Mythbusters

Eleanor Strickland Sue Michalson The Villages, FL

MYTHDEMOCRATS ARE THE PARTY OF “BIG SPENDERS”3

INCREASES IN THE NATIONAL DEBTThe RED and BLUE bars tell the story. in the last 35 years, Republicans have run up huge debts while Democrats have held debt steady or reduced it. FACT4

MYTHWE CAN CUT THE DEFICIT BY REDUCING SPENDING FOR SOCIAL PROGRAMS5

BUSH’S TAX CUTS ACCOUNT FOR 48% OF THE DEFICIT.FACT648%

MYTHBUSH’S TAX CUTS BENEFITED EVERYONE7

FACTAVERAGE VALUE IN 2007 OF TAX CUTS ENACTED SINCE 2001$120.000$20$740< 1 % 2.3% 7.5% (MORE)8

MYTHTAX CUTS THE ECONOMY“The main reason for our growing economy is that we cut taxes and left more money in the hands of families and workers and small business owners.” — President Bush, November 4, 2006BOOST10

FACTWHAT GROWING ECONOMY?2001-2007 ECONOMY WAS WEAKER THAN AVERAGE …ONLY CORPORATE PROFITS GREW!(MORE)Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities11

REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTSDEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTSSOURCE: Professor Larry Bartels, Professor of Public and International Affairs, Princeton12

MYTHOBAMA WILL RAISE YOUR TAXES13

FACTOBAMA IS NOT PROPOSING TO “RAISE” TAXES Obama wants to allow the tax cuts on the wealthy to expire. This would only affect people whose annual incomes are greater than $250,000.. The rates would return to the 2000 rate of 39% - 40%The tax cuts to the wealthy represent lost revenue equal to 2% of GDP.Obama wants to extend the tax cut for the 95% of individuals with annual incomes less than $250,000Source: NY Daily Times Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner Interview, Washington Post(MORE)14

TAX RATEProhibitive RangeNeither the Reagan or Bush cuts paid for themselves by generating revenue … perhaps because the tax rate wastoo low.REVENUESource: Arthur B. Laffer16

MYTHEVERYONE PAYS A“DEATH TAX”17

FACTTHE “DEATH TAX” APPLIES ONLY TO THE WEALTHIEST 2%There are many legitimate deductions andthe wealthy know how to structure theirestates to avoid the estate tax!In 2008, the estate tax rate was 45%. However, the average estate paid only 17%.Surviving spouses are not taxed. Source: irs.gov (MORE)18

CLINTON 55% $675,000BUSH$3,500,000 45%ESTATE TAX repealedOBAMA$1,000,000 55%19

MYTHGLOBAL WARMING IS A HOAX…BELIVE IN GLOBAL WARMINGConservatives = 30%Moderates = 60%Liberals = 74%21

FACTINDEPENDENT SCIENTISTSCONSISTENTLY PAINT A PICTUREOF A RAPIDLY WARMING WORLDMeasurements include:Surface Temperature

Coral ReefsSource: Environmental Defense Fund(MORE)22

GLOBAL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE58.1 in 201056.5 in 1880(MORE)Source: Woods Hole Research Center23

EARTH HAS JUST COME THROUGH: the warmest decade

the warmest 3 months ON RECORDSeveral nations have already set their all-time temperature records in 2010: 111 degrees – Russia117 degrees - Chad118 degrees – Niger121 degrees – Sudan126 degrees – Saudi Arabia126 degrees – Iraq127 degrees - Kuwait130 degrees - PakistanSource: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration24

MYTHCO2 EMISSIONS DONOT CAUSE GLOBAL WARMING25

FACT3 FACTORS AFFECT EARTH’S TEMPERATURETHE SUNEARTH’S REFLECTIVITYGREENHOUSE GAS (primarily CO2)The changes both in the SUN and the planet’s EARTH’S REFLECTIVITY point to a cooling period … not a warming one.What is left? CO2!(MORE)Source: Environmental Defense Fund26

TEMPERATURE FOLLOWS CO2For 800,000 years, CO2 has ranged from 180 to 300ppmand the temperature trend has followed closely behind.Today, CO2 is around 390ppm and the temperature is rising accordingly.CO2TEMPERATURECurrent Temperature is 58.1400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0THOUSANDs OF YEARS AGOSource: Environmental Defense Fund27

