WP: In GOP, Resistance On Social Security

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A64196-2005Jan10?language=printer

Many Republicans are expressing reservations about the political wisdom of President Bush's vision for restructuring Social Security, as the White House today intensifies its campaign to restructure the entitlement program for the retired and disabled.

Bush, who relishes challenging the conventional wisdoms of Washington, has privately counseled Republicans that partially privatizing Social Security will be a boon for the GOP and has urged skeptics to hold fire until he builds a public case for change. But several influential Republicans are warning that Bush's plan could backfire on the party in next year's elections, especially if the plan includes cuts in benefits.

Most alarming to White House officials, some congressional Republicans are panning the president's plan -- even before it is unveiled. "Why stir up a political hornet's nest . . . when there is no urgency?" said Rep. Rob Simmons (Conn.), who represents a competitive district. "When does the program go belly up? 2042. I will be dead by then."

Simmons said there is no way he will support Bush's idea of allowing younger Americans to divert some of their payroll taxes into private accounts, especially when there are more pressing needs, such as shoring up Medicare and providing armor to U.S. troops in Iraq.

[Cha]

1. I like this part!...

"Simmons said there is no way he will support Bush's idea of allowing younger Americans to divert some of their payroll taxes into private accounts, especially when there are more pressing needs, such as shoring up Medicare and providing armor to U.S. troops in Iraq."

But, it seems fuckface is determined to screw with FDR's popular program.

[MikeG]

2. They're all standing on the subway platform, looking at you-know-what.

[susanna]

5. The third rail? n/t

[MikeG]

7. If they touch it, they die.

[merwin]

3. It begins.. conservatives start to see him for the nutcase that he is. n/t

[rockedthevoteinMA]

4. This part too...

Rep. Jack Kingston (Ga.), a member of the GOP leadership, said 15 to 20 House Republicans agree with Simmons, although others say the number is closer to 40. "Just convincing our guys not to be timid is going to be a big struggle," he said. "It's going to take a lot of convincing," which he said can be done.

[necso]

6. We need to work potential swing Republicans,

(through their constituents) and promise certain (political) retribution to Dems that jump ship.

Social Security privatization is a no retreat issue -- last man, last bullet, last ditch.

[Dhalgren]

8. I agree.

The only thing, right now that keeps us from slumping completely into a "Third World", "Banana Republic" stage is that our seniors have Social Security. When that goes...it's over. "Last man, last bullet, last ditch" - well put.

[comradebillyboy]

9. when newtie says something might be rash

i'd get scared

[genieroze]

10. I wonder what will happen to those decent Republicans who really

care about their constituents? Wanna bet they will lose in a primary?

[Straight Shooter]

11. "political wisdom" is the mother of all oxymorons when applied to bush

"bush, who relishes challenging the conventional wisdoms of Washington ..."

Allow me to rephrase that:

"bush, the bully in the cow pasture, who enjoys kicking shit in everyone's faces ..."