SamSaid!

EVASIVE

     Last time, I chided Mr Kerry in Debate #3 for evading s direct question from Bob Schiefer about flu shots  — and Schiefer let him get away with it. But Geo Bush did the same thing. His direct question related to the minimum wage, and he spent all of his time talking about education. Schiefer was useless again. That's why the term “debate” is laughable. Wouldn't it be fun to allow the candidates to go at each other  — face to face  — and actually debate? Not a chance  — the handlers of both men prepared 5-6 scripts with the instuction to make those pitches regardless of the questions trhat were posed. And thus the farce unfolded..

     For all voters, it would have been much more instructive to allow Kerry and Bush to really debate  what to do about Social Security. Most Americans (regrettably) think that they really DO have a Social Security account, while the truth is that their current contributions come in the front door at the Treasury Department and immediately go out the back door to pay current recipients. They have zero  — nada  — nothing, except a promise. Demographics say that within several years, the outflow of dollars will greatly exceed the inflow  – meaning that balancing the cash flow will be a serious crisis. Bush says he would privatize a portion of Social Security taxes  — on a voluntary basis. Kerry says he will NOT privatize any part of Social Security. So what does he propose  – if anything?

     This is not just an academic exercise. The status quo is admittedly unacceptable. So the very real question continues  — what should we do? I think that a frank exchange of ideas and proposals would have been very revealing about the two candidates. But Schiefer didn't ask the question or pursue the issue.

     When I think about my 401K and IRA, I am very impressed with the idea of personal savings  — as contrasted to a government program based on questionable premises and promises that ignore the harsh realities of economics. What do we do  — cut the benefits, extend the age of retirement further, or raise taxes  — or maybe all three?? I'd love to hear the 2004 candidates debate the matter when their feet are held to the fire and they can't run and hide. . Fat chance  – Kerry won't come within 20 years of touching  Social Security.

     This isn't Boston's Bunker Hill. It's more like Mt. McKinley. And Kerry just pretends it isn't there. The issue isn't simple  — but ignoring it and doing nothing about it won't solve anything. Don't hold your breath if Kerry wins.