National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru has a solid column up on the kerfuffle in the Republican primary campaign around Governor Perry's views on Social Security.
As I've said before--Perry is right. Social Security is a lie. Perhaps it wasn't always so, but it is today. The question though isn't whether he's right about the lie, but whether he can be elected President SAYING it is. I think not, as does Ponnuru.
Romney knows Perry is right, but he also has a better sense of what can win the White House. One must frame the debate in language that re-assures those who are currently receiving benefits, while giving hope to those who know they are throwing good money after bad at the point of the government's bayonet.
I'm politically intrigued by the courage Perry is showing in the language he uses--he'll certainly set this question up for deeper discussion. I am not however, intrigued by his judgment. Rather, I am dubious.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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There's no doubt it will hurt him in key primary states like Flawda but since when did Republicans start running from their beliefs?
The Post Office can't make a profit and should have been privatized years ago, Social Security is a Ponzi scheme, ACC football sucks and there ain't no Santa Claus. Deal with it.
I don't think it is courageous for Perry to call Social Security a "monstrous lie" while proposing no solutions and promising to not affect benefits for people on or near retirement - the exact cohort which is putting it in the red. What he is exhibiting is exactly the opposite of courage.
Also, the GOP candidates need to be clear on what is the most pressing problem. Social Security won't be insolvent until 2037. Social Security disability and Medicare, though, each are projected to be insolvent by 2017. See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124212734686110365.html for details.
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