The DCCC blog The Stakeholder, has a nice video out on the lies of the 1600 Crew and the SS "emergency". It makes the same point made here and elsewhere that the "privatization" is a huge windfall for all the Hogs at the Trough, but won't do more than fatten the investment companies wallets. Speaking of Fat Investors, it even has Novakula spewing more bullshit per second than most humans can spew in a day. Enjoy.
Remember, Privatization = Social Insecurity. Let there be no doubt.
posted by Jo Fish on 12.15.04 at 05:33 PM
Comments:
To counteract the Republican spin on Social Security privatization, Democrats must spin exactly 180 degrees opposite.
For instance, I saw a political cartoon by a pro-privatization Republican that showed a wealthy man sitting in a deck chair on a huge yacht with a man-servant bringing him his martini...and saying something like, "and they said privatization of Social Security wouldn't work."
So, how do Democrats counter this lie that Social Security privatization will lead to all people owning yachts and having servants?
The DNC should start running ads around the country ASAP showing a bag-lady dumpster diving and pushing around a shopping cart carrying her meager belongings. She should say, "I once was guaranteed a monthly retirement income. Then I believed the Republicans about privatizing Social Security. I invested. I lost. Now I'm enjoying my Golden Years. Can't you tell?" Then she cackles derisively and moves onto the next dumpster. Note: during the ad while she's talking in a subdued, cracked voice, one can see other senior citizens pushing shopping carts in the alleyway, checking out the dumpsters.
This would be a very powerful ad and would completely destroy the Republican spin.
posted by: The Oracle on 12.16.04 at 01:47 AM [permalink]
This has been an emergency since 1978, when the younger Chimp campaigned on this very same issue in his losing race for a Texas Congressional seat.
There is indeed a crisis: Junior's Wall Street friends are missing out on the opportunity to abuse the taxpayers out of billions of dollars in potential fees mismanaging mandatory retirement accounts.
And yet, most Americans (being STUPID, -- and I really think we should just go all out and refuse, as Democrats, to countenance STUPIDITY-- rather than try to pander to it anymore-- clearly a losing game as it is) think it is BUSH that is the champion of protecting social security as it is.
Short answer on medical issues: don't get sick. Short answer on national retirement: save more money for retirement yourself (preferably in Euro or at least Swiss franc denominated instruments).
Um Oracle, I suspect that cartoon was a joke and the "rich Republican" a Wall Street Broker, because after all that is the target audience for Privatization. And if it was meant seriously then it is solid proof that irony isn't dead.
posted by: Bruce Webb on 12.19.04 at 04:45 AM [permalink]
