Proving that he is indeed open to any
new ideas to save Social Security, President Bush yesterday looked at the
table. "I keep telling everyone that all ideas are on the table," said the
president, and when I checked last night, sure enough, there they were."
Granted, there weren't that many ideas, and most
of them could be tossed after a cursory reading. There was one that struck
Mister Bush's fancy, however. A proposal by Senator Harry Reid of Nevada
that would allow all workers to invest a portion of their retirement in a
lottery account.
FGAQ spoke to the Senator about his proposal
at the Claim Jumper Restaurant, whose braised Red Ale ribs "are
probably some of the best you will ever eat", according to Mister Reid. "Scuse
me, I've got my mouth full right now... Mmm. Here, try these beans. These
beans are magic, the flavors jus stage a riot in your mouth, don't they.
Mmm. Social security? Yeah, I'm for saving it. Big time, I'm a long time
supporter. You know how I've been against these private investment accounts
- you know, I always say we shouldn't gamble with social security. Pass the
rolls, please. Well, it occurred to me, what the heck am I talking about?
People like to gamble, and people like social security, so why the heck not
let them invest part of their retirement in a lottery account. Is that a
cool idea or what? You're not only taking care of the folks, you're
entertaining them at the same time."
"Why the heck not" seems to be the reaction
of many of the nations lawmakers, who have offered bilateral praise for
Reid's idea. "It's a corker," said Senator Trent Lott. "Let's give credit
where credit's due. This is a victory for the people." |
