Cowards
Quote of note:
"The situation is fluid, but it has the potential to blow up," said Rep. Thomas M. Davis (R-Va.). "I'm going to keep my mouth shut."
It would be good for all these guys to state their position, whether Republican of Democrat, even if their position is "I don't know and need more information," or "I'm going to vote the way my constituents want." Anyone in these two camps will ultimately need to explain what tipped their vote in one direction or the other.
Those who have a position should explain why any suggestion that does not directly improve the future solvency of Social Security should be added to legislation whose purpose is to improve the future solvency of Social Security. No Social Security solvency-related program activities. No five-year grants to convert missile silos into hog farms. No funding for statues of naked people made from barbed wire and tissue paper.
This is a huge issue that touches damn near every human in the country. I'm not foolish enough to think it can be fixed forever, but it needs to be done right. That means the discussion should address techniques that demonstrably, reliably impact the solvency of the program. Advancing a social agenda (something that used to leave Republicans aghast) should stand on its own, not be hidden in the shadow of real issues).
Anyway...
GOP Takes to Heartland With Social Security Plan
By Janet Hook
Times Staff Writer
February 19, 2005
WASHINGTON Republican leaders in Congress, faced with the political reality that there is little grass-roots momentum behind President Bush's plan to overhaul Social Security, are planning to spread out across the country next week to try to build a constituency for change àand to take a watchful measure of voters' response.
GOP leaders are encouraging rank-and-file members to hold town hall meetings in their home states and districts during next week's congressional recess, arming them with briefing books, PowerPoint presentations and a video of Bush making the case for major changes in Social Security.
But many Republicans will not be joining their leaders in promoting Bush's proposal. Some lawmakers will be trying to have more low-key "listening sessions" with their constituents to test the political waters. Others plan to focus on other issues and address Social Security only if constituents raise it.
