Stirring Up Fear Over Social Security

This past Wednesday, we told you about the American Federation of Teachers’ stealth campaign to scare people into believing a New Jersey Congressman supported a Social Security reform plan that would cost taxpayers $2 Trillion and cut future benefits by 47%. Apparently it’s okay for these government employees to “stir up fear”.

The President has not put forward a specific Social Security reform plan. Bush and others have talked about allowing people to put a portion of their SS taxes into private accounts. But to date, the President has not unveiled a plan upon which future benefits may be calculated or transition cost to the federal government may be inferred. So when in doubt, make stuff up and hold hearings.

Friday Senate democrats, led by Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J) held hearings to oppose the White House reform plan. Snips below, the entire article here.

"The president cannot turn the Social Security Administration into his own lobby shop," Sen. Frank Lautenberg, said at a three-hour Capitol Hill hearing run by Democratic senators opposing the White House plan.

Steve Kofahl, a Social Security claims representative from Seattle who addressed the all-Democrat panel, said SSA employees have been told that Social Security is in a crisis that only private accounts can salvage. He said the employees "have been directed to share this message with the public at every opportunity." "I do not believe it is proper for public funds or public employees to be used to stir up fear" and push the White House agenda, Kofahl said.

Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart said in a statement, "I have never, nor will I ever, ask or direct Social Security employees to promote or advance any specific proposal for Social Security reform."

Republican National Committee spokesman Brian Jones said: "The Democrats' hearings today deserve an 'A' for stagecraft and an 'F' for honesty.