MYTHGLOBAL WARMING DOESN’T EFFECT ME!28

FACTYES, IT DOES1. Glaciers melt 2. Ocean levels rise 3. Land areas become uninhabitable 4. Large populations have to relocate 5. Territorial wars develop 6. Oceans become more acidic 7. Sea life dies 8. Weather patterns change (more storms, droughts, fires, floods) 9. Food production is disrupted10. Diseases spreadSource: 350.org29

MYTHTHE FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM IS “DEAD IN THE WATER”30

FACT$13 MILLION IS NOW AVAILABLE TO REIMBURSEHOMEOWNERS FOR SOLAR PANELSOn August 13, The Florida Energy and ClimateCommission agreed to use $13 million in stimulusfunds to pay for solar electric panels. The Florida Solar Energy Incentive Program was originally intended to pay up to $20,000 per home. However, the program received nofunds from the legislature after 2008.The backlog is $52.7 million (more than 15,000 households)The $13 million will be paid to those submitting their applicationsbefore June 2009. (MORE)Source: Florida Energy and Climate Commission31

… AND JUST ANNOUNCEDThe Public Service Commission requires the five investor-owned utilities in Florida to offer renewable solar hot water and photovoltaic programs through the Energy Conservation Cost Recovery Clause.SECO is not investor-owned but Progress Energy is. Progress Energy will receive more than $1 million per year and will offer its customers: $550 rebate for a solar hot water heater $2.00 per watt for a new photovoltaic system (limit $20,000).32

1790PUBLIC SCHOOLS?SOCIALISM1842PUBLICHIGHWAYS?SOCIALISM1905PUBLICPARKS?SOCIALISM2009PUBLIC HEALTH? SOCIALISM1808PUBLIC WATER?SOCIALISMHEALTHCARE33

MYTHUNDER HEALTH CARE REFORM, MEDICAL CARE WILL BE RATIONED34

FACTHEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES ALREADY RATION HEALTH CAREUntil health care reform, insurance companies refusedto insure anyone with a “pre-existing” condition, dropped individuals who became ill, denied physician-ordered procedures and placed limits on lifetime expenditures. ALL FOR PROFIT!(MORE)Source: Senate Commerce Committee / New York Times35

“MRL” TELLS THE STORY OF FOR-PROFIT HEALTH INSURANCE.MRL is the "medical loss ratio" -- which for insurance company means the percentage of the premium dollar they "lose" because they have to pay for yourmedical care. The lower the MRL, the higher the profits for insurance companies.INSURANCE COMPANY SHAREMajor companies spend only about68% to 75% of every premium dollarFor your medical care. Non-profit Medicare spends between 97% - 98%.(MORE)Source: Senate Commerce Committee36

In 2009,the 5 largest health insurance companies took in combined profits of$12.2 billion, up 56 % over 2008.Profits for the 10 largest insurance companies increased 250 % from 2000 to 2009, 10 times faster than inflation. Source: AOL Daily Finance37

MYTHUNDER HEALTH CARE REFORM, MEDICARE BENEFITS WILL BE CUT38

FACTCUTS WILL TO MADE TO MEDICARE ADVANTAGEPROGRAMS … CUTS WILL NOT AFFECT 75% OF RECIPIENTSMedicare Advantage is similar to private insurance because itis administered by a private company. However, 14% of it issubsidized by the government. Under health care reform, the Medicare Advantage users will receive the exact same care as those in traditional Medicare.Source: Kaiser Health Service.39

MYTHUNDER HEALTH CARE REFORM, WE WON’T SEE CHANGE UNTIL 201440

FACTMANY CHANGES AREHAPPENING NOWThese are but a few of the changes we'll see before the complete health reform goes into effect in 2014.1. Children can remain on their parents’ health plans until the age of 26.2. Children can no longerbedenied coverage for pre-existing conditions.(MORE)Source: New York Times41

3. Adults denied coverage for pre-existing conditions will have access to high-risk insurance programs provided by the government. 4. Insurance companiescannot set lifetime limits on health care coverage or cancel a policy once someone gets sick. (MORE)Source: New York Times42

