Stunning

The news just hit that President Obama may be offering cuts to Social Security to get a debt deal with Republicans. Can you call the White House and tell President Obama: "No deal where seniors pay—No deal where the rich don't"? The White House: (202) 456-1111 Report Your Call!

Dear MoveOn member,

There are breaking news reports that President Obama is offering to cut Social Security to convince Republicans to keep the country from defaulting on its debts.¹ After months of affirming that Social Security doesn't add to the deficit,² and ruling out benefit cuts in the State of the Union,³ the White House's reversal is stunning.

Eight key Democrat and Republican leaders are coming to the White House today to address the crisis over our country's looming default.

Republicans are dominating this negotiation, because their tea party supporters are demanding that they take a hard line. If we want the president and the Democratic leadership to have any leverage in these negotiations, we have to do the same.

We have to make it absolutely clear that a deficit reduction deal that puts the primary burden on seniors and the middle class is unacceptable. It's unacceptable to the very people who vote for Democrats, donate, volunteer, and knock on door after door to get them elected.

Call right now to flood the White House with calls. Tell the president: No deal where seniors pay. No deal where the rich and corporations don't.

The White House: (202) 456-1111

Then, please report your call by clicking here.

The head of Strengthen Social Security, a coalition of 300 groups—including MoveOn—said this today:

If true, President Obama's proposal to cut Social Security benefits represents a betrayal of America's seniors, people with disabilities and their families... Money would be ripped out of the pockets of millions of vulnerable Americans. Women, low-income and very old retirees would be hit hardest.⁴

He's not alone. Polls clearly show that the American people want the rich to pay their fair share to reduce our deficit, and want Medicare and Social Security protected.⁵

Yet, a radical minority bent on doling out more tax breaks for the rich while slashing our government beyond recognition has taken over our politics. They've captured the Republicans, and they are trying to run over the Democratic leaders that the majority of Americans elected.

We have to change that. It's time for the reasonable majority to outdo and outflank the radical minority. That starts with your phone call.

Please pick up the phone now and let the president know that enough is enough when it comes to cuts to seniors and everyday Americans. It's time for the rich and America's corporations to do their part.

The White House: (202) 456-1111

Then, please report your call by clicking here.

Thanks for all you do.

–Justin, Adam Q., Elena, Stephen, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "In Debt Talks, Obama Offers Social Security Cuts," The Washington Post, July 6, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210871&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=4

2. "Top Obama Economic Aide: Social Security Reform Not A Part Of Discussion On Fiscal Future," Huffington Post, February 22, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210876&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=5

3. "Remarks by the President in State of Union Address," The White House, January 25, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210877&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=6

4. "Reports of Obama Plan to Cut Social Security, if True, Represent a Betrayal to America's Seniors and Families, Charges Leader of Coalition Representing 300 Organizations," Strengthen Social Security, July 7, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210880&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=7

4. "Poll: To Reduce Deficit, Most Americans Say Tax The Rich More", CBS News, January 3, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210872&id=28657-10220574-huTdRpx&t=8

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

---

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on July 7, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.