But do NOT hack the social safety net just to give repukes something to "put up on the wall"

I guess Durbin somehow forgot: We PAY for these benefits via payroll deduction. "Entitlements" makes it appear these are government funded programs. they are not.

Right off the bat, "democrats" like Durbin don't bother to address the framing of major issues, and thus are total losers.

WHAT, if anything, does Durbin have to say about this:

"Moving forward, we'll hear lofty-sounding ideas about broadening the base, lowering the rates, and closing loopholes, and more technical ideas about moving to a territorial system of taxation.

Let's start with the former: The loopholes that need to be closed are those that enable corporations to pay extraordinarily low tax rates or no tax at all by shifting profits, patents and headquarters offshore. These cost us $100 billion per year".

$100 BILLION per year.

Where's the "shared sacrifice" Senator Durbin??

http://host.madison.com/news/opinion/column/nicole-tichon-congress-should-put-end-to-corporate-tax-dodging/article_ed6367ee-40ac-11e2-bbb9-001a4bcf887a.html

Selective Service $23M, Suspend Pay/Benefits for Congress/Dept/Agency Heads (Cut First)---for starters...

I am sick of the greedy rich folks that want it all. All this because they want it all and to hell with everyone else. From the religious fanatics, to the stupidity of the tea partiers that consistently vote against their own best interests, I ask what the hell is happening? Is everyone being fed some kind of drug??? If this is what is to become of this country then I don't belong here anymore.

The even more scary thing is our military defense contractors rule congress. Gotta have a war somewhere to make more money. The hell with innocent people dying on both sides.

Happy 3rd WW!

income for a single person (or wherever the current cap is set).

I can't support means testing to qualify for Medicare, but since there are premiums to pay, then raising them somewhat for very high income people doesn't sound like the end of the world, especially if they can be reduced if their income goes down. Some seniors are pretty affluent when they reach eligibility, but outlive their money.

those who need it most

and I would absolutely NOT tolerate increasing the age of eligibility on Medicare. That would turn me big time against those who back that

I PAID for that shit for over 34 years. I DAMN SURE won't accept them taking what I PAID FOR!

especially if the number is high enough. That seems to be a small price to pay for the deal.

Taxes also.