Progressive Dems' Respond to the State of the Union

[Kevin Spidel]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 03, 2005

For more information, contact:
Christine Lee, [e-mail]
http://www.pdamerica.org


Response to Bush’s State of the Union Address: Progressive Democrats Say Rhetoric Not Enough
Vow to Continue to Promote Democracy, Freedom, and American Values

WASHINGTON, DC – In the State of the Union speech given last night by President George Bush laid out plans to cut Social Security benefits by 46 percent and add approximately $15 trillion to the U.S. national debt.

"It's hard not to be moved by the rhetoric of the annual State of the Union speech,” said Progressive Democrats of America’s (PDA) National Director Tim Carpenter. “In fact, we at PDA are so stirred by its passionate invocation of democracy, freedom, liberty, and the joys of voting that we are going to redouble our efforts to bring those things to our own country.”

Carpenter said that to do so PDA will launch a comprehensive campaign toward passage of a Constitutional Amendment securing the Right to Vote for every American citizen, as well as coordinating efforts in Congress with our allied partners and with our membership base to help halt the privatization of Social Security."

Carpenter added, "One of PDA’s priorities in the coming weeks is to assure that the American publics has access to the information about the reality of our current Social Security program in contrast to the empty rhetoric used in last night's in the State of the Union speech.

The Congressional Budget Office says Bush's plan will cut benefits by 45 percent or more for seniors and reduce benefits for those who choose not to invest in privatized accounts.

Bush claims, "By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt. If steps are not taken to avert that outcome, the only solutions would be drastically higher taxes, massive new borrowing, or sudden and sever cuts in Social Security benefits or other government programs." A senior administration official said in a press briefing, "So in a long-term sense, the personal accounts would have a net neutral effect on the fiscal situation of the Social Security and on the federal government." After the official was asked whether "I am right in assuming the personal accounts by themselves as having no affect whatsoever on the solvency issue?" The senior Administration official replied: "That's a fair inference."

"The benefits our parents and their parents worked so hard to secure cannot and will not be so easily reduced," responded Carpenter, "it is truly a question of values."

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[Just Me]

1. Yeah, the neoCONs' "freedom" is really about taking advantage of,...

,...and abusing their power over the American people.

Whatever happened to the "freedom" associated with opportunity and protection from profitteering predators and choice?

[goodhue]

2. excellent

Bush plans to cut social security benefits by 46 pecent and add $14 trillion to national debt! It must be said, over and over.

[goodhue]

3. kick