Bernie Speaks Out For Economic Fairness

As expected, it looks like the Democrats on the "super committee" that was tasked with helping to lower the deficit, is about to fold and give in to the Republicans once again -- causing huge cuts in social programs while not requiring the rich pay their fair share of taxes. And Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), the best senator in Washington, doesn't like it even a little bit. He has sent a new e-mail to his supporters, and I repost that here for your benefit. Here is what he has to say:

I want to alert you to a very important issue which needs your immediate response.


As we speak, members of the so-called “Super Committee” are proposing a plan that would call for major cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.


In negotiation after negotiation, the Democrats continue to give the Republicans almost everything they want.  Despite the fact that our deficit problems were caused by the greed on Wall Street which led to the current horrendous recession, huge tax breaks for the rich and two un-paid for wars, the President and the Democrats have gone along with trillions of dollars in cuts in programs for the elderly, the sick, children and the poor.  Meanwhile, the wealthiest people in this country, who are doing phenomenally well, have not been asked to pay one penny more in taxes.  Further, we have not closed one corporate loophole or cut military spending.


Ever since its inception, the Republicans have wanted to destroy Social Security.  We must not allow them to succeed.  Social Security is the most successful and popular federal program in existence.  For 76 years it has paid out every penny owed to every eligible American and has played a major role in reducing poverty among seniors.  Today, Social Security has a 2.5 trillion dollar surplus and can pay out all benefits for the next 25 years.  Importantly, because it is funded by the payroll tax and not the U.S. Treasury, Social Security has played no role in causing the deficit.


We must also defend Medicare and Medicaid.  Today, 50 million Americans are uninsured and many more are under-insured.  Some 45,000 Americans die every year because they do not get to a doctor on time.  Now is not the time to cut benefits for Medicare or throw children or lower-income Americans off of their health insurance.


Poll after poll shows that the American people are very clear about these issues.  They want the wealthy and large corporations to begin paying their fair share of taxes.  They want to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.  And that’s exactly what the “Super Committee” should do.


Please sign the enclosed petition demanding no cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.  Please contact your Senator or member of Congress with the same message.


Sincerely,


Senator Bernie Sanders