Snow: Public skeptical on Social Security

[struggle4progress]

Posted on Wed, Feb. 23, 2005

LAURA MECKLER
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Treasury Secretary John Snow acknowledged Wednesday that the Bush administration hasn't yet succeeded in selling its Social Security plan to Americans. <<snip>

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said his constituents like the president, but they are quick to caution him: "Now don't you go supporting him automatically just because you're a Republican and he's a Republican. Remember, you represent us."

"You can't put me in the support column or the nonsupport (column)," said Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Fla. "I have to know what the solution is before I can make an intelligent opinion about it." <snip>

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/10974190.htm

[struggle4progress]

1. Social Security Town Halls Show Bush Privatization Plan Sinking ...

... Like a Lead Balloon; While Santorum Heckled for Supporting BushPlan, Corzine Draws Hundreds for Opposing Bush Privatization Scheme

<snip> "At two stops, morning at Drexel University, afternoon at Widener University, the Pennsylvania Republican (Senator Santorum) encountered skepticism and hostility as he voiced his support for the White House plan to allow creation of personal accounts using payroll taxes. He was heckled by protesters, called a liar, and told that his views were unconscionable. Those sentiments ranged across the age spectrum." (Philadelphia Inquirer, Feb. 23, 2005)

"U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine, D-N.J., told more than 600 seniors gathered in Paramus that Bush's plan to allow people to divert some taxes into private investment accounts would result in steep benefit cuts, explode the national debt and insert risk into the nation's social safety net…John Sanders, a 60-year-old Maplewood resident who considers himself a 'Barry Goldwater Republican' and attended the AARP event out of 'curiosity' yesterday, said he thinks Bush's plan is 'stupid.' 'I can't believe people are really thinking about the future of the country when they support this plan,' said Sanders, who works for a bank and has two children and three grandchildren. 'I'm concerned someone will be making profits from these retirement accounts, which would reduce the overall value to the public.'" (Newark Star Ledger, Feb. 23, 2005) <snip>

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=43480

[MSgt213]

2. Every plan Bush puts forth is a major success and benefits every American

so who is skeptical?

[whistle]

3. Katherine Harris hasn't got an intelligent opinion on anything....

...she decides in lock step with the orders she is given from the republican party and Das Schone Fuhrer!

[HockeyMom]

4. Mandate

But I thought because of his MANDATE Bush's agenda was a sure thing?

[struggle4progress]

5. I'm sure you're right. But what this shows is that ...

... the Bushistas are pulling back to lick their wounds and regroup on this one. The fight's not over, and it's certainly not won, but it's no walk-over for them ...