A modest proposal
Chris Bowers over at MyDD has a modest proposal to the Democratic Party on how to fight the Republicans on Social Security:
- Loudly proclaim the Republican arguments that there is a Social Security funding crisis to be a lie and the corporate media has been duped. Don’t be afraid about using the words “lie,” “duped,” and “corporate,” as they will appeal to young voters and reformers. Go as far to claim that the fact that there is even an argument over this is demonstrative of the need for media reform. After all, one side of argument is based entirely on lies and a mythical funding crisis and the media is unwilling to call them on it.
- Immediately re-frame the argument as to whether Social Security should be entirely abolished over the next twenty years and replaced with private savings accounts (the Republican position), or whether it should not be abolished and we as a nation should continue our national investment in the prevention of poverty among seniors (the Democratic position). This will help frame the issue as an ideological divide, thus showcasing a core belief of the Democratic Party in a positive light.
- Publicly and privately threaten any Democrat who votes in favor of privatizing Social Security with all of the following: stripping of important committee assignments, a complete funding cut-off, and a well-funded primary challenge. This will help keep the party in line on the issue.