Kerry sounds alarm for retirees

[papau]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0409230329sep23,1,2375350.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed

CAMPAIGN 2004: THE CANDIDATES

Kerry sounds alarm for retirees
Bush defends Republican plans to create private Social Security accounts

By E.A. Torriero and Rick Pearson Tribune staff reporters September 23, 2004

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- For the first time in days, Sen. John Kerry on Wednesday moved beyond Iraq and attacked President Bush's plan for private Social Security accounts, saying it would create a windfall for investment companies.

Speaking in Florida, a key battleground state and home to many senior citizens, Kerry said the "health-care system was imploding upon itself" and that the Bush administration's policies have led to record increases in Medicare premiums.

"I want seniors to be able to hold on to their independence and their dignity," Kerry told an audience made up largely of retirees. "I will not cut benefits."<snip>

Later, responding to questions from the audience, Kerry said it was "possible" that if Bush were re-elected the military draft would be reinstated--something Kerry vowed not to do. The Kerry camp also assailed the Bush team for an advertisement depicting Kerry as a windsurfer who shifted positions on key issues.<snip>

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. Bush is killing himself with this issue

the Dems need to hammer it.

[Eurobabe]

2. Why is no one talking about the fact that Bush

raided the SS lockbox for Iraq, how does this affect SS problems today?

[whistle]

3. Privatizing Social Security like allowing HMOs to dominate...

...health insurance costs will sky-rocket, coverage will diminish and many seniors will be left with no retirement, disability or supplemental income after age 65. The cardinal rule or American private enterprise is "raise the price and lower the quality".