RE: Why should Social Security reform happen now?

[National Dialogue Moderator <moderator>]

We should address this crisis now, first and foremost, because Social
Security is headed for bankruptcy and every year we delay is less time to
make important changes.  I believe it is irresponsible and immoral not to
address such problems before they threaten the livlihoods of millions.
Furthermore, I think there is a confluence of forces at the moment that
make this an unusually good time for reform.  The president has made
saving Social Security his number one priority and pledged to work with
the Congress to get the job done.  He and I are both in our last two years
in office, and we want Social Security reform to be part of our respective
legacies.  Thanks to Republican fiscal discipline the past few years, the
federal budget is running a surplus and the economy has been growing
rapidly, both of which makes transitioning to a new public pension system
more bearable.  In addition, there are many other priorities for our
government -  like reducing the federal debt and reducing the taxes - that
become difficult, if not impossible, to face until the Social Security
problem has been solved.  As we begin the 21st Century we need to get on
with reforming Social Security into a system that will work well and be
healthy for at least the next 75 years without raising taxes or cutting
benefits.   Finally, one must remember:  Important debates like this one
often take years before they reach resolution in Congress.  While I am not
sure we will be able to pass Social Security reform this year, it is time
to get set this important debate in motion.  The longer we wait the more
difficult the solution will be.  "If not now, when?  And if not us, whom?"

Bill Archer