You don't seem to under our constitutional system and what powers the President has. Congress must reform these programs. Unfortunately, they lack the courage to do so because of political expediency. I agree that it should be our #1 priority because entitlements will consume most of the federal budget leaving very little discretionary funding.
We had this opportunity in 1983, but Congress and Reagan took the easy way out and raised SS taxes and reduced the benefits, including raising the retirement age to 1967. They kicked the can down the road rather than provide real solutions for an unsustainable program. SS has a projected $12.7 trillion liability and Medicare/Medicaid are in worst shape.
This is why many conservatives disagree with this admin. The focus and the priorities and the agenda are not "America First".
Don't heap all the blame on Bush. It should be shifted to Congress and the voters who don't want reform. Bush has done more to educate the American public about the looming dangers of the entitlement programs than any President in history.
Agreed, but the POTUS has the bully pulpit and means to get Congress focused.
Here is just one small example: The State of the Union Address is nationally televised. President Bush could have made this his very first demand in a firm tone for all the nation to hear. POTUS has the power to get Congress focused.
Instead, Bush made aid to Africa his very first statement at one SOTU. That clearly shows a lack of focus and proper priotities.