Gulag? I don't think so.

Amnesty International compared Guantanamo Bay to a 'Gulag' recently. I'll be the first in line to be critical of the Aministration when it comes to violating the Constitution with respect to the people held there, but comparing the hundreds of people there to the MILLIONS (1.6 Million documented deaths) killed in the Gulag simply points out the remarkable ignorance of Amnesty International.

From detainees:

The documents included notes from a July 29, 2002, interview in which a detainee complained of ill treatment and beatings by guards. "They flushed a Quran in the toilet. The guards dance around when the detainees are trying to pray," the detainee alleged, according to the report. "The guards still do these things."

But they get fed. They get water. They are not forced into work camps where the odds are they will die. THEY ARE ALLOWED TO TALK TO OUTSIDERS!

Perhaps the folks at AI should take a few moments to read the Wikipedia entry on Gulag, specifically the 'Conditions' section:

Extreme production quotas, brutality, hunger and harsh elements were major reasons for Gulag's high fatality rate, which was as high as 80% during the first months in many camps.

Logging and mining were among the most common of activities, as well as the harshest. In a Gulag mine, one person's production quota might be as high as 29,000 pounds (13,000 kg) of ore per day. Failure to meet a quota resulted in a loss of vital rations, a cycle that usually had fatal consequences through a condition of being emaciated and devitalized, dubbed "dohodyaga" (доходяга).

Inmates were often forced to work in inhuman conditions. In spite of the brutal climate, they were almost never adequately clothed, fed, or given medical treatment, nor were they given any means to combat the lack of vitamins that led to nutritional diseases such as scurvy. The nutritional value of basic daily food ration varied around 1,200 calories (5,000 kilojoules), mainly from low-quality bread (distributed by weight and called "пайка", paika). According to the World Health Organization, the minimum requirement for a heavy labourer is in the range of 3,100–3,900 calories (13,000 to 16,300 kJ) daily.

Administrators routinely stole from the camp stockpiles for personal gain, as well as to curry favor with superiors. As a result, inmates were forced to work even harder to make up the difference. Administrators and trusties (inmates assigned to perform the duties servicing the camp itself, such as cooks, bakers or stockmen, dubbed "pridurki") skimmed off the medicines, clothing and the most nutritious foodstuffs.

This kind of stuff makes it easy to pretty much ignore AI. It also makes it easy for someone like me to not send them any money... given I'm someone who would have in the past, that's probably the best way to let them know what I think.

Our government in action

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I wrote to my Senators to ask them to vote against the appropriations bill that included provisions of the Real ID act, which wasn't able to pass on its own. The bill passed 100-0, because no one can be seen as being 'anti-troops'.

This is the response from Senator Sarbaines.

Dear Mr. Stagg:

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding the inclusion of
provisions mandating certain standards for state-issued identification documents
in H.R. 1268, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill. I appreciate
having the benefit of your views on this issue.

As you may know, the conference agreement on S. 2845, the National Intelligence
Reform Act of 2004, contained language that directed the Secretary of
Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to
establish minimum standards for State-issued driver's licenses and personal
identification cards. On February 23, 2005, the Department of Transportation
announced the establishment of a committee to develop, through negotiated
rulemaking procedures, recommendations for minimum standards for identification
documents. This committee was to be composed of representatives of interested
parties, such as State offices that issue driver's licenses or personal
identification cards, elected State officials, the Departments of Transportation
and Homeland Security.

Despite these actions, the provisions of H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act, which were
not present in the Senate-passed version of the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriations bill, were included by the Conference Committee charged with
resolving the differences between the House- and Senate- passed bills. Among
other changes, the insertion of these provisions has caused this negotiated
rulemaking process to cease. Rather than allowing the States that issue drivers
licenses and other interested parties to provide input on the minimum standards,
the related provisions of the REAL ID Act included in the Emergency Supplemental
bill statutorily define those standards. It is my opinion that the views of
those responsible for our drivers license programs are valuable and should be
solicited, thus it would be my preference to see the negotiated rulemaking
continue. However, after careful consideration, I voted for the conference
report to accompany H.R. 1268 when it came before the full Senate on May 10,
2005, where it passed 100 to 0. Despite my many misgivings about this
legislation, I strongly support providing what is necessary to assure the safety
and welfare of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Again, thank you for taking the time to get in touch with me about this
important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future regarding
this or other matters of importance to you.


