When are we gonna address Medicare and Social Security reform?

[op2]

W kicked the can down the road, Obama kicked the can down the road and Trump is doing it too. Even if Trump only serves one term then when he leaves office the big chunk of people that we call Baby Boomers will be 56 to 74 years old, consuming more and more Medicare and Social Security.

The numbers are bad and getting worse. At some point something has to give. Why can't we as a country have important conversations about stuff like this? I think our ridiculous political culture of everybody yelling at everybody else is one reason.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

W kicked the can down the road, Obama kicked the can down the road and Trump is doing it too. Even if Trump only serves one term then when he leaves office the big chunk of people that we call Baby Boomers will be 56 to 74 years old, consuming more and more Medicare and Social Security.

The numbers are bad and getting worse. At some point something has to give. Why can't we as a country have important conversations about stuff like this? I think our ridiculous political culture of everybody yelling at everybody else is one reason.

I think if we bury our heads in the sand deep enough, it should all be OK.

 

[Mntneer]

W kicked the can down the road, Obama kicked the can down the road and Trump is doing it too. Even if Trump only serves one term then when he leaves office the big chunk of people that we call Baby Boomers will be 56 to 74 years old, consuming more and more Medicare and Social Security.

The numbers are bad and getting worse. At some point something has to give. Why can't we as a country have important conversations about stuff like this? I think our ridiculous political culture of everybody yelling at everybody else is one reason.

How do we do that when we have laws like the ACA making it worse, and politicians who politicize any law that "cuts" from those programs?

We're a nation that wants our cake and wants to eat it.

 

[WVPATX]

W kicked the can down the road, Obama kicked the can down the road and Trump is doing it too. Even if Trump only serves one term then when he leaves office the big chunk of people that we call Baby Boomers will be 56 to 74 years old, consuming more and more Medicare and Social Security.

The numbers are bad and getting worse. At some point something has to give. Why can't we as a country have important conversations about stuff like this? I think our ridiculous political culture of everybody yelling at everybody else is one reason.

Bush tried to revamp SS and the Dems demonized him. Dems have always demonized any effort to adjust SS.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

Bush tried to revamp SS and the Dems demonized him. Dems have always demonized any effort to adjust SS.

The Dems do not occupy the WH, they do not control the Senate and they do not control the House.

 

[bamaEER]

The Dems do not occupy the WH, they do not control the Senate and they do not control the House.

Is this even on Biff's short term 'to-do' list?

 

[TarHeelEer]

The Dems do not occupy the WH, they do not control the Senate and they do not control the House.

But they do occupy the press.

 

[WVPATX]

The Dems do not occupy the WH, they do not control the Senate and they do not control the House.

Do you deny that Bush tried to restructure SS? Do you deny he was pilloried by the Dems and the media? It cost the GOP votes.

Dems don't want to touch SS and will demonize as will the media any effort to change it. You don't lead with your chin.

Obama had a filibuster proof Senate, controlled the House. Why did he not try and change SS?

 

[op2]

Do you deny that Bush tried to restructure SS? Do you deny he was pilloried by the Dems and the media? It cost the GOP votes.

Dems don't want to touch SS and will demonize as will the media any effort to change it. You don't lead with your chin.

W tried to privatize it. I can't remember what the Dems proposed if anything. But everybody knows and has known for a long time that it has to be addressed eventually and that the longer we put it off the worse it's going to be. It's like when you get a sore tooth. You might as well go to the dentist right away because it's only going to get worse.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

Do you deny that Bush tried to restructure SS? Do you deny he was pilloried by the Dems and the media? It cost the GOP votes.

And he never should have caved. At some point, grown ups will have to do something...even if costs them their seat. Or I guess we could wait and just raise taxes on the rich again.

 

[WVPATX]

W tried to privatize it. I can't remember what the Dems proposed if anything. But everybody knows and has known for a long time that it has to be addressed eventually and that the longer we put it off the worse it's going to be. It's like when you get a sore tooth. You might as well go to the dentist right away because it's only going to get worse.

