will continue to receive our money.