July 17, 2011
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Fear
There is an attempt to instill fear concerning the debate over the debt ceiling. President Obama said he could not guarantee Social Security benefits for recipients if the debt ceiling is not extended. That is a lie. Benefits are not considered debt.What happens when leaders use fear to get their political way?
Comments (18)
“You have nothing to fear, but fear itself” ~ Winston Churchill
Not sure if this is appropriate or not, but it’s what pops into my mind everytime I see or hear the word ‘fear’……
I hate how the president threatened to “starve grandma.” We have an obligation to the elderly. They depend on this money, and they paid taxes when they were younger. We really shouldn’t have started these programs – but it is too late now.
@rocketopossum – I thought it was outrageous what he did.
@armnatmom – hopefully our seniors take that advice
Fear seems to be what is used by more than the government to manipulate the American population. Just turn on the news.
@C_L_O_G – I try not not too -lol
I think you are a bit confused on this one, this isn’t about if SS is considered debt or not. The heart of this particular issue is a cash flow issue. Our cash inflows come from tax receipts and the proceeds from issuing new debt securities. Our cash outflows are everything from the military, social programs, gov employees, interest payments on the debt, etc. I don’t know the specific numbers to know which is greater, but if our inflows don’t exceed our outflows, then simple math says some bills won’t get paid. Which bills wouldn’t get paid I can’t claim to know. Though I do have some ideas as to which expenses would be prioritized. I just wish all of our politicians would do their jobs instead of pandering to their respective parties re-election ambitions.
@armnatmom - Actually, that quote was by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his inaugural address in 1933. At the time, there was a bank panic so he was attempting to calm the masses. It is often misquoted to Churchill.
@xsimplepleasuresx - That’s a bunch of nonsense. Social Security is not in danger. It’s a fear tactic that is geared towards our most vulnerable. I do agree with you – there is a sense that our leaders are in reelection mode. I see a few that really care about our nation and I want those leaders to prevail. We have to stop this run away spending and we have to do it now.
Sadly, what DOES happen is that the discussion runs off the rails and becomes entirely irrational. Sadly, both parties have learned that this is the way to push their agendas… in other words, their special interest groups’ special interests. The 24 hour nonstop news cycle doesn’t do anything to help.
Usually, fear works pretty well and it’s nearly impossible to combat. Rationality and reason don’t seem to be in the politician’s best interest.
I agree with Randy, it is outrageous to instill fear, but when you have no valid argument and want to be in control you use what ever works and fear usually works when emotions are the only arsenal outweighing fact and reason. With the upcoming elections in the politicians’ minds over shadowing the good of our country what can we expect but tactics like this?
@Randy7777 - what part are you calling nonsense? It’s simple business math that everyday families experience. If cash inflows are less than outflows, and there aren’t enough reserve funds to cover it, something won’t get paid.
With the way Congress has been spending for decades, I wouldn’t be surprised if our tax receipts alone couldn’t cover all of the spending. I am surprised that he mentioned social security specifically though, since I think that would be near the top of priority bills. Of course, how high up the list of priority expenses we would need to go depends on how short on cash we are.
I’m curious as to which politicians you think are trying to help, because I would replace them all, lol.
@xsimplepleasuresx - Politics is nonsense. Social Security is not in danger. I agree that congress has been spending for decades but Obama lifted the bar. He has had everything he wanted passed because he had a majority in the senate and house and he gave money to the rich and took it away from the poor. Now he’s wanting to tax what he calls the rich. It’s insane. The stimulas packages didn’t work except it gave lots of money to the car industry and it took away cheap cars.
@Lucy_or_Ethel - I think it’s a tactic of a desperate person.
@WaitingToShrug - LOL – so true
@xsimplepleasuresx - Ooooops! Sorry. I relied on someone elses info when I asked. I shoulda Googled it instead.
They win but us old folks know better than to believe Obamas threats as he has taken enough from us to fund his Obamacare.