WILLisms.com: Democrats Retreat, Somewhat, On Social Security Reform.

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Democrats Retreat, Somewhat, On Social Security Reform.

There is no "There Is No Crisis" anymore, in the United States House of Representatives, at least (via Social Security Choice):

House Democrats have decided to quit emphasizing that they will not negotiate changes to Social Security until President Bush drops his idea for private accounts. The switch in strategy comes after Democrats learned from focus groups that people frown on the lawmakers for being obstinate.

The headline:

"Democrats adjust Social Security stance"

Other headlines around the country for the same story:

"Democrats switch Social Security strategy"

"Dems Change Tactics on Social Security, Still Press For Detailed Bush Plan"

"Public opinion stirs Democrats to shift tactics on Social Security"

"House Democrats shift Social Security strategy"

"Democrats change strategy"

Adjust? Switch? Change? Shift?

Seeing as the Democrats' strategy thus far has been to draw a firm line in the sand and say "no, no, no," the "shift" in the House is more profound than a mere strategy "adjustment."

This "switch" is really a retreat. And it is a meaningful development in the matter of reform.

Some House Democrats are realizing that there is nothing valiant about obstructionism of reform and progress, especially on an issue like Social Security. Over the course of the past few months, a national consensus has formed:

Yes, Social Security faces major problems. Yes, we need to fix it preferably sooner rather than later.

Standing athwart history, yelling "Stop!" is not a strategy (let alone a winning one); it is regressive, reactionary nihilism. While some people may be skeptical about the caricature drawn by negatively biased reporting of President Bush's reform principles, Americans still want reform.

Apparently our friends in the minority party are just now realizing that if President Bush and Republicans are the only ones talking about reform, while Democrats are bogged down in "there is no crisis" mode, the voters will respond accordingly.

Duh.

Posted by Will Franklin · 18 April 2005 01:11 PM

Comments

House Democrats won't do anything because the house majority is in the GOP's favor! It is so typical... They can't or shall I say won't do anything because it might make the GOP look good, I am so sick of electing these polotical do nothing people and I'm sure that most Americans are tired of it too! It matters NOT what party we are affiliated with. They just need to realize they are there because they have a job to do for all of us! When the people vote they need to listen.

Posted by: Zsa Zsa at April 18, 2005 02:00 PM