5. Small businessescan qualifyfor taxcredits to offset the cost ofhealthpremiums.(MORE)Source: New York Times43

6. The Medicare doughnut hole gradually phases out:2010: $250 rebate for persons falling into doughnut hole2011: $500 rebate for persons falling into doughnut hole. reduction in brand-name and generic drug prices.2013: Further reduction in drug prices2020: The doughnut hole is GONE!The doughnut hole occurs when a Medicare Part D patient has spent $2830 a year for prescriptions. Medicare does not cover any other prescriptions until the total reaches $4550.Source: New York Times44

CAN CAN YOU GET ME SOME HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BUST THEIR BUTTS FOR $5 AN HOUR?IMMIGRATION45

MYTHILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DON’T PAY TAXES46

MYTHILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COME TO THE U.S. FOR WELFARE47

MYTHILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ABUSE THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM48

MYTHILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT CRIMES49

MYTHILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TAKE AMERICAN JOBS50

FACTILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS PAY THE SAME TAXES AS YOU AND I PAY Employers of undocumented workers deductall the federal income and other taxes fromall employees -- legal andillegal. 84%pay income tax and 0%file a returnSource: National Immigration Forum51

FACT THE U.S. ACTUALLY MAKES A PROFIT ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTSThis is because so many illegal immigrants pay income taxes, sales tax, Social Security and Medicare and can not reclaim any money or benefits.(ANAVERAGE $80,000 IN A LIFETIME) (MORE)Source: National Immigration Forum52

U.S. LAW PROHIBITS ILLEGAL RESIDENTS FROM OBTAINING ANY TYPE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (welfare, food stamps, etc.)Studies show that only 2% of Mexican immigrants have ever used welfare or social security and only 3% have ever used food stamps.Illegal immigrants pay >$50 billion every yearin Social Security … none of which they can claim. Source: National Immigration Forum53

FACTUNDOCUMENTED PERSONS ARE ENTITLED ONLY TO EMERGENCY TREATMENT.A recent RAND Corp.study states:“The foreign born (especiallyundocumented)use disproportionately fewermedical services and contributeless to healthcare costs in relation totheir population share.“And, many illegal immigrantshave their own insurance.Source: National Immigration Forum54

FACTTHE CRIME RATE IN MAJOR IMMIGRANT AREAS IS AT ITS LOWEST IN 4 DECADESNumerous reputable studies haveshown that regardless of their legalstatus, immigrants are not thesource of substantial crime. Undocumented individuals havea very high incentive not to breakthe law. Source: National Immigration Forum, Bureau of Justice Statistics(MORE)

FACTILLEGAL IMMIGRANTSDO NOT TAKE AMERICAN JOBSStudy after study has shown that immigrants grow the economy, expanding demand for goods and services that the foreign-born workers and their families consume, and thereby creating jobs. There is even broad agreement among economists that while immigrants may push down wages for some, the overall effect is to increase average wagesfor American-born workers.Source: FactCheck.com57

MYTHIMMIGRANTS SHOULD APPLY TO LEGALLY ENTER THE U.S.58

FACTTHE DEMAND FOR LOW-SKILLED WORKERS IN THE U.S. LABOR MARKET IS 500,000A YEAR THE CURRENT U.S. IMMIGRATION QUOTA IS 5,000 FOR THAT CATEGORY"If you are a Mexican wanting to get a legal visa to work in a low-skilled job in the U.S., you would be dead before you get your visa.''Source: National Immigration Forum59

MYTHA FENCE BETWEEN THE U.S. AND MEXICO WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM60

FACTFirst: “For every 15-foot fence there is a 16-footladder or a shovel to dig underneath.”Second: 40% of undocumented personsin the U.S. entered legally and overstayed their visasThird: Only57% of all illegal immigrants arrive from Mexico.(The fence we are building now on our Mexican border is only one of two fences in the world separating states: the other one is the Israeli-Palestine wall.)Sources: www.politifact.com, Urban Institute(MORE)61

INDIANSPLYMOUTH ROCK PILGRIMS“They say they’re building a wall because too many of us enter illegally and won’t learn their language or assimilate into their culture.”62

A poll taken in late August on thesubject of Obama’s religion showed:34 % believe he is a Christian

48% don’t know his religionSO WHO CARES? THIS IS AMERICA … ”FREEDOM OF RELIGION”Source: politifact.com(MORE)65

