WTF? I thought we were being told that Social Security is “FINE.” What is this about?
Are our fearless Democratic leaders ready to capitulate yet again? Even as Bush’s poll numbers on everything — including his Soc Security plan — are dropping? Please tell me I’m merely being hysterical.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – On the eve of Social Security’s 70th anniversary, Democrats said on Saturday they are ready to move toward revamping the financially troubled retirement program but warned against stripping away benefits to retirees and relying on private accounts for funding.
“We have a moral obligation to stand up and protect Social Security for the next 70 years and beyond — that means stopping privatization and dropping partisan demands for private accounts,” said Rep. John Salazar, a Colorado Democrat, in his response to President George W. Bush’s radio address. MORE BELOW:
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There is an effort by Republicans to move toward private investment accounts, thereby reducing the government’s role in retiree funding. But they have been forced to delay action on legislation to revamp Social Security because of strong opposition from Democrats.
“Social Security has never failed to pay promised benefits, and Democrats will fight to make sure that Republicans do not turn a guaranteed benefit into a guaranteed gamble,” said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California.
“Democrats stand ready to address the challenges facing Social Security’s solvency, but this cannot begin until Republicans begin talking about ways to make Social Security stronger, not weaker,” she said.
(Reuters)
