In the
main thread on Progress for America's anti-Social Security ad, which uses the image of FDR, I suggested someone dig up quotes from Ronald Reagan defending Social Security. Priority is given to televised quotes - things that can be used in TV ads. I'm of the opinion that Democrats (or an interested pro-Social Security group) should approach the Reagan family for permission to use one of these quotes in an ad. It would make for a fair and ethical point in the debate over Social Security - in contrast to PFA's crass and insenstive graverobbing.
David J got the ball rolling here. Here's the next phase of Operation Gipper. This is from Reagan's 1980 GOP Convention speech, when he accepted the nomination for president.
http://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan/speeches/speech.asp?spid=18
It is essential that we maintain both the forward momentum of economic growth and the strength of the safety net beneath those in society who need help. We also believe it is essential that the integrity of all aspects of Social Security are preserved.
I think that's a slam dunk.
There are more quotes that are less explicit. From Reagan's remarks announcing the commission on social security reform.
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/resource/speeches/1981/121681a.htm
As a candidate in 1980 I pledged that I would do my utmost to restore the integrity of social security and do so without penalty to those dependent on that program. I have honored that pledge and will continue to do so. We cannot and we will not betray people entitled to social security benefits.
...
For too long, too many people dependent on social security have been cruelly frightened by individuals seeking political gain through demagoguery and outright falsehood, and this must stop. The future of social security is much too important to be used as a political football.
Nice, but I see how it could be used both ways.
Now, here are some remarks from the 1984 campaign.
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/resource/speeches/1984/101684a.htm
And we can look, now, ahead into the future for another half a century, and as far as we can see Social Security is on a solid footing. But all through all of that discussion I made it plain that I would never hold still for any change in Social Security that pulled the rug out from the people that were depending on it or from those who are looking forward in the next several years to going on Social Security.
So, I can make that pledge. And I've said repeatedly that the President should never say never, but I will never hold still for, as I say, pulling the rug out from those people that are dependent on that progam.
I think the 1980 speech is a 10/10, and the other quotes have the potential to be great with some editing.
Feel free to contribute. If you want to run a search of Pres. Reagan's speeches, go to the offical site:
http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/resource/speeches/rrpubpap.asp