more bush nonsense

From AOLnews :

Bush Will 'Lead' Drive For Changes to Social Security
In Interview, President Sees Aggressive Push for Revamp, Defends Stance on Mideast


President Bush promised to offer an ambitious plan for overhauling Social Security soon, pledging to "provide the political cover" for nervous lawmakers and warning opponents they are "taking a risk politically" by resisting change.
"I have an obligation to lead on this issue," Mr. Bush said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. The president deflected suggestions that he plans to leave it largely to Congress to draft a detailed plan, saying, "I have the responsibility to lay out potential solutions." He declined to delve into specifics, but said, "You'll find out soon."
The president's comments, in his first newspaper interview since winning re-election, suggest that Mr. Bush and his advisers plan to turn up the political heat on members of Congress, many of whom have expressed reluctance to address the issue. Broadly, the administration aims to carve out private investment accounts for younger workers using part of Social Security payroll taxes, while curbing guaranteed benefits that the federal government has promised future retirees.

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So, even though he is still not willing to give more than a vague idea of what he wants to do and even though he has not taken the responsibility for anything that has happened since he became president, he claims that he will lead and provide political cover. Yep, and i have a bridge that i'll sell ya!
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While vigorous in describing his domestic agenda, Mr. Bush was at his most animated when discussing prospects for bringing democracy to the Middle East, an idea he said is being propelled forward by the weekend balloting among Palestinians and the Iraqi elections scheduled for Jan. 30. After the formal 30-minute interview ended, Mr. Bush paused while escorting reporters out of the Oval Office to explain at length his relish at joining what he sees as a historic effort at transformation, amid widespread skepticism about prospects for success among Western governments and even some of his fellow Republicans. "I understand there are many who say, 'Bush is wrong,' " the president said, flanked by incoming National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and other senior aides. "I assume I'm right.
"It's exciting to be part of stimulating a debate of such significance," he went on. "It really is the philosophical argument of the age."

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I guess that he will assume that he is right no matter what the evidence to the contrary! Interesting way to lead!
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Mr. Bush also appeared to be tempering expectations when he said the balloting is the first step in normalization of the country. Though the U.S. at first wanted wide participation in the elections, he said the ultimate test will be constructing a constitution and forming a representative government, the major tasks assigned to the newly elected representatives. "It is really important to keep this election in perspective, that...it's a part of a process," Mr. Bush said. "I'm optimistic for Iraq. ...I'm also realistic about Iraq."

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So, although almost no one agrees with him, and even though we know that he refuses to hear any negative news regarding Iraq, he believe that he is "realistic" about it!
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• On energy, Mr. Bush pointed squarely at nuclear power as a solution to the environmental costs of coal-burning power plants as well as curbing the nation's dependence on foreign energy. "I believe nuclear power answers a lot of our issues," the president said, indicating he thinks Congress needs to lower barriers to its use.
• He praised the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission for tough policing of misdeeds in corporate America, but warned of a danger of squelching investments by going too far. "We've been through a very difficult period, and the Justice Department and SEC have been doing a very good job of sending a clear signal that if you break the law there will be consequences," he said.
But he also called for "balance," saying: "At the same time we are mindful that a system that can become too onerous is one that makes America not the best place in the world to do business." He said of SEC Chairman William Donaldson, criticized by some in the business community for being too harsh in regulating corporate behavior: "I think he's doing a fine job."

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So, by pushing for nuclear power, he wants Congress to lessen restrictions and make it less safe to use.
And he doesn't want to really want to punish any "misdeeds" in corporate America. I guess the "balance" is in making it look like you're doing something but not really hurting any of his corporate friends.
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His ownership initiative also includes Social Security private accounts. On that score, Mr. Bush promised to mount a vigorous effort to fix the problems in Social Security, saying it would be "the big issue that Congress will be confronted with early" this year.
The first step, he made clear, would be his effort to define the huge scope of the problem for current workers. "We will make the case that it is a problem," Mr. Bush said.
He insisted that when it comes to working out a solution with Congress, "all options are on the table," and "all opinions matter." But he also made it clear he would be taking aim at his opponents -- almost certain to include many Democrats. "People are taking a risk politically if they stand up and say it's not a problem," Mr. Bush said. He termed the coming debate "an interesting issue and one I'm looking forward to."
He also said a big theme of his State of the Union address would be how to make sure the U.S. remains the world's best place to do business. Initiatives will include his efforts to accomplish litigation reform on a number of fronts, including asbestos liability, medical malpractice and class-action reform.
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He is determined to "make a case" for his imagined "social security crisis" and if anyone stands up and tells the truth, that there is no crisis, then they "are taking a risk politically"! Well, that's sure to encourage debate. Talk about reaching out to the other side!
And he is planning on doing more for his big business buddies by screwing over the average person by taking away our legal options for confronting the injuries that they cause.
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On the other big U.S. deficit -- the federal budget gap -- he promised his administration will be pushing for "a tough budget."

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I guess his "tough budget" will be tough for all of the American people who rely on benefits that will be cut!
Damn, these are scary times!