Democrats: Bush using scare tactics

[steve2470]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/01/08/demo.radio.reut/index.html

Spokesman says there's no imminent Social Security crisis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Democrats accused President Bush Saturday of trying to scare Americans into believing the Social Security retirement system is in crisis to build support for his private investment account plan.

In the Democratic Party's weekly radio address, U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel of New York said there was no imminent crisis with the program created during the Great Depression in 1935 to help lift the elderly out of poverty.

"The White House wants Americans to believe that Social Security is heading for an iceberg," he said. "They think that, by scaring people, they will help increase support for privatization."

Rangel said Bush's plan to divert a portion of Social Security taxes into private accounts that workers could invest in stocks and bonds will add to the system's financial woes.
<snip>

[Demeter]

1. Well, It's Working! I'M Scared

Everytime he takes a breath, I'm scared; when he opens his mouth, I petrify.

[Goldeneye]

2. CNN...I'm almost surprised.

I wonder whats up with that?

[Poiuyt]

3. Bush has been using scare tactics since he took office in 2000

[pdxmom]

4. Fearmongering is their M.O.

n/t

[Laurab]

6. Yeah and it's worked for them so far, too

I'd be happy to see it stop working!

[pdxmom]

7. I guess the question then, is how do we keep them from

being so fearful. I don't understand why the fear is so deep and so paralyzing that they vote against their best interests.

Unfortunately, I have to fall back on my ignorance theory. They don't make the effort to actually inform themselves and those who are ignorant are the most fearful. I wish people would make an effort to actually think!

[thoughtanarchist]

8. expose it as a strategy

that's how.

Sadly, MSM reports this as "Democrats accused President Bush<*>"

We need to strengthen a progressive "noise machine" to counter.

[pdxmom]

12. I've always believed that's been the problem

over the past several years. We don't fight back. I want our leaders to actually fight back. They use weasel words to express their opinions and beat around the bush (not meant as a pun) when trying to express themselves. They're always the polite ones in debates, waiting patiently for the other side to finish before stating their side, only to be handed their hat and never allowed to finish.

I want our side to verbally fight back. Better yet, fire the first salvo. Stand up for what they (and we) believe in, instead of acting like a wallflower.

[thoughtanarchist]

14. good observation...

I think that most of the real venom comes not from the politicians but from the media and other 3rd parties and from the repetition. Both sides speak with "nuance", then the likes of Shammity lights up the flame thrower.


I have faith that together the DUers have the ability to push topics into MSM by numbers, volume, solidarity, and innovation.

This really is the start of something big.

[infusionman]

5. A local Radio Personality here in Pittsburgh...

Stated there is a surplus of SSN funds right now.

[FreakinDJ]

10. That is if they don't take them for the general fund

[FreakinDJ]

9. Goes with Fire and Brimstone

Works well with the Fire and Brimstone bunch

[thoughtanarchist]

11. Related stories...

edit: fixing links...

here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1125183

and here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1131518

This is media manipulation. plain and simple.

One of those links highlights a WH aide email that comes right out and says that they need to "convince" the public that there is a crisis so that they can win what they call *** the 6 decade long battle over social security ***

[NightOwwl]

13. This is not the kind of spokesman we need.

White House wants us to believe...White House trying to scare...snore...:boring:

First, quit referring to the White House in these statements. Lay the blame where it applies - George Bush and the Republicans.

Start repeating negative buzzwords, so people will begin to associate Republicans with negative qualities. For example:

"George Bush is trying to steal the American people's retirement right in front of their eyes." or "The Republicans are supporting George Bush in the theft of our most prized possession, our future."

I like Rangel, but we need words that can stand up to the Republican steamroller. How long have we been saying this? Isn't anyone from the Dem party listening?