Tell Nancy Pelosi: Draw a line in the sand on Social Security and Medicare benefit cuts.
Matt Locksin, CREDO Action
Dear Patrick,
We need to speak out now to stop House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi from agreeing to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
Recently, Leader Pelosi expressed support for the Bowles-Simpson plan that would have slashed Social Security benefits — a plan that when it came out she rightly deemed "simply unacceptable."1
And the Washington Post reported that last year she agreed to a "grand bargain" President Obama negotiated with John Boehner that would have slashed benefits not just for Social Security, but for Medicare and Medicaid too.2
We've learned from past battles that preemptive concessions by Democrats can lead to disastrous outcomes.
That is why we're joining with former Senator Russ Feingold and Progressives United, the group he started, to help get Nancy Pelosi back on track.
For years, Republicans in Congress have waged a crusade to end these programs, either by privatizing them or simply defunding them. And sadly, far too many Democrats have bought into the rightwing propaganda.
The fact of the matter is that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are three of America's most successful social programs, and are especially critical to poor and working families, seniors and the disabled. These vital programs also enjoy strong support virtually everywhere except Washington, D.C.
With President Obama and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer on the record in favor of benefit cuts, it's crucial that Nancy Pelosi, the most progressive member of the Democratic Leadership, stand strong and draw a line in the sand on cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
There's no reason for Democrats to be playing defense on these issues.
These programs continue to exist because Democrats have vocally defended them. And that strategy has worked, time and again.
Nancy Pelosi has previously played a critical role in stopping benefit cuts. We hope she will do so again.
Tell Nancy Pelosi: Draw a line in the sand on cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Click the link below to automatically sign the petition:
Thank you for speaking out.
Matt Lockshin, Campaign Manager
CREDO Action from Working Assets
1. "Nancy Pelosi Says She'd Back Simpson-Bowles Plan ," The Huffington Post, 04-27-12.
2. "Obama's Evolution: Behind the Failed 'Grand Bargain' on the Debt," Washington Post, 03-17-12.
act@credoaction.com