CRS report on proposed Price-Indexing Social Security Benefits.

The Congressional Research Service issued a report titled, Estimated Effect of Price-Indexing Social Security Benefits on the Number of Americans 65 and Older in Poverty.

The report reads in part, "...the Congressional Research Service has estimated the effects that a specific cut in Social Security benefits would have had on the number of Americans age 65 and older with incomes below the federal poverty threshold in 2003. As you specified the benefit cut would be based on the ratio of the consumer price index to the average national wage index, using 1940 as the base for both indices."

The result, which can be viewed at CRS Report shows that had Bush's plan been in effect during 2003, some 7 million more seniors ( a 300% increase) would have found themselves below the poverty line. Can there be any doubt, given the fact that the CRS is a non-partisan unit of the congress, as to the damage the proposed plan would do to Americas seniors?

Is this what is meant by compassionate conservatism? Remember the old adage regarding numbers and liars when considering the CRS report and Bush's claims regarding Social Security. The figures don't lie but liars figure. They figure they can confuse you with numbers which also brings to mind another old saying.

When you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.