THE ROADSHOW CONTINUES….We’re at the midpoint of the George Bush Social Security Revival Tour:
During a talk show-style “conversation” at a nearby community college, Bush appealed to opponents of his approach to enter into constructive negotiations on legislation to close Social Security’s long-term funding gap.
“If you’ve got an idea, I expect you to be at the table,” he said. “We want to listen to good ideas.”
Although Bush did not name names, the invitation appeared to be aimed in part at AARP, the 35-million-member seniors organization that is conducting an aggressive campaign to oppose Bush’s personal account proposal.
There are only two ways to significantly improve Social Security’s finances: benefit cuts and tax increases. Bush is too gutless to propose either one, so he’s desperately trying to sucker someone ? anyone ? into proposing them first. Nobody with half a brain should oblige him.
Until Bush has the political courage to step up to the plate and send a serious proposal of his own to Congress, he shouldn’t expect anyone else to do it either. In the meantime, he deserves nothing but scorn. His sustained display of political cowardice is setting a standard for generations to come.
