Social Security operates by design via a trust-fund independent of the national budget. While adjustments due to demographics will eventually be necessary, it is by no means insolvent or a cause of our national debt. Consequently, it should not be used by Republicans as a bargaining chip in the fiscal cliff negotiations. The CPI adjustment is cruel betrayal of seniors and will lead to increased poverty among the elderly. The President should take the case directly to the American people and explain clearly what Speaker Boehner is doing: trying to systematically unravel the social safety net.
The President will be supported by the public. Don't jeopardize one of the government's most successful and popular programs in negotiations that should have nothing to do with it.