OP, we have to do something as you noted. Privatizing it for young people makes all the sense in the world. Dems want no part of touching it. They want no changes, period. They think they win votes with this stand.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

Is this even on Biff's short term 'to-do' list?

Absolutely not. He refuses to address it and made several promises not to touch SS/Medi. Mulvaney even said he brought it up to Trump with this current budget and Trump shot it down.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

But they do occupy the press.

Hey look over there!

 

[WVPATX]

And he never should have caved. At some point, grown ups will have to do something...even if costs them their seat. Or I guess we could wait and just raise taxes on the rich again.

He didn't have the votes. It couldn't get passed. You need 60 votes in the Senate, right?

Here is what is interesting. The GOP tries to change it, the Dems stop them. You complain SS needs to change. Yet, you. blame the ones who tried to change it. WOW.

 

[WhiteTailEER]

How do we do that when we have laws like the ACA making it worse, and politicians who politicize any law that "cuts" from those programs?

We're a nation that wants our cake and wants to eat it.

WHITE RUSSIAN CAKE

Creamy vanilla poured over rich, coffee-infused chocolate: the White Russian cocktail has always been in the realm of dessert. This tantalizing recipe from our magazine, Sift,makes it official by transforming cocktail into cake. Note: We have updated the frosting method (as of 3/27/17) to ensure the meringue powder is properly hydrated.


Ingredients
VANILLA BATTER

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup full-fat plain yogurt

CHOCOLATE BATTER

• 1 1/4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee
• 2 large eggs

KAHLUA SOAK

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup Kahlua liqueur or other coffee liqueur

FROSTING

• 2 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1/3 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Kahlua, divided
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water, divided
• 1/2 cup meringue powder
• 24 tablespoons (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening or an additional 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature, optional

ICING (OPTIONAL)

• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons chopped white chocolate
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8" round cake pans.
2. To make the vanilla batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, vegetable oil, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a small bowl whisk together the egg whites, whole egg, and vanilla. With the mixer running at medium-low speed, slowly add the egg mixture to the butter/sugar mixture.
4. Add the flour alternately with the yogurt, beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape down the bowl and mix for another 30 seconds. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
5. For the chocolate batter: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa, expresso powder, and sugar. Add the butter and beat at medium speed until the mixture looks sandy. Mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla.
6. Combine the milk with the coffee and add gradually, with the mixer running at low speed. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Scrape the bowl, then beat for 30 seconds more.
7. Scoop the batter in a random pattern into each of the three pans until all is used. Using a table knife or spatula, swirl the chocolate batter through the vanilla very lightly, taking two or three turns through each pan.
8. Place the layers on the center rack of the oven and bake for 24 to 26 minutes, until they just begin to pull away from the side of the pan and the top springs back when lightly touched. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a rack, still in the pans.
9. To make the Kahlua soak: In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar and water, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat, add the Kahlua, and cool to room temperature.
10. To make the frosting: In a small bowl, combine the espresso powder and chopped chocolate. Heat the cream to a simmer and pour over the ingredients in the bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir or whisk until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the Kahlua and set the mixture aside to cool while you make the buttercream.
11. Combine the sugar, salt, and half of the water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 3 to 5 minutes without further stirring, until the syrup reaches 240°F, then pour the hot syrup into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk.
12. Add the remaining tablespoon of Kahlua, the remaining 1/2 cup of water, and sprinkle the meringue powder over the hot liquid. Whisk slowly until the powder dissolves.
13. Increase the mixer's speed to medium and beat until the mixture begins to get foamy, then turns white and increases in volume. Turn the mixer's speed to high, and beat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is thick and glossy-looking.
14. Add the butter a few tablespoons at a time, with the mixer running. The mixture will thin out and look a little curdled for awhile; don't let that throw you. Keep the mixer going and add the rest of the butter. If you want more frosting or are planning to serve the cake in a warm environment, beat in the additional 1/2 cup shortening or butter. The frosting will transform itself into a smooth, silky, fluffy mass as you go.
15. Divide the frosting in half, and stir the cooled chocolate mixture into one of the halves.
16. Turn the cake layers out of their pans and place them right side up. If the layers have a dome on the top, use a long, serrated knife to trim them level. Brush the trimmed side with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the Kahlua soak, then flip one of the layers over, trimmed side down, onto a serving plate.
17. Brush the other side of the layer with more of the soak, and once it's absorbed, spread a 3/8"-thick layer of the chocolate frosting over it. Repeat the trimming and soaking process with the second layer, placing it over the first. Frost the top of that layer with a layer of the white frosting.
18. Trim, soak, and place the last layer on top of the cake. Use the white frosting to thinly coat the top and halfway down the side of the cake. It's OK if this looks messy; this is called a crumb coat. Use the chocolate frosting to thinly coat the bottom layer. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to firm up.
19. After you can touch the crumb coat without leaving a fingerprint, use the rest of the frosting to put a finish layer on the top and sides of the cake. The White Russian cocktail is lighter on top and darker on the bottom, so repeat the white frosting on top and chocolate on the bottom, mixing them together a bit in the middle.
20. To make the icing: Put the water and corn syrup in a heatproof 2-cup measure, stirring to combine. Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Add the chocolate and stir until it melts. Gradually whisk in the confectioners' sugar, until the icing is completely smooth, creamy white, and lump-free. Stir in the vanilla and salt. If the icing starts to set, microwave it in 5-second pulses, stirring after each, until pourable. Drizzle over the chilled, frosted cake and let it run down the sides.
21. Store the cake in the refrigerator until 30 minutes before you wish to serve it. Place plastic wrap on any cut edges of leftover cake, and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

