COLA Freeze for Social Security Recipients: Part of an Obama Ruse to Keep Senior Voting Bloc?

RFFM.org ^ | August 24, 2009 | Daniel T. Zanoza

[Daniel T. Zanoza]

... The President has already come under heavy criticism concerning his plan to reform national health care. Seniors have turned out in droves at town hall meetings across the nation, voicing their opposition and outrage regarding $500 billion of projected cuts to Medicare. Many seniors feel the reform of America's health care system would primarily by paid for on their backs. According to data, 25% of Medicare's budget is spent on the last year of an individual's life. Even the most steadfast supporters of health care reform admit one day medical services to the elderly would eventually have to be rationed with the outcome being government bureaucrats, instead of doctors, making life and death decisions regarding health care services for the elderly and handicapped.

For decades, senior citizens have represented a solid voting bloc for the Democratic Party. However, groups like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) were out front in their backing of a move to nationalize health care. But recently, the AARP has taken a huge political hit and loss in membership totaling 60,000 since July 1st of 2009. While AARP still supports health care reform, the organization has changed its tactics of late, taking a more low key approach to the issue.

I believe the freeze in COLAs is a political ruse...

[VisualizeSmallerGovernment]

If it’s a ruse, it’s a ruse to start hyperinflation. Pay granny $1500 a month and then inflate the currency so that the $1500 won’t buy a stick of bubble gum.

[GeronL]

with their SS income going down and their burdening the healthcare system, I think the government is wanting them all to “choose life not worth living” option

[knarf]

The key words are; "The Social Security Administration"

Who are they?

How are they connected to zero?

[freespirited]

I dunno. Seniors were the only demographic to go for McCain over Obama in the last election. I think the RAT party considers the younger demo groups more fertile ground.

OTOH, they dont want to lose the senior support that they do have. So maybe we will see just what you predict.

[FlingWingFlyer]

The Commie ‘RATS are doing exactly what the have been accusing the GOP of trying to do for years. Way to go ‘RATS!

[KarlInOhio]

The COLA is calculated based on the CPI. The CPI dropped by about 2% between July 2008 and July 2009, primarily because of the collapse in gasoline and natural gas prices. Negative CPI change means a no COLA because SS payments aren't allowed to drop. It's all on autopilot without Congress or the President doing anything.

It will be interesting to see if Congress's pay goes up.

[ex-Texan]

*BUMP*!

[cherry]

I suppose that's the American way....vote for those who are going to keep giving you more and more money and benefits......

just where do I sign up?

[cherry]

no one was complaining when they got the huge raises back several years...one year it was over 10%IIRC.....they got it because that's what the "system" demanded...and now that there is deflation, we just let the "system" work like it should.....

who the hell cares about the WORKERS?

[danamco]

I heard yesterday at least 16% of medicare’s funds are eaten away by fraud!!!

[radioone]

So, Congress gets Their annual “raise”, and the Seniors don’t. How Nice!!!

[Boiling Pots]

AARP taking a low key approach? Have you seen those stupid commercials they are running?

What’s 60,000 members when they stand to make billions off Government run medicine?

[9YearLurker]

Seed change? Perhaps ‘sea change’ is intended.