ABC News/Washington Post has a new Poll out asking questions about Social Security. The related article talks about the Democratic response to President Bush's plan to alter the program a little. House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi had this to say, "Social Security faces a long-term challenge, but it is a manageable challenge that can be addressed without jeopardizing a system that has provided retirement security for millions of Americans."
Perhaps Pelosi ought to take a look at the polling numbers. Even her own party things she has it wrong. 28% of Democrats think the program is in crisis, compared to 17% of Republicans and 29% of Independents. If over 1/4 of the people of her own party think the plan is in crisis, what's next for the Pelosi/Democratic game plan, bury their head in the sand.
The fact is that Social Security is a relic of the past. Admittedly, the program is one of the greatest success stories of all time in the realm of government programs. However, the mindset of "it ain't broke so don't fix it" is long gone. My fraternity has a saying, "merely because a practice is prevelant may be the poorest reason for continuing it." I think President Bush and most Americans are no longer considering Social Security the third rail of politics. Of course having been re-elected, President Bush can tackle these tough issues without fear. The Problem is, whehter Congress, who does want to get re-elected will work with the President or out of fear, will they shy away from the problem.
We shall see.
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