OBAMA IS NOT A MUSLIMObama attended both Catholic and public Muslim schools in Indonesia (but not for religious training). Although Obama was not raised in any’ particular faith. He became a Christian and joined the Trinity United Church of Christ when he was in his 20s.Source: politifact.com66FACT Obama continues to attend Christian churches, carries a Bible and states that he is a Christian

MYTHMARRIAGE HASALWAYSBEEN ABOUTONE MANAND ONE WOMAN68

FACTPAST CULTURES CONDONEDSAME-SEX UNIONSThrough the Ming dynasty in China, both females and males bound themselves in contracts with persons of the same gender.During the Roman Empire, same sex marriages were common … even Emperor Nero himself married a man. From the 5th to the 14th centuries, the Roman Catholic Church conducted ceremonies to bless same-sex unions which were almost identical to those for heterosexual unions. Source: The Marriage of Likeness: Same-Sex Unions in Pre-Modern Europe, John Boswell69

MYTHCIVIL UNIONS AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE SAME AS MARRIAGE70

FACTDOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS AND CIVIL UNIONS ARE NOT THE SAME AS MARRIAGETHEY:1. Can cost thousands of dollars in legal feeswhereas a simple marriage license usually costs less than $100.2. Can be challenged in court.In the case of wills, legal spouses always have more legal power than any other family member.3. Are not universally recognized. Physicians, judges, etc. may not recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships.(MORE)Source: lesbianlife.about.com71

The federal government provides at least 1,049benefits and protections formarried couplesnot provided to domestic partners or persons in civilunions:survivor benefits through Social Security

sick leave to care for ailing partner

family insurance through an employer

visiting a spouse in the hospital

making medical decisionsSource: General Accounting Office72

AUGUST 14, 1935: PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT SIGNS THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT74

MYTHSOCIAL SECURITY IS GOING BROKE75

FACTBY 2023,SOCIALSECURITY WILLHAVE A SURPLUS OF$4.3 TRILLIONIt can pay out all scheduled benefitsforthenext 25 years with no changes whatsoever. After 2037, it'll still be able to pay out 75% of scheduled benefits-- and again, that is without any changes.Source: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare76

MYTHSOCIAL SECURITYADDS TO THE DEFICIT77

FACTNOT ONE PENNY OF THE DEFICIT CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO SOCIAL SECURITYBy law, Social Security funds are separate from the budget, and it must pay its own way. Source: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare78

MYTHiouTHE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND HAS BEEN RAIDED AND IS FULL OF “IOU”S79

FACTTHE SOCIAL SECURITY FUND ISN’T FULL OF IOUs … IT’S FULL OF U.S. TREASURY BONDSIt could be worse! President Bush wanted to put Social Security funds in the stock market (which would have been disastrous). Luckily, he failed. (MORE)Source: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare80

HOWEVER,THOSE TREASURY BONDS ARE A PART OF THE $10.7 TRILLION DEBTWE OWESOCIAL SECURITY40%of the U.S. debt is money borrowed from Social Security … that is our money!(MORE)81

DEFICIT COMMISSIONThe newly appointed deficit commission is charged with finding a way to CUT THE DEBT! And guess where the members of that committee plan to go for cuts … SOCIAL SECURITY! Co-chair, Alan Simpson, expressed his view ofSocial Security when he sent an e-mail to theNational Older Women's League ExecutiveDirector comparing Social Security to "a milk cow with 310 million tits!"James Roosevelt, Jr. defended Social Security: “Social Security should be out of the reach of the Budget Deficit Commission because it is not part of the Federal budget. Since Social Security has not contributed in any way to the deficit, it makes no sense to consider it as part of the solution.”(MORE)Source: Nationional Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare; politify.com

SOCIAL SECURTY PAYROLL TAX IS LEVIED ONLY ON EARNINGS UP TO $106,800 A YEARMillionaires and billionaires pay (and receive) the sameas an individual earning $106,800The Congressional Budget Office finds that: “Eliminating the limit on the amount taxed would provide all the money Social Security needs for the foreseeable future.”Senator Bernie Sanders proposed “applying the Social Security payroll tax on those whose incomes exceed $250,000”.Source: Congressional Budget Office83

MYTHTHE TEA PARTY IS A “GRASSROOTS” ORGANIZATION85

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