President Obama's proposal cutting Social Security benefits for both current and future retirees has once again become a deficit debate bargaining chip. However, as a consolation, the president promises he won't "slash" benefits. Mr. President, please define "slash."

Too many in Washington seem obsessed with using Social Security's revenues as the solution for a whole host of fiscal problems that have nothing to do with the Social Security program.

This election will likely determine the future of America's most successful anti-poverty and retirement security programs. Few American families will remain untouched by the decisions the next president and Congress will soon make.

D.C.'s "fiscal hawks" tell the average American that we can't afford to keep our promises of income security for the middle class while signing pledges promising protection for tax loopholes for corporations collecting billions in profits.