In the future please visit my web site at http://sarbanes.senate.gov rather than
clicking reply.

With best regards,
Paul Sarbanes
United States Senator

Training: Dynamic Effort Squat/Dead

Saw a bunch of guys I haven't seen in years - old school lifters.

Box Squat
45x10
95x8
135x5
185x2
225x2
8x2 @ 245, less than a minute between sets
315x1
365x1

Speed deads
135x5
225x3
6 singles @ 275, 30 seconds rest

SLDL
135x5
225x5
2x6 @ 275

Pull thru superset with pull down abs
140 (plus average band for abs) x 10, 10

10 mins stretching.

No cardio. Get over it.

Workout time: 1:15

Training: Max Effort Bench

You make me want to la la? Who buys this stuff?

2 Board Press
45x20
95x12
135x5
185x3
225x3
245x3
265x3
285x2
305x miss (missgrooved - missed boards)
305x1

Lying barbell extension
45x10
5x12 @ 65

Cable Row
100x12
170x 12,10,10,5

V grip pulldown
3x6 @ 170

1 arm press
20x10
40x10
60x8

Band cuff stuff

Treadmill: 24 mins, 1.25 miles. Whatever.

Workout time: 1:25

Training: ME Squat/Dead

One of those days that I just didn't want to face the gym. Feeling a little beat down, tired (I was out of town for the past few days), and recovering from a couple of hours of trudging around in the woods for a 'teambuilding activity'.

But, I at least made it in - I just did some quick accessory stuff.

Prisoner squats superset with light band good mornings and HS hamstring curls
2 sets of each

Hypers
+50 pounds x 8,8,8

Ab Roller
3x5

Lying leg raise
3x15

15 minutes treadmill.

Workout time: :50

Conservatives?

A big part of me finds great amusement in 'conservatives' arguing... It looks like there will be a vote to allow federal funding of stem cell research.

It also sounds like the President will actually find his pen, and veto a bill, the first one of his presidency.

Thing is, I don't get what they are fighting about. The issue isn't the morality of stem cell research. It's perfectly legal, and if I want to go do some research on stem cells from discarded embryos, I certainly can. It's about the ever expanding role of government and spending on things that have nothing to do with the role of the federal government. Hell, if they think spending on research is OK, why not just socialize healcare altogether and be done with it? From what I can tell, none of them really have a problem with that, other than it's Hilliary's idea.

We Love You, Lopez

98 Rock's longtime newsguy, Robert Edward Lopez, died today at the age of 52.

Lopez has been a part of my life for as long as I have been listening to radio. From being a preteen listening to Corduff and Lopez, to being a growup listening to KML, Lopez was where I got my morning news fix almost every morning for 25 years.

The station, today, has been running recorded messages left by listeners. I would have loved to call, but I can't talk about Lopez for long enough without choking up. It's like losing a lifelong friend, one I never met in person. From his interaction with Mamma Panz, to his "Don't f-ck with the news", to the last iteration of the morning show which he seemed to really enjoy, he always exibited a dry wit and a good heart. He'll always be a very special part of the fabric of Baltimore.

To his wife (who we all also got to know as the fabled 'Trixie'), his daughter, his family, Kirk and Mark, all of his coworkers, and every one who listened to the 98 Rock Morning Show for the last 27 years (every iteration of it), my deepest condolances.

Lopez, thank you. We'll miss you, news in the morning will never be the same. I'll have a Dewars tonight for you.

Life is short, laugh hard - Lopez.

Training: Dynamic Effort Squat/Dead

It's a sad day in Baltimore.

Box Squat
45x8
95x5
135x2
185x2
225x2
8 sets of 2 @ 265

Speed deads
225x5
275 for 6 singles with 30 second rest

SLDL
135x5
225x5
3x5 @ 275

HS shrugs
180x15
270x12
3x8 @ 360

Pull thru superset with pull down abs
130 (+light band on the pulldown abs), 3x13

Calf raise
220x20, 15

Stretching
Workout time: 1:20

Training: Maximum Effort Bench Press

Pretty good session today.

3 Board Press
45x15
95x12
135x5
185x3
225x3
245x3
275x3
315x1
335x1

Lying DB Ext
20x15
5x8 @ 30

Cable Row
100x12
160 x 12,12,12,9,8

1 arm lat raise
30x10
40x10

Band cuff stuff

25 mins treadmill

Workout time: 1:25

Good for you, Bob

Maryland Governor vetoes the 'Fair Share Helath Care Act'. Strike a blow against the socialist movement in Maryland, although it seems there may be enough votes in the legislature to override the veto.

