Social Security - Third Rail Politics

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I think we can agree that reform of Social Security is needed. I think we can also agree that it is a "Third Rail".

I would seem to me that a 2nd term President would be more free to tackle a subject like this.

What do you think?

jyl · jyl's Garage

I think it is such a "Third Rail" that first or second term doesn't make a difference. Even if the President doesn't care about re-election, the Congressmen do and they actually vote the new laws.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

I don't get the 3rd rail reference.

The only 'reform' I see happening to social security is a push toward privatizing it, ie handing it over to Wall Street.

304065 · 11-01-2004, 05:44 AM

The "third rail" is a reference to the NYC subway system, where the train runs on two rails, and the third rail carries 750 volts of electricity. You touch it, you die.

The reason it's such a "third rail" is that the voter turnout is highest among older people, who are active about keeping it.

It's pretty ironic that both parties are looking for support among young people in the 18-30 age bracket, the same ones who will be paying for Social Security and Medicare costs.

I wonder why voting doesn't break down along age lines more sharply?

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

The "problem" with a secret ballot is you don't know who is voting for what...Damn those people and the "secret" ballot.

We need more people looking at the big picture and voting...