 

[op2]

He didn't have the votes. It couldn't get passed. You need 60 votes in the Senate, right?

You only need a simple majority in both the House and the Senate. Right? I think. Unless the POTUS vetoes it, in which case you need more, maybe 2/3 in both.

W had either a GOP House & Senate or maybe GOP House and a tied Senate.

Anyway, the reform is going to have to come eventually and from what I read Medicare is going to be the harder one than Social Security. Older folks use a lot of medical resources and the percentage of the population that is old is increasing since the Baby Boomers are getting old enough to be old but not so old as to be dead.

 

[eerdoc]

The Dems do not occupy the WH, they do not control the Senate and they do not control the House.

And if legislation is passed and NOT bi-partisan you and the others sharing your attitudes and agenda will be highly critical.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

He didn't have the votes. It couldn't get passed. You need 60 votes in the Senate, right?

Here is what is interesting. The GOP tries to change it, the Dems stop them. You complain SS needs to change. Yet, you. blame the ones who tried to change it. WOW.

lol. No I blame both parties. Blamed the Dems when they were in charge with the last administration, now I will blame this current one.

 

[WVPATX]

You only need a simple majority in both the House and the Senate. Right? I think. Unless the POTUS vetoes it, in which case you need more, maybe 2/3 in both.

W had either a GOP House & Senate or maybe GOP House and a tied Senate.

Anyway, the reform is going to have to come eventually and from what I read Medicare is going to be the harder one than Social Security. Older folks use a lot of medical resources and the percentage of the population that is old is increasing since the Baby Boomers are getting old enough to be old but not so old as to be dead.

You need 60 votes in the Senate, Bush did not have 60 GOP Senators. A simple majority in the House.

If you want reforms of SS, your problem is with the Dems, not the GOP.

 

[WVPATX]

lol. No I blame both parties. Blamed the Dems when they were in charge with the last administration, now I will blame this current one.

No, you blamed Bush for not passing it, even thought he could not get it through the 60 vote threshold in the Senate.

"And he never should have caved. At some point, grown ups will have to do something...even if costs them their seat."

 

[EEResistable]

W kicked the can down the road, Obama kicked the can down the road and Trump is doing it too. Even if Trump only serves one term then when he leaves office the big chunk of people that we call Baby Boomers will be 56 to 74 years old, consuming more and more Medicare and Social Security.

The numbers are bad and getting worse. At some point something has to give. Why can't we as a country have important conversations about stuff like this? I think our ridiculous political culture of everybody yelling at everybody else is one reason.