In the interest of 'equal time'Tom Paine's site has an entry on the veto. That writer points out the glory of Giant Foods. They may want to do a little research before they put Giant up on a pedastal. Of course, the main issue is that somehow the workers have a 'right' to something more from the employer, and the complete ignorance of how the market determines these things. The best part is a quote:

But equally important, Wal-Mart does not just have an obligation to its shareholders. It has some responsibility to its workers and to the communities in which it operates. By treating workers so poorly, it is abandoning its basic corporate responsibilities.

By treating workers so poorly, isn't Wal Mart just taking the risk of not being able to hire or keep good help? Their responsiblity to their workers is to live up to whatever employment agreement the workers and Wal Mart enter into voluntarily. Isn't it clear they may already be having some trouble with getting talented individuals? Let the market do it's thing. It's not like Wal Mart is forcing anyone to work there.

Training: Max Effort Squat/Dead

I'm feeling really beat down. I was hoping my conditioning would be improving, alas, I just have to fight through this to get my conditioning up to par... which means I'm probably going to have to put some extra workouts in. Which sucks when you don't want to do the main workouts.

Reverse Band Deadlift (light bands secured at about head hight, the third hole down on the power rack.) This setup doesn't give much help at all, just a little off the floor.
135x8
225x3
275x3
315x3
365x3
405x1
425x1

Sucks. My form is awful. Part of it is that I was using straps (I think my grip is a weak point, and I don't want that to be what holds back straining), but my hips come up way too fast, and I can't seem to keep my head up. All sets were done without a belt or briefs, and I didn't use straps on the 425 single.

Zercher squat
45x8
3x5 @ 135
These are in to work on core stability. I really suck at these, which means I need to do them.

Poor mans GHR
3x15

Lying leg raises
3x15

10 mins stretching

Workout time: :55

A simple explanation of Classical Liberalism

There are many, many people out there who simply do not understand what Classical Liberalism(or Libertarianism) is. They see Libertarians (partly due to the failure of the Libertarian Party ) as those long haired kooks wearing a bunch of buttons on their denim jackets supporting drug use; not as well educated (in economics, anyway) well meaning individuals who only want what is best for everyone. We just don't think you can use force or coersion to get the best for everyone. If it's the best for everyone, you don't need force or coersion.

Let's take a look at a very popular issue: Health Care Reform

Many people think the solution to getting the most people the best healthcare is to have the Federal Government institute and manage a centrally planned system, socialized healthcare. Under this system, every citizen in the US would be guaranteed the same level of healthcare, and every citizen (who pays taxes) would pay for the system via the Federal Income Tax. Skipping over the inherant issues with the income tax and with the economic issues with socialized medicine, consider the Classical Liberal approach.

A Classical Liberal doesn't see how the government can do it better than we can. However, that's not the main issue - the main issue is the use of force. A Classical Liberal is against this solution because everyone is forced to participate in funding the program. There may be the ability to get care outside the program for those who can afford it (and they would, due to the economic ramifications of eliminating competition), but they still have to pay for the care of others.

The confusion comes here: people assume that the above paragraph means Classical Liberals don't want to help the poor pay for healthcare. Not so. A Classical Liberal is fine with the idea of voluntarily providing healthcare for those who can't a afford it. They are also fine with whatever solution comes without force. There is no objection to the central plan solution, provided there is no force used to implement the system, which means participation in and payment into the system must be voluntary. If the centralized system is the best solution, would not the vast majority of people volunteer?

So, the Classical Liberal position: If you want socialized or centrally planned heathcare, fine. If you think it will work better than another system, fine. When you pay your income taxes, you can voluntairly contribute your fair share to the system (or more, if you wish), and partake of the benefits, and you can have a central government run the program. If you don't want to participate, that's cool, too. But you don't get to partake of the system. Those who cannot afford to not participate are given a free pass, and those who choose to participate who can afford to pay get to pick up the tab. The participants can agree on what 'fair share' is - it can be a flat tax, a progressive tax, whatever. They can even all agree that those people so 'stupid' as to not pay when they can afford to participate still get emergency medical care. Some people might choose to voluntarily contribute less than their fair share just to help fund the program for the poor, yet not use they system when they need healthcare. Whatever the people participating in the program want, they can have, as long as they don't force anything on those not participating.

