Repubs and some Centrist Dems and commentators are now starting to get very flexible about Soc Sec ideas.
They are also demanding that Dems in general suggest some options.
Right now we have an advantage, and Bush doesn't seem to know how to get out of his box.
Dems should make sure not to get pulled back into a trap on this, yet to appear as leaders, sensible and forward-thinking.
So, how about we demand that if Bush want any action on Soc Sec this year, he turn the process over to a blue-ribbon non-partisan commission, with each party caucus in Congress selecting it's own membership in the commission?
The deal could say the commission must make consensus suggestions, disclose all financial implications (vetted by CBO and/or others), preserve the 'security' aspect and not include any position on Bush tax cuts in the plan.
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The main point of this would be to avoid a situation where Dems are either forced to vote against even modest changes or instead vote for them but then see them changed in the House/Senate committee after the fact. Ie, avoid triangulation/deception.
So, we could christen it; The Anti-Triangular Commission
Bush is also trying to avoid releasing a plan until politically he has figured out a hook, wedge or pressure tactic that will allow him to ram twisted stuff through. A commission on the other hand would have to present an actual plan, that could be fact-checked by multiple parties, and create lots of lead time before voting and bill-writing mechanics get involved.
What do you think?