This Thursday, September 8th, President Obama will give a speech laying out his plan to combat stagnant job growth and create new economic opportunities for millions of hurting Americans. He is also expected to ask the Congressional Super Committee to sign on to his plan to reduce the deficit by four trillion dollar.

The danger is that the President will sacrifice the integrity of Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid on the alter of deficit reduction and in the interests of getting other elements of his plan passed. But no deal would be worth it. It’s no understatement to call Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid the foundations of our economic security. Social Security does not contribute a penny to the deficit. Its already thin benefits are absolutely critical for many people’s survival. Medicare is a sacred trust. Medicaid is crucial for seniors, women, children and people with disabilities and an literal lifesaver for the poor. 

At a time when the richest people in our country are becoming richer while the middle class is disappearing and poverty is increasing, it’s critical to oppose any further cuts on the backs of the impoverished.

This video illustrates the dramatic consequences that would occur from even modest cuts in these programs.

Our friends at the Campaign for America’s Future are calling on all progressives to draw a line in the sand now before President Obama makes his speech and implore the White House to make every effort to defend Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. Please join me in joining the call.