Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Delay of Game: The Washington Post says Bush's plan to revamp Social Security may be put on hiatus, perhaps until next year or perhaps indefinitely. The public at large, and even some congressional Republicans, are skeptical of the need for an overhaul, and some people aren't sure personal accounts are the way to go.

Personally, I have no strong feelings one way or the other. Personal accounts may be a fine strategy, but I don't know how we could afford the transition.

But mostly, I don't understand the urgency Bush put on his Social Security plan. There is no "crisis", despite what this administration and the previous administration has said.

Ramming a quick fix through the sausage grinder known as Congress can only lead to big trouble down the road. If Republicans and Democrats are serious about fixing Social Security's long-term solvency, then they should be willing to come up with a calm and rational solution. That doesn't involve President Bush making a multi-state campaign tour threatening Democratic senators in Red States, and it doesn't involve congressional Democrats holding their breath until they are beet red. Members of the federal government, you have at least a year to come up with a solution. Find someplace quiet to meet so you can discuss what's best for everybody.