I don't trust Washington to do anything, but unfortunately that's what we're stuck with.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

And if legislation is passed and NOT bi-partisan you and the others sharing your attitudes and agenda will be highly critical.

Boo hoo. F*ck them. At some point I would like for the GOP to be the party that governs.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

No, you blamed Bush for not passing it.

Ok. I blame Obama for not doing anything either. And the Dem controlled congress.

 

[op2]

You need 60 votes in the Senate, Bush did not have 60 GOP Senators. A simple majority in the House.

If you want reforms of SS, your problem is with the Dems, not the GOP.

Can someone else confirm this? You need 60 votes in the Senate to pass any kind of legislation? Can that be right? Somebody break out the Schoolhouse Rock.

 

[WVPATX]

Ok. I blame Obama for not doing anything either. And the Dem controlled congress.

The only way SS gets changed is if the Dems step up to the plate. They did not do that under either Bush or Obama. I agree that Trump should try and change it but he has neither the will or the votes to do so. He is trying to change medicaid but I guarantee you that will never get passed.

 

[mneilmont]

W kicked the can down the road, Obama kicked the can down the road and Trump is doing it too. Even if Trump only serves one term then when he leaves office the big chunk of people that we call Baby Boomers will be 56 to 74 years old, consuming more and more Medicare and Social Security.

The numbers are bad and getting worse. At some point something has to give. Why can't we as a country have important conversations about stuff like this? I think our ridiculous political culture of everybody yelling at everybody else is one reason.

It would be a little difficult to have a with only one participant. It has to be addressed, but GWB will affirm there is no one o there to discuss with. Trump said no.

 

[WVPATX]

Can someone else confirm this? You need 60 votes in the Senate to pass any kind of legislation? Can that be right? Somebody break out the Schoolhouse Rock.

Yes, it is right. Read about the filibuster. Use google. There are only a very limited number of times when you only need 51 votes. I think the budget is one of those times and of course reconciliation of budgetary matters. But to change SS, you need 60.

 

[op2]

The only way SS gets changed is if the Dems step up to the plate. They did not do that under either Bush or Obama. I agree that Trump should try and change it but he has neither the will or the votes to do so. He is trying to change medicaid but I guarantee you that will never get passed.

Trump has stated point blank many times that he won't touch Social Security. You can't pin that one on the Dems.

I looked up the rules and you only need a simple majority to pass legislation but you need 60 votes in the Senate to let something come up for a vote in the first place. What a cloturef**k that is.

 

[Mntneer]

WHITE RUSSIAN CAKE

And now I'm hungry. :flushed:

 

[mneilmont]

No, you blamed Bush for not passing it, even thought he could not get it through the 60 vote threshold in the Senate.

"And he never should have caved. At some point, grown ups will have to do something...even if costs them their seat."

GWB was getting turnouts about the size of Hilary turn-outs. He made effort and could not even get paty support. Tossed the towel in.

 

[mneilmont]

Can someone else confirm this? You need 60 votes in the Senate to pass any kind of legislation? Can that be right? Somebody break out the Schoolhouse Rock.

Opie, how about 60 to stop filibuster. If no one wants to filibuster, 60 voter not needed. You can verify.

 

[op2]

Opie, how about 60 to stop filibuster. If no one wants to filibuster, 60 voter not needed. You can verify.

That's what I meant. 60 to stop filibuster but when legislation itself is voted on only 51 is needed.

 

[WVPATX]

Trump has stated point blank many times that he won't touch Social Security. You can't pin that one on the Dems.

I looked up the rules and you only need a simple majority to pass legislation but you need 60 votes in the Senate to let something come up for a vote in the first place. What a cloturef**k that is.

I already agreed with Coop that Trump does not want to do anything. But Bush did and Obama did not. Bush was blasted by the Dems and the media for daring to touch SS. Can't blame the GOP on this one. They tried.

 

[WVPATX]

That's what I meant. 60 to stop filibuster but when legislation itself is voted on only 51 is needed.

Right, but cloture requires 60 votes. Otherwise, the bill cannot be brought to the floor for a vote.