Why did the Republicans run and hide from Social Security hearing?

[kentuck]

Senator Byron Dorgan was chairing a hearing on the privatization of Social Security this morning and the Repubs were invited to participate. They all declined. Why? Are they running scared or do they simply plan on hiding and letting their paid media stooges carry their water for them at no political risk to themselves?

The Democrats finally have the Repubs on the defensive on this issue, it appears. The Repubs are very hesitant to jump on Dubya's wagon on this issue. The Democrats should put the pressure on them daily. No letup.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. I agree. Most Republicans know this is a loser issue.

And we should not only pound them on it daily, but make sure that every Republican who wanted a picture with Bush is tied DIRECTLY to this. No quarter shall be issued.

[loudsue]

3. You're right about that!! Tie EVERY republican to this issue!!

They're getting bombarded with calls from their constituents, and the Dems should take advantage of that!

....but, since WHEN do the Democrats do things the smart way? We really need to get them some spine transplants. A few of them, though, seem to be growing some b***s here of late!

I sure hope Dean becomes DNC Chairman....he'll build a fire that the whole country could see! He'd get more done in 3 months than McAuliffe got done in....however-many years.

:kick:

[CottonBear]

2. Did you see FDR's grandson dress-down *

and the Republicans for mentioning FDR's name in the inaugural address and using his image in those privatization commercials?
He was angry and rightfully so. He was (or is) a SS commissioner.
I saw this on C-Span this morning

[rodeodance]

5. Lautenberg (Dem, NJ) says diception has to stop--it is not good enough

just to say we will no longer to do it. Deceptions have to be admitted by this administration.
I am enjoying listening to the committee.

[housewolf]

4. They're having their own get-together

About 300 of them, in a resort in West Virginia.

[alexisfree]

6. lol

with girls included...

[rodeodance]

7. Employees of SS are being told to participate in the propaganda!!

Some are testifying before the committee that this is not there role. There role is to help the people with the system--not get involved in the administrations politics!!

[rodeodance]

8. Lautenberg seems to want the Justice Dept to get involved--fraud

by the government--holding the senior person responsible.

[rodeodance]

9. Sarbanes has great respect for SS employees and their work with

people, esp. people with disabilitites. Says they understand that they are 'outside of poliitics" Deeply concerned that they are asked to diviate from this role with niw Administration policy!!!

[rodeodance]

10. Debbie Frederickson--SS administrator from Mpls. Wonder if BushCo

will find a way to relieve her of her job. She is taking a big risk coming to this meeting and testifying!!

[rodeodance]

11. a warning was sent with monthly benefits that trust fund will be

exhausted by ? year. Sarbaines said that the impression is being given that the funds will not be there soon--it will be broke.

[Al-CIAda]

12. I agree, SLAM THEM -The complicit corp. media as well.

[joanski01]

13. The Republicans NEVER come to any

Democratic Policy Committee hearings. This one was no exception. This is the first time I saw a CATO Institute guy testify at a Dem public hearing. The Senators only asked him a few questions.

President Roosevelt's grandson was truly outraged about that photo of FDR in the commercial. He said it was outrageous and an insult to FDR's memory. He also told about the letter he wrote asking them to stop using the picture.

Senator Harry Reid came in for a few minutes at the beginning and asked Senator Dorgan to be sure to announce that none of the witnesses were PAID to attend. Everyone laughed while Dorgan made the announcement.

Lautenberg, Sarbanes, and Dayton are really ticked off about the Administration using the Social Security Administration to "mislead" the people. I believe they will do something about this.

[joanski01]

14. "kick"

n/t