Although President Bush is definately not the first President to propose a rather radical change, privatizing social security remains a formidable platform for him. It will, without a doubt, be very tough for him to pull it off. And yes, I'm totally for it.. I don't want to have to pay social security all my life and then turn 62 and find out I get nothing. Private investments are a genius way to keep it running. No body knows where or how to invest your money better than you do. I believe if he is to make the neccessary changes, that it should come quite swiftly. In 2006, we have elections for numerous governors and other officials, but more importantly, the entire House and 1/3 of the Senate is up for grabs as well. The last 2 years of a Presidents term tend not to go so well, especially for a second and final term. Let's take a look at a few of them. Woodrow Wilson, a great President (one of only few Democrats I can say that about). He accomplished alot but failed to win approval of the Versailles treaty ending WW I. FDR failed to pack the Supreme Court and failed (in the off-year elections) to purge his party of conservatives.
Harry Truman had Korea to deal with, Ike was caught lying to the public about the U-2 flights over Russia, Nixon had Watergate, Reagan had Iran-contra and Clinton had Monica. Nevertheless, I believe that this President is above lying to the public or anyone for that matter. He sees no sense in it, as there is none. This is a major contributing factor to the nation being astounded at some of Bush's actions. Take Iraq for example... we did strike rather boldly (and that's how we do things in this country.. it's simple, you talk and negotiate or you better run and hide in a hole). Yet, what was President Bush to do, tell everyone that Iraq is doing fine and that Saddam is a good guy deep down? I hope that if this administration has any premonition on what we're going to do with Iran or Korea, that it be let known immediately... and let the public slowly realize that what seems like irresponsible action is just an excellent decision that takes time to produce results.