[WatchingInAmazement]

"For example, a worker who turns 62 after 1990 generally needs 40 calendar quarters of coverage to receive retirement benefits. Under totalization agreements, workers are allowed to combine earnings from both countries in order to qualify for benefits. The Agreement with Mexico, like other totalization agreements, would allow workers to qualify with just six quarters, or 18 months, of U.S. coverage.

[ladyjane]

Thank you George Bush!

[Old Professer]

What's important here is not so much the nuts and bolts of this agreement, but the secrecy with which is has been kept from public review.

[truthkeeper]

Obviously this country must have a death wish. I'm speechless.

[MizSterious]

I had really hoped these rumors were untrue. This is just beyond the pale. I need to quit typing now before I type something that will get me banned for life.

[RAY]

As we are "self governed", obviously we a damn idiots!

[Clara Lou]

Both the agreement itself and the attempt to maintain secrecy are shocking and a betrayal of the citizens of the US.

[montag813]

In addition, the U.S. system is progressive, meaning lower wage earners get back much more than they put in; in Mexico, workers get back only what they put in, plus accrued interest.

Once again, Mexican policies are what our policies SHOULD be.

They vigorously go after illegal immigrants and defend their borders. We do not. They operate their pension system like a 401k. We operate ours as a welfare program.

[misterrob]

in Mexico, workers get back only what they put in, plus accrued interest...

Seems like they have it figured out better than we have.

[Petruchio]

ping

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

I don't think our system of government can ever recover from its corruption. Our system will have to be changed radically and by the people directly. Ours is now a system not accountable to anyone. It operates under its own self-directed tyranny.

Before the American people force a representative government upon Iraq, we might want to consider restoring it in the United States, first.

[pleikumud]

"The Totalization Agreement could allow millions of illegal Mexican workers to draw billions of dollars from the U.S. Social Security Trust Fund."

There is no SS "Trust Fund". In Ponzi scheme fashion, current retirees get their payments from those currently working and paying taxes. What is worse, some of the social security tax money is used for general purposes not even related to "Socialist Security".

If anyone thinks there is a "trust fund" I suggest contacting the SSA and ask for the current balance of 'your' retirement account. Hear the bureaucrats laughing?

[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

It never ends. Time for our Caesar?

[Clara Lou]

Would Bush actually sign this???

[Guy in Bumblebee Suit]

Every day I get a new disappointment.

Where are conservatives to go? Certainly not to the Republican Party.

[BipolarBob]

I am waiting for the Free Trade and Global Economists here at FR applaud this stinker.

[GOPologist]

"The Social Security Administration itself warns that Social Security is within decades of bankruptcy -- yet, they seem to have no problem making agreements that hasten its demise," said Ralph McCutchen, Chairman of the TREA Senior Citizens League."

I wonder if the above statement really upsets many writers on FreeRepublic. For years they have been anti SS benefits.

Oh well, who cares? Old guys such as I who have depended on S.S. for years will have to figure out another way to "milk the government." Right?

[Tigen]

Awaiting President Bush's signature!!!!
OK since 2004 I see gee somebody is sellin a bridge too..
Pathetic those who want to believe the worst of our president!

[weegee]

Pull the plug. The ssytem is terminal.

[David Isaac]

This obviously another piece of brilliant strategery by Rove/Bush. We, the ignorant freepers, are unable to discern the benefits of this agreement.

Sarcasm, while maybe not obvious to all freepers, is most definitely intended.

[Dane]

The sooner the Ponzi scheme called Social Security dies the better.

Oops, but I forgot, you Watchin are not for any reform of your beloved Ponzi scheme.