Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Lieberman on Social Security

His statement on Social Security from his website was forwarded to me:

Senator Lieberman believes that, unless we make some changes soon, future generations will not be able to count on Social Security as past generations of Americans have. Reforms must reinforce the program and the values it embodies, not undermine them. All options that address Social Security's long-term solvency and preserve the guaranteed minimum retirement benefit should be on the table.

Senator Lieberman is unconvinced by the President’s proposal to privatize Social Security through the establishment of private savings accounts carved-out of the current system. Based on what he knows of the plan, the private savings accounts would not preserve the essential guaranteed Social Security benefit and would add trillions of dollars of debt.


That's a fairly explicit position. So, why is he playing footsie with Bush on this?

As Josh writes:

Lieberman fans -- a group in which I have sometimes classed myself -- might tell you that Joe's just dancing now. And at the end of the day, he'll do the right thing, though to me that seems in doubt. But even if it's true, quite frankly, it doesn't matter. The damage he is doing, perhaps irreparable, is now.


Stop dancing, Senator.