Bush Plan vs Democrat Opposition on Social Security

I tried to find a current topic where I could post this as a comment. However, I could not locate one that was appropriate; so I took the luxury of making this a Vanity post. This is as I see the issue of the Social Security debate now. I am over the age that any change would even affect me, so I have no gain either way. But I do have a huge concern for my children and grandchildren who will be subject to any decisions. Thus I feel the need and right to express my opinion.

Bush’s Plan – Talk to the people in the US. Trust their intelligence. Help them become totally aware that funding Social Security is a true and imminent problem and make them comfortable with the need to resolve this for the future. Remind people of the original intent of Social Security and guide them to become more dedicated to controlling their own retirement future. Treat them as adults, not children – recognize that given the opportunity, and viable options, they will make the best decisions for themselves. Keep the conversation going in spite of the opposition. Offer suggestions, but express sincere desire to have more ideas on the table. Work toward getting a true bi-partisan agreement. Gather all Republican Congress members to support the need to make changes. Continue to take the hits and criticisms, but stand strong and entice the opposition to offer solutions, not just negative comments. Push Congress to meet this head on and get it resolved with the best possible solution within the next three years.

Democrat’s Plan – Negate the need to change the system (although for years previous they have expressed that it will be necessary). Make the people scared, especially the senior citizens. Make the people feel incapable and dependent on government control of their retirement. Spread lies and make innuendoes against any proposal. Don’t offer any constructive plan or change. Stay out of the solution area, don’t jeopardize yourself, your career is more important than being honest and constructive. Criticize, ignore, make caustic comments, debate, filibuster, draw circles in the sand -- do whatever necessary to keep this from being resolved during the Bush Administration. Then, in 2008 when (they hope) a Democrat is president, jump on the bandwagon (knowing the Republicans are already boxed into a corner and would have to agree with a plan) and offer a solution. That way the Democrats would be able to claim the glory for “fixing” social security, and be the “heroes” to the American people.

Easy Plan – Require that all government/federal employees contribute to Social Security. Allow them to retain their Federal plans (Thrift 1-2-3/A-B-C, etc.) if they desire, but their contributions to SS would be mandatory. After all, if a soldier facing a bullet in Iraq is required to pay into SS, why shouldn’t a senator, or senator’s secretary, or any government employee who is comfortably sitting in an office on US soil? By mandating federal workers’ contributions, there would most likely be no need for the rest of Americans to face any change to their contributions or benefits. There are millions of federal workers whose funds, would “fix” Social Security if they were required to contribute, as the rest of us do. The people who are shouting the loudest against any changes now being touted are the very people who will never be affected by it. So, make it affect them also, and then if necessary, they will help to find a solution very quickly.

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