Social Security was created in 1935 for retired elderly with no other means of income. That S.S. is "bankrupt" is totally false. 'It is solvent to 2033 and even then 75% of benefits would be paid out', says the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (http://ncpssm.org)
Democrat's propose to raise or eliminate the "cap" on earned wages. GOP's proposals range from increasing the eligible-benefit age to 69 to moving it into the Stock Market.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) was created for those unable to work. The GOP/Libertarian claim that fraud is widespread is false. Studies find that fraud is rare. Anyone suspecting fraud can file an anonymous report with the .Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. (http://oig.ssa.gov/report)
Medicare, created in 1965, gave elderly-retired health insurance. Hospitals received payment for the, otherwise, indigent.
While the Affordable Care Act never threatened Medicare benefits, this scare tactic was used constantly. Folks who held up signs at ACA rallies "Hands off My Medicare" should ask themselves if any of their Medicare benefits were reduced or eliminated. But, they should worry the fact that the GOP/Libertarian/'Ryan' Budget would re-create Medicare into a "voucher plan": a set amount (which we don't know) to be used on the open market to purchase healthcare insurance. Imagine the monthly premium - beginning at age 65 - and renewed every year until you die!
The Affordable Care Act is a success, covering over 10 million who had no healthcare before and millions more of the sickest and poorest Americans now covered under Medicaid. In 19 states, GOP governors/legislators are blocking 100%-paid-for Medicaid from their poorest constituents.
In June, a conservative-leaning Supreme Court will have the ultimate decision to destroy the ACA - or not.
Looking forward, we need to ask: Just what kind of America do GOP/Libertarian, 1%-backed contenders for president offer us 99%ers?
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