This is the exact same solution as the one that requires force, but without the force.

How far do you think it would get? Maybe that's because it isn't the best solution.

More crack security

Another flight diverted because someone matches a name on the 'no fly' list.

Of course, we still don't know how a name ends up on this list, and we've never used the list to stop a potential terrorist.

But it's there.

Training: Dynamic Effort Bench

Monday is national bench press night. My new template is an 8 day cycle, so I'm going to have to deal with benching on Mondays occasionally (I used to always have my ME squat workout on Monday).

Bench press
45x20, 20
95x12
135x3,3
8 sets of 3 @ 185, 3 grips. Speed was OK.

Close grip bench
225x4,4,3

Hammer Strength pulldown
90x15
180x10,10,7,6

Face Pull
80x12,12,12

Rope pressdown ss w/ rope hammer curl
2x20 @ 55

cable cuffs
2x8 @ 30

Treadmill - 25 minutes. 1.3 miles. Or something.

Workout time: 1:20

Study on the press

I thought this study was interesting I've linked to a very short blurb, there are a number of articles out there on it.

The most interesting thing, though, points out the rampant ignorance in the US.

A new survey to be released Monday reveals a wide gap on many media issues between a group of journalists and the general public. In one finding, 43% of the public say they believe the press has too much freedom, while only 3% of journalists agree. Just 14% of the public can name "freedom of the press" as a guarantee in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, in the major poll conducted by the University of Connecticut Department of Public Policy. (Empahsis mine)

No wonder we are in such a state. The majority of people want the federal govenrment to ban cell phones on airplanes because they are annoying, so I guess I shouldn't be suprised they think the press has 'too much' freedom.

Taxpayer funded boradcasting

See, this is why there is no place for government funded broadcasting.

Of course, NPR didn't complain when the Clinton administration influenced programming, did they? Nor do they seem to complain when the government gets into every other aspect of our lives.

Over the Quran?

I'm really confused by this story regardiing the violence in Afganistan after reports in Newsweek said US officials in Cuba desecrated the Quran.

First, why anyone is suprised that a print magazine like Newsweek got this wrong astounds me. Certainly they were tripping overthemselves with the possibility of making the current administration look bad (just like Faux News does to make them look good); they also compete in a world of up to the minute updates via web news sources, and have to compete somehow.

But the really confusing part is that 15 people died in violent protests over the desecration of a book. I don't think you would see this of ol' Osama burned or flushed a Bible or Torah. Do you?

What's the big deal? And what's the point of the violence over some paper?

Training: Dynamic Effort Squat/Dead

Good one today.

Box Squat
45x12
95x12
135x2
185x2
10 sets of 2 @ 245
275x1
315x1
365x1

Speed deads
225x5
6 singles @275 w/ 30 seconds rest
315x1
365x1

SLDL
135x5
225x5
2x5 @ 275

Pull thru super set with pull down abs
3x12 @ 130 (abs also had a lt band)

Calf raise
2x15 @ 200

Lots of stretching

Workout time: 1:10

Training: Max Effort Bench

Went in early and trained with the teachers...

Reverse Band Press (all sets with light bands)
135x12
185x8
225x5
275x3
315x3
335x1
355x1
365x1

HS incline
140 x 10,10,10,10,10,8

Cable Row
100x12
150 x 12,12,12,9,8

Front raise superset with rear raise
2x10 @ 20

External rotation
5x12

Cardio: Treadmill, 1.3 miles in 25 mins, 2% incline. Had shin splint like pain again when I ran a little.

Workout Time: 1:30

In case you weren't paying attention...

The Senate passed the appropriations bill that contained the Real ID act. One commentary here.
My e-mails to my senators went unanswered. The President, that freedom loving supporter of smaller government signed it. Note the news article - no mention of the ID rider.

Our only shot now is to get the states to refuse to comply.

Harboring terrorists?

This will be an interesting story to follow. A guy connected to big time Cuban supporters of Jeb and George, a guy who worked for the CIA and ran arms in Nicaragua, a guy who may have been the mastermind behind what is clealry a terrorist act killing 70+ people, and who once admitted to several other bombings.

He's in the US. He wants political asylum. Given there is far more evidence against him than many at Gitmo, this should be a test of the Administration.

This will stop 'em

IL governor attempts to shut down meth labs by controlling law abiding citizens.

