Protest at the B.S. Talk: Bowles/Simpson Plan to Gut Social Security

Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson's proposals to raise the retirement age, tax benefits, means-test Social Security benefits, and privatize the program are all moving forward in the new Congress, even though they did not have the 14 votes to pass their plan of action through the Deficit Commission.

The California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) and the Monterey Central Labor Council (MCLC) jumped on the rare chance to confront Bowles and Simpson, who are leading the charge to undermine Social Security for future generations. Saying, "We cannot let this opportunity pass without making our voices known", organizers at CARA and MCLC gathered allies from a number of organizations and spent a most significant Presidents Day sending their message about defending Social Security to all who would listen.

As well-heeled attendees entered 1 Portola Plaza to hear Simpson and Bowles speak, members of groups including Senior Action Network, CARA, and the Raging Grannies chanted "No Privatization, No Way!" Two of the Raging Grannies, sporting cravats and business suits, portrayed Bowles and Simpson shoveling B.S. into a bucket.

NMCFT (North Monterey County Federation of Teachers) and the CFT/AFT (California Federation of Teachers/American Federation of Teachers) displayed signs at the demonstration and the AFL-CIO was instrumental in organizing. CARA organizer Jodi Reid gave a shout out to the California Nurses Association as well.