Reagan didn't flip flop on SS. Where did you get that notion? No politiican in 1980 was calling for the privatization of SS.
Your notion that because it would go into the red, there is nothing we could do?
Not politically. The USG and SS had to keep its legal obligations to the people. What would you have had Reagan do?
That is just foolishness. RR should have began the process of private accounts (thus taking us down the path of doing away with Soc Sec for all but a limited few who would choice to stay on it). He simply kept us in the Gov't ponzi scheme.
I am strongly for privatization, but Reagan couldn't do it by himself and he would have undermined his own political agenda, including rebuilding the military. Based on your comments, I suggest you learn a little bit more on how SS works. I have done my homework.
Because no border or line is ever fully secure. But more is happening with our ports & borders then is openly talked about. Again, you don't have to like that fact, but it is a reality. Just like you didn't have to like the fact that more was going on with the monitoring of conversations (without your knowledge....or the Minuteman's) but it was happening nonetheless.
One of your silliest statements yet. So since no border can be made fully secure, we shouldn't try to make it secure? The reality is that Bush has done very little since 9/11 to secure our borders. We know the bad guys have been coming in because we have captured some of them.
R.R. was a firm believer in private accounts prior to becoming POTUS. You clearly haven't read much of the man's writings.
Not politically. The USG and SS had to keep its legal obligations to the people. What would you have had Reagan do?
Lead! Talk about the necessity of private accounts (which he favored prior to be POUTS). The reality is far fewer people were collecting Soc Sec in 1983 then today (and had far more years until they would be collecting). It was absolutely the right time to lead on the issue. To stop the terrible system of the stealing of wealth from every American family (especially the poor-middle/class).
The Soc Sec scheme was simply at a much more manageable level (especially to start-up private accounts) in the 80s. Doing it now (which GWB has pushed for) will be a much more difficult process.
RR simply refusing to increase FICA taxes would have been the best option. Show the American public it was a ponzi scheme. Show the value of private accounts.
One of your silliest statements yet. So since no border can be made fully secure, we shouldn't try to make it secure?
It is fine to have a conversation...but only if both sides are willing to be intellectually honest during it. I never suggested the above. I simply stated a fact to your question of "why isn't the border secure".
Telling you that no border can ever be made fully secure is completely different then your suggestion that I inferred "we shouldn't even try" or "that the GWB isn't trying at all".
That is pure hyperbole BS. Reality is more is happening on our borders then you are giving credit for....along with surprise, surprise more then the public is aware of in terms of NS (at our ports and borders).
He was a hell of a POTUS, a fine man, a leader (more often then not) and d*mn good CINC. My problem is today, way too many in our base are holding GWB to a much higher standard then held to RR. RR would be the first to call bullsh*t on that.