e special interest lobbyists hounding them in the halls of the Capitol. The Congressmen instead did most of their work behind closed doors and with the entire consituency in mind. Social Security reform will affect the entire population and therefore an influx of special interest lobbyists will deter legislators from making fair decisions. Congress must take independent research and ignore the beltway insiders who will try to tilt the legislation in their favor. This must coincide with a bipartisan, equal-sided approach to reform. Just as in 1986, the President must include provisions to ensure the other party’s vote. Complete privitization will not pass, just as focusing on lowering benefits or raising taxes alone will not pass. Instead, facets of both policies must be integrated. A number of bullets, comparable to Reagan’s plan for tax reform, should be instituted. Note the following points:No change in age requirement for receiving benefitsNo significant tax increaseAtleast a percentage of each FICA tax enrolled in a combined stock optionEqual distribution of new expenses and new benefitsGranted, these are only ideas, but a list similar to the above must be in place to ensure bipartisan support. Powerful Congressman like John McCain and Ted Kennedy will have to speak out and be willing to close the door on their special interest friends. The special-interest lobbyists cannot be allowed to sway the legislation. Just as Representative Rostenkowksi did, a Congressman will have to step up and “open the floodgates” and notify the public of crooked colleagues and lobbyists. Morris 17A Final PushIn 1986 it was Reagan threatening his Republican colleagues. When Social Security Reform reaches the floor, the President or a powerful member of Congress must stand up and force the issue to be debated in public on the floors of Congress. The public and the media will be everywhere and one person or two modera...
