By Benjamin I. Page and Lawrence R. Jacobs Memo to Pete Peterson: Americans don’t want cuts Social Security – and here’s the proof. Deficit-hawk and investment banker Pete Peterson has devoted a substantial part of his $2.8 billion fortune to pushing for cuts in entitlements like Social Security, in the name of deficit reduction. His [...]
By Eric Kingson As Obama’s Fiscal Commission prepares for its June 30 hearing, New Deal 2.0 invited leading thinkers to participate in our Social Security’s Fiscal Fitness series, which examines the soundness of the program, its relationship to the federal deficit, and the vital role it plays in America’s economic future. Former Senator Alan Simpson, [...]
By RJ Eskow also posted at Daily Kos A video of retired Sen. Alan Simpson’s foulmouthed rant toward activist Alex Lawson is making the Internet rounds, as well it should: The sheer audacity and rudeness of the guy makes this clip “must-see TV.” It’s a political bloopers reel. But, while Simpson’s outrageousness makes the video [...]
By Nancy Altman As Obama’s Fiscal Commission prepares for its June 30 hearing, the Roosevelt Institute’s New Deal 2.0 blog invited me to participate in its Social Security’s Fiscal Fitness series, which examines the soundness of the program, its relationship to the federal deficit, and the vital role it plays in America’s economic future. Deficit [...]
By Ted Marmor As Obama’s Fiscal Commission prepares for its June 30 hearing, the Roosevelt Institute’s New Deal 2.0 blog invited me to participate in its Social Security’s Fiscal Fitness series, which examines the soundness of the program, its relationship to the federal deficit, and the vital role it plays in America’s economic future. The [...]
The Honorable Erskine Bowles The Honorable Alan Simpson Co-Chairs, National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Bowles and Senator Simpson: President Obama and many others have advocated both government in the sunshine and the participatory engagement of those affected by government decisions. They recognize that conducting [...]
By Nancy Altman and Eric Kingson President Obama and the leadership in Congress have delegated enormous, unaccountable authority to 18 unrepresentative, inordinately wealthy individuals. The 18 individuals are meeting regularly, in secret, behind closed doors, until safely beyond this year’s mid-term election. If they reach agreement, their proposal will be voted on in December by [...]
