I'm afraid that's a non-starter Senator Ernst
by digby
The "crown Jewel" of the Republican caucus, Joanie Ernst, wants to do social security "fixes" behind closed doors.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said at a recent town hall that lawmakers should discuss fixing Social Security “behind closed doors,” prompting a wave of criticism from liberal and advocacy groups.
Ernst, who is running for reelection in 2020, made the remarks Saturday, according to a video posted by the Democratic super PAC American Bridge. The comments began to receive broader attention after they were reported Wednesday by the liberal news website Iowa Starting Line.
Ernst told the audience in Estherville that “there is a point in time when we as Congress will have to address the situation. And I think it’s better done sooner rather than later, to make sure that we’ve shored up that system.”
“So it’s, you know, a broader discussion for another day,” she added. “But I do think, as various parties and members of Congress, we need to sit down behind closed doors so we’re not being scrutinized by this group or the other, and just have an open and honest conversation about what are some of the ideas that we have for maintaining Social Security in the future.”
There might have been a time when people thought that was a good idea. But I'm afraid the GOP's whorish devotion to destroying the program over the last 80 years combined with the recent total abdication of all responsible governance under their Liege Lord Donald Trump has made them just a bit untrustworthy.
And frankly, the Democrats unwillingness to do anything but wring their hands and call Trump an icky man doesn't fill one with confidence either.
We've got a very long way to go before the American people can trust their leaders to negotiate in good faith among themselves. It may be for the best if they never get there. After all, the last time Social Security was on the agenda was when President Obama was in the White House and the Democrats were ready and willing to cut the program. The Freedom Caucus wouldn't take yes for an answer --- it didn't go far enough.
This is going to be back on the agenda next term whether it's Trump or a Democrat. The GOP will be demanding cuts to "entitlements" to try to deal with the deficit. If a Democrat is in office there is going to be a lot of energy put toward other big programs so this could easily be one that goes on the auction block.
Everyone should be prepared.
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