DFL LIES ABOUT PRESIDENT BUSH'S SOCIAL SECURITY PLAN EXPOSED

DFL LIE:

"The Bush Social Security privatization proposal is unnecessary, unaffordable, and unwise. Privatization would make the problem worse, draining trillions from the Trust Fund; would lead to cuts in benefits of up to 46 percent; and would greatly increase the deficit." Source: DFL Party talking points "RHETORIC AND REALITY The President’s 2005 State of the Union Address"

REALITY:

FactCheck.Org Confirms President Bush’s Plan Will Not Cut Benefits For Those At Or Near Retirement. “In fact, Bush has said over and over he won’t cut benefits for anybody currently getting them, or near retirement.” (FactCheck.Org Website, “Liberal Group’s Ad Falsely Claims Bush Plan Would Cut Benefits 46 Percent,” www.factcheck.org , 2/1/05)

For Those 55 And Older, Nothing Will Change. President Bush: “I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you. For you, the Social Security system will not change in any way.” (President George W. Bush, State Of The Union Address, As Prepared For Delivery, Washington, DC, 2/2/05)

Personal Accounts Will Be Voluntary. “[I]ndividuals [will] have the option of not taking a personal account and paying the benefits that the traditional system would be able to pay.” (Senior Administration Official, Press Briefing, 2/2/05)

DFL LIE:


"Have caused the worst fiscal reversal in this nation’s history, turning a $5.6 trillion surplus into a $3 trillion deficit. GOP Social Security proposal will make deficit even worse. Republicans have voted repeatedly against reinstating pay-as-you-go requirements." Source: DFL Party talking points "RHETORIC AND REALITY The President’s 2005 State of the Union Address"

REALITY:

Personal Accounts Would Not Add To National Debt; They “Would Have A Net Neutral Effect On The Fiscal Situation Of The Social Security And On The Federal Government.” “With respect to the fiscal effects of the personal accounts, in a long-term sense … would not create a net new cost for the system. To the extent that people put money in these accounts and invest in these accounts, there would be a corresponding reduction in the government’s liabilities from the Social Security system that is equal in present value to the money placed in the personal accounts up front. 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.” (Senior Administration Official, Press Briefing, 2/2/05)

President Bush Promised To Cut Deficit In Half By 2009, Cut Wasteful Programs, And Keep Spending Increases Under Rate Of Inflation. “[N]ext week I will send you a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation, makes tax relief permanent, and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. My budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 government programs that are not getting results, or duplicate current efforts, or do not fulfill essential priorities. The principle here is clear: a taxpayer dollar must be spent wisely, or not at all.” (President George W. Bush, State Of The Union Address, As Prepared For Delivery, Washington, DC, 2/2/05)