Meth labs aren't getting their ingredients from the drug store.

Training: Max Effort Squat/Dead

A little sore from 'running' yesterday, and fighting off the urge to blow off a workout.. but made it in and got it done.

Low box Squat (13 inches)
45x8
95x6
135x3
185x3
225x3
245x3
275x3
315x1
335x1
345x1

Leg press
90x10
180x10
270x10
360x10
450x7

HS Shrug
180x10
4x8 @ 320

Pull thru superset with pull down abs
2x10 @ 130

10 mins stretching

Workout time: 1:10

Ron Paul on the National ID Card

Yes, it's coming. Yes, as one can expect, it will be used to track law abiding citizens, while criminals find ways around the system. Yes, it is federal blackmail... states aren't 'required' to comply, but if they don't, the citizens of that state can't fly on an airplane or get a job.

Call your Senator and try to stop them. Please.

Training: Running

Well, not really 'running', but moving my feet, more like lumbering than anything else. I'm trying the Couch to 5K running program to work up to running 3 miles in about 2 months. I was more interested in just getting to 2 miles, and then re-evaluate if I want to bother working up to 3.

Anyway, the first run is the following:

5 minute brisk walk, then 8 sets of running 60 seconds and walking 90 seconds

I made it 4 sets before I couldn't take the pain in my lower leg - I don't know what's causing it, but it's the side of my calf, and hurts when I stop running and walk. So I just walked home from where I had gone, with a couple of very short runs (15 seconds) to fiddle with my stride to see if that was causing the pain. All told, I was moving for 30 minutes broken down like this:

Walk 5 mins
Run 1 min
Walk 90 sec
Run 1 min
Walk 90 sec
Run 1 min
Walk 90 sec
Run 1 min
Walk 16:30

I think I'll just keep working up to what I'm supposed to do on day one, and start the program when I get there.

Training: Dynamic Effort Bench

Nobody in the gym today

Bench press
45 x 20, 20
95x10
135x3, 3
8 sets of 3 @ 185, 3 grips, 45 sec between sets
225x1
245x1
265x1

Close grips
225 x 4,3,3

V grip pulldowns
100x12
4x10 @ 150

Face pull
3x15 @ 70

rope pressdown ss w/ rope hammer curl
2x20 @ 50

external rotation, cable
2x8 @ 30

Cardio: 12 mins elliptical

Workout time: 1:10

Training: Dynamic Effort Squat/Dead

While everyone else was out at happy hour...

Box Squat
45x10
95x8
135x2
185x2
10 sets of 2 @ 225

Speed Deads
135x5
225x3
6 singles @ 275, 30 seconds rest

SLDL
45x12
135x12
225x5
275x5

Hypers
12, 2x8 @ +25

Pull down abs
120 + light band 3 sets of 12

The intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy

Read this. Then read this.

Then try to support your position that:
a) The invasion of Iraq was justified
b) The Bush Administration told the public the truth

If persons with access to wrongly concealed facts and analyses bring them to light, the chances become less that a president could launch another unprovoked war—against, say, Iran.

I sure do hope they do bring them to light. This time BEFORE we attack another country.

Lifter humor

This is from the Q&A section 'Sick of Your Gym' at Elite Fitness Systems. It was posted by a guy named Evan.

I'm doing deadlifts the other day. This jackass comes up and asks me if chalk "really works." I say yes, it helps with grip tremendously, especially since I'm a sweaty bastard and tend to lose my grip.

He gives me a quizzical look and says: "Well, actually I am starting to get callouses on my hands and was wondering if chalk would prevent them. I think I'm going to get some lifting gloves."

It took every ounce of willpower to not slap the shit out of him right then and there.

The state of "manhood" in this country is alarming.

You are terrific, Natalia

An under reported story of incredible courage.

In her own daring protest, she signed: "I am addressing everybody who is deaf in the Ukraine. Our president is Victor Yushchenko. Do not trust the results of the central election committee. They are all lies. . . . And I am very ashamed to translate such lies to you. Maybe you will see me again -- " she concluded, hinting at what fate might await her. She then continued signing the rest of officially scripted news.

In a time where I find an awful lot of things wrong in the US, it's sometimes good to be reminded how lucky I am to be here.

I'm wearing orange tomorrow.

Hat tip: Catallarchy

Training: Max Effort Bench

Not training makes you weaker.

