Extreme Spin (the pony show)

[rodeodance]

http://www.americanprogressaction.org/site/pp.asp?c=klLWJcP7H&b=100480&lftnav=progressreport

SOCIAL SECURITY
Extreme Spin

Don't let yesterday's surprise speech on democracy by President Bush, surprise press conference by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld or surprise trip to Afghanistan by First Lady Laura Bush distract you. The Bush administration's taxpayer-funded Social Security privatization road show (a.k.a. Bamboozlepalooza) continues. Today is day 28 of the 60-day tour and things aren't going well for the president. A poll by Time Magazine released yesterday revealed just 31 percent of Americans approve of the way Bush is handling the Social Security issue, while 58 percent disapprove. As a result, the administration and its allies are resorting to extreme measures to put a positive spin on their privatization efforts.

BOUNCERS IN DENVER: Although everyone finances the president's Social Security road show with their tax dollars, not everyone is welcome at the "town hall" events. Three Denver residents report "they were forcibly removed from one of President Bush's town meetings on Social Security because they displayed a bumper sticker on their car condemning the administration's Middle East policies." According to the White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, the person who removed them was a volunteer staff member who was concerned "they might try to disrupt the event." The three individuals "said nothing and did not sport T-shirts or signs criticizing the president or his policies." McClellan added, "There is plenty of opportunity outside of the event to express their views."

BLACK LISTS IN FARGO: What happened in Denver was not an isolated incident. Before a February event in Fargo, North Dakota, "more than 40 residents were placed on a "black list" of people who were not to receive tickets because they had expressed opposition to Bush's policies." The White House also blamed this incident on "an over-eager volunteer." Since "volunteers" around the country seem to behave similarly, a reporter asked Scott McClellan yesterday what "marching orders" are given to people at the door by the administration. McClellan replied, "I don't know. I'll be glad to look into it and see what else I can find. I don't know if there's formal marching orders, as you referred to them." (scotie boy still looking!!)

SUPPRESSING TRANSCRIPTS OF CHENEY EVENTS: Vice President Cheney participated in two "townhall" events last Thursday – one in Battle Creek, Michigan, and one in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Contrary to its standard practice, the White House has not released the transcripts. Press coverage of the event suggests the reason. In Battle Creek, Cheney was joined on the stage by Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-MI) who said before the event that "he was not convinced that allowing personal retirement accounts will help solve the problem." At the Pittsburgh event, "Cheney pointed to the experience of federal workers who have the option of placing part of their retirement savings in somewhat similar accounts." But Kim Miller, a resident of Mt. Lebanon, PA, "said that she had been a federal employee and invested in the Thrift Savings Plan, 'and I didn't do well at all.'" Cheney's Social Security events from last Monday and Tuesday, which apparently were more under control, are available on the White House website.

FLUSHING YOUR MONEY DOWN THE INTERNET: In case you have the feeling that you're not getting your money's worth from the administration's Social Security road show, you can take solace in this elaborate website. The administration recently released a report reviewing the first 20 days of the tour. The report provides a unique look at the press coverage of the tour. For example, it includes a link to an article from the Kalamazoo Gazette with the excerpt, "At the back of the stage where Cheney spoke, a sign read, 'Strengthening Social Security for the 21st Century.'" Not linked: An article from the Detroit Free Press which described protesters outside the event who "held a large banner that read, 'Defend Social Security, Privatization Is A Scam.'"
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