Democrats Demand Conditions on Social Security, Bush Talks War
August 13th, 2005
Earlier today I posted the text of John Kerry’s Democratic Hispanic Radio Address and a link to the audio. John Kerry wasn’t the only Democrat talking about Social Security today, Reps. John Salazar and Nancy Pelosi both spoke out today, as well. However, he would change Social Security as we know it, chose to speak of something else in his Radio Address today (more on that below).
On the eve of Social Security’s 70th anniversary, Democrats said on Saturday they are ready to move toward revamping the financially troubled retirement program but warned against stripping away benefits to retirees and relying on private accounts for funding.
We have a moral obligation to stand up and protect Social Security for the next 70 years and beyond — that means stopping privatization and dropping partisan demands for private accounts,” said Rep. John Salazar, a Colorado Democrat, in his response to President George W. Bush’s radio address.
“It has never been a day late or a dollar short,” Salazar said. “But now, that guaranteed benefit is being threatened by a fabricated crisis and a false solution.”
“Social Security has never failed to pay promised benefits, and Democrats will fight to make sure that Republicans do not turn a guaranteed benefit into a guaranteed gamble,” said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California.
“Democrats stand ready to address the challenges facing Social Security’s solvency, but this cannot begin until Republicans begin talking about ways to make Social Security stronger, not weaker,” she said.
It’s the norm for reporters to call the Democratic Radio Address the “response” to the Bush Radio Address, however, George W. Bush chose not to speak of Social Security in his Radio Address today. There was a nary a mention of the issue that he has claimed so critically needs reform. Yet, Bush’s support for reforming Social Security has fallen by the wayside and he currently has Gold Star Mom with supporters camped outside of his Crawford ranch demanding an audience.
Rather than do the right thing and have a face to face with Cindy Sheehan, Bush chose today use his radio time to reiterate his “stay the course” plan.
MORE & LINKS -
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=228