Social Security

John, Calme. "Disagreement Over Payroll Tax Cut’s Impact on Social Security." New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2012.



Summary:
President Obama's decision to extend a payroll tax break affecting more than 160 million workers and employers have been speculated by many from primarily the Republican party. Social Security is directly influenced by the payroll tax cut because payroll taxes fund the majority of it. Many worry that the payroll tax break, which should end on December 31st will be extended, and if that occurs, then Social Security funding will be jeopardized.

Connection:
The President's decision to extend the payroll tax is understandable as one of his priorities right now as an incumbent is to boost the economy. If this does indeed improves the job economy, then perhaps his chances of reelection will be higher. However, by doing so, he is also jeopardizing the votes the millions of senior citizens who rely on Social Security.

Reflection:
It is ironic that while one of the Republican Party policies is aimed to reduce social benefits such as Social Security, they would criticize a plan that would potentially decrease it. I think this demonstrates of true bipartisanship-an eagerness to criticize regardless of how the party agenda is aligned with the policy.