Incline close grips
2x10 @ 45
95x8
135x3
155x3
185x3
205x2 (PR, embarrassingly so)

Hammer Strength incline
140 x 10,8,6,6,5

Hammer strength Y row
140 x 10,10,10,8,6

Front raise
25 pound plate 3x12

Band pressdowns
Light band 2x12

12 mins elliptical.

Naturally, we should give the TSA more information...

Since they are so good at making sure it's secure.

Here we go with a little more intrusion into your privacy.

Now, of course, they would never use the information for anything else, but it's important to keep confusion to a minimum. I especially like the threat, below in bold.

WASHINGTON -- Airline passengers soon will be asked to provide their full names and birth dates when they buy tickets.

In coming weeks, the Transportation Security Administration plans to require airlines to solicit the information. Passengers do not have to provide it, though if they don't there's a better chance they'll have to undergo more stringent screening at the airport, Justin Oberman, the TSA official in charge of the program, said Wednesday.

Oberman said having passengers' full names and birth dates will make it less likely that they'll be confused with people who are known or suspected terrorists.

"Far fewer people will be inconvenienced than they are today," Oberman said.

Such confusion has brought the TSA much criticism. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., is among those whose name matched someone on a watch list.

The request for extra information is part of the TSA's effort to build a new computerized passenger screening program, called Secure Flight.

Secure Flight would allow the TSA to take over from the airlines the responsibility of checking passengers' names against the watch lists. The TSA plans to begin Secure Flight with two airlines in August.

The program is supposed to work by transferring airline passengers' name records _ which can include address, phone number and credit card information _ to a government database. The government computer would flag names on the watch list and identify passengers who would be asked to go through additional screening.

Your papers, please, Comrade.

So why did the Administration lie before we attacked Iraq?

Because when properly informed, the public wouldn't have supported it.

Leadership via polls? Dishonesty? Sound familiar?

Training: Max Effort Squat/Deadlift

Conditioning phase starts this week

Good morning
45x10
95x10
135x10
185x3
225x3
245x3
265x5 (PR)
Stopped there, that about wiped me out

Leg Press
90x10
180x10
270x10
360x10
450x5

Shrug
4x10@270

Hypers 3x10

Bench situps
3x12

Stretching

Workout time: :50

May Day

Wonderful stuff over at Catallarchy today.

I'd read them all if I were you

May Day post.

Your President, the Socialist

If this is the plan, then I think lots of Republicans should be mighty upset.

We should just call this what it is - it's redistribution of wealth, plain and simple. I still think people who want to opt out of the system altogether should be allowed to do so, unfortunately, that's not going to work, given the people who would opt out are the people from whom the wealth is being taken.

So what does progressive indexing mean?
Under current law, the size of a worker's initial retirement check is based in part on how much average wages rose during his or her career. That's known as wage indexing.
In 2001, Bush's Commission to Strengthen Social Security, on which Pozen served, talked about moving from wage indexing to price indexing. That shift would reduce benefits drastically, since prices historically have risen more slowly than wages.
Sometime after the commission disbanded, Pozen came up with the notion of combining the two methods as a way to improve the system's finances without driving lower-income retirees into poverty.
In his plan, he'd retain the more generous wage indexing for people with average career earnings less than $25,000 (the bottom 30 percent as of 2012, his tentative start date). He'd impose price indexing on people who earn more than $113,000 (the top 7 percent) and blend the indexes for everyone in between.
He offers three reasons for adopting this approach even though Social Security already is said to be progressive, in the sense that low-wage workers get bigger retirement checks relative to their contributions than high-wage earners.
One is that people at the low end depend on their checks and need every nickel. The second is that low-wage retirees tend to die sooner than high-wage ones, giving them fewer years to collect benefits.
Third and perhaps most important, he says, is that the federal government already provides huge retirement subsidies for middle- and upper-income Americans through IRAs, 401(k)s and the like. While such tax-advantaged options are open to all Americans, they are used mostly by people who can afford to save.
"For moderate- and upper-income workers, the current system is too generous," Pozen said in an interview, "given the retirement-savings vehicles available and the overall federal budget situation."

I love it. Giving you your money back as promised, well, that's 'too generous'. These people really believe that the money you and I earn is really theirs, and they just let us keep some of it. If this system were proposed as new today, it would never pass. Why isn't there more of a cry to dismantle the current system and start over? Because that would inevitably lead to less government control of the money, and no one, not even your 'smaller government' President wants that.