“The only real slip up that I saw was when they asked about what govt programs you would scrap and Fred starts talking about basically expanding social security again.”
The problem with the debates is that candidates can not get the time to expand on their plans. It is only time to get points across quickly, which often leaves some confusion on the issues as to their stands. Please go to Fred’s web site and read his “White Paters” under the Issues tab. You will then see his great ideas. Also his plan to save Social Security in the right way, before phasing it out over time.
Well, I agree, the debates are ridiculous. I think they should pose an issue, such as illegal immigration and then give each candidate 2 or 3 minutes to explain what they think we should do about it. If they only have one or two issues in a debate, that would still give us more insight into their thinking then the 30 second sound bites. (and then Guliani wouldn't look as good to everyone).
I havent read his white paper but I did see his thing where he introduced it on C-span. I understand that they are basically going to reduce the way the benefits are calculated, to help pay for it, but what is up with the govt matching contributions? Its a shell game, because thats all coming out of our taxes either way. I also disagree with it being different for different income levels as I disagree with any wealth redistribution scheme as it is socialist. I would be much more satisfied being able to opt out of social security then increasing the size and scope of it. I guess my thing is, I am not on the “we need to save social security” bandwagon, I am more on the “we need to kill social security and give me my stinking money back” bandwagon. If they ended it right now and didn't give anyone under the age of 35 (which would include me) a dime back, but we never had to pay in again, I would take that in a heart beat. If they offered to pay everyone back right now exactly what they paid in and scrap the program, I think that would be most fair. It would take a hit up front, but hey, whats a couple trillion more in debt, and it would be better in the long run. I mean, I gave them the money, so where is it?
My other problem with social security is that its the tax that isnt a tax, but it is. Why is it that our men fighting overseas are tax exempt, but still have to pay social security/Medicaid tax? I know for a fact they have to pay it because I noticed it when I went to Iraq.
I’m not complaining about that I had to pay it as much as saying they shouldnt have to, if they ended that now, and I didnt get any refund, that would be fine with me, I just think when you are in a situation like that the govt really ought to let you take a pass on social security especially since some of them arnt going to get a chance to collect it.
But when you think about it, how retarded is it to pay tax back to the government on a salary you earn from the government anyway. Why dont they just pay me less and it be tax free? What a waste of time.