Overheard: Democrats worried by Obama's debt-reduction plancortneechow
Comment of the Day
"The only difference between Social Security and a Ponzi scheme is intent… hmm, I take that back, I guess there is no difference.” –coexistor
Liberals warn Obama against entitlement cuts
On Friday, Democratic supporters continued to express their frustration with President Obama’s new deficit-reduction plan. The plan includes cuts to Medicare and Social Security — something the president previously said was off-limits. Democrat leaders warned Obama that entitlement cuts represent a sharp shift away from party priorities, putting many who are up for 2012 re-election at risk. Meanwhile, CNN.com readers expressed their own uncertainty about the future of the economy.
Drwelby said, “There have been numerous reports on Social Security problems since the 1980s, so if you've lived since then still under the impression that you could rely on SS to cover your retirement years without a plan ‘B’, you were foolish.”
Reqq1diver was more optimistic, and said the impact from cuts might not be that severe. “The only cuts in entitlement benefits are for the expansion of them, i.e., Social Security was meant for seniors, NOT kids and not for the disabled. If we took SS and put it back like it was founded, this country would be back in shape.”
Pabeone had similar sentiments. “I don't want to see anyone’s benefits cut, but we will end up like Greece if we don't do something about it. We don't need to raise taxes to fix this. We need to lower tax rates but get rid of all loopholes. If everyone paid their fair share we have enough money to prop up these programs.
TominNYC said, “It's a sticky problem if politicians have been too generous regarding the benefits Social Security offers. Probably no recipient (or prospective recipient) feels the benefits are too generous, and yet you have the baby boom retiring and expecting to be supported by the baby bust generation, whose incomes are stalled out.”
Puhc said, “When you contribute to something for your whole life, with the understanding that you will get that contribution back when you retire, is hardly an entitlement, it's an INVESTMENT. Quit calling it an ‘entitlement’.”
June job report: hiring slow, unemployment on the rise
There were 18,000 jobs added to the economy during the month of June, the government reported Friday, severely missing expectations. The total number of employed people rose to 14.1 million, ticking the unemployment rate up to 9.2%. The news sparked discussion among CNN.com readers, many who blamed economic uncertainty on bipartisan bickering.
Bubbaswife said, “None of this is helping the unemployed. Many long-term were in jobs for more than 15 years and don't fit the current job market but there is no money for retraining. The lack of action is turning a valuable part of our society into indigents, dependant on food stamps and charity. I don't believe this is what the majority of Americans want.”
momomeister said, “Ah…I am loving this 'Hope and Change.' I am just 'hoping' that I can find some 'change' to eat.”
Ncloc criticized Obama’s expectation for job growth. “I really like Obama, but in relation to jobs he seems a little unrealistic. He keeps talking about future, energy efficient, and innovative ideas for the country to move forward and create jobs, but he fails to understand that not all workers can become software and biotech engineers.”
Tboto said, “I think it has been well documented over the past 20 years that the much touted trickle down economic theory of giving tax breaks to the rich so that the wealth will trickle down and benefit everyone does not work. It doesn't trickle down because all the rich do with it is line their own pockets.”
Kwreader agreed. “Too bad the GOP is more interested in protecting its wealthy donors and scoring political points with deficit BS than it is in helping the economy and reducing unemployment. GOP=Fail, and Obama=Fail for letting the GOP rule the discourse.”
Woman goes from ‘Trekkie’ to NASA engineer
Space shuttle Atlantis lifted off Friday morning, embarking on the final mission of America’s 30-year space program. To commemorate the occasion, NASA engineer Candy Torres shared her own story and photos with CNN iReport. CNN.com readers congratulated Torres on her accomplishments at NASA and discussed their mutual love of "Star Trek."
Tomintexas said, “Candy Torres is a lucky woman. It's clear she had some lucky breaks. It's also clear that she has made a lot of her own luck. That's the story of the women astronauts I have known. You make your own luck. I wish her the best in this transition period of the U.S. space industry.”
Jbkl said, “What a great report! Engineer Torres is one of the comparative few trekkers who really wanted and worked for the real deal rather than just the party time space fantasy.”
Gremlinus commented on the ‘Trekkie" vs. ‘Trekker" debate. “The only people who make a distinction between trekker and trekkie are the same people who played D&D back in the '80s like the DMG was a freaking technical manual. And no one listens to them anyway. Trekkie is fine.”
Nelliewrites said, "Thumbs up to you, Candy! You are an inspiration to women and young women everywhere who read of your life's adventure! You are a true HERO! Never give up your dream – never ever!"
Some comments edited for length and clarity.
Via: This Just In
