It seems to me that I detect signs of a subtle shift in the battle to preserve our Social Security. Compromise appears to be the new buzz word in the air. Not making any headway with its direct frontal assault, this hard headed administration is recognizing that the American people are not "buying" their proposals to "improve" Social Security by carving out a portion and diverting it into "private" or "personal" investment accounts.

Now we are hearing and reading more and more talk that the new game plan is to allegedly put everything on the table and "compromise". In simple language."let's make a DEAL".

BEWARE! The temptation to be suckered into compromises to the detriment of the Social Security system is very great. 

New York Times Op-Ed columnist PAUL KRUGMAN in his March 1, 2005 column put it best. He sharply pointed out that "any compromise that created private accounts would turn into a Trojan horse that let the enemies of Social Security inside the gates". In the same article Mr. Krugman points to one example of a possible "compromise" in which a tax increase (raising the cap) would be offered to establish private accounts. They might even agree to make private accounts an add-on to traditional benefits instead of a replacement. Here again Krugman sharply points out the danger. He concedes that "there may be a place for a rise in the payroll tax maximum. Devoting the extra revenue to the trust fund would reduce the overall budget deficit". Then he cautions, if it were used "to subsidize private accounts rather than to bolster the trust fund, it would reduce the budget deficit and it wouldn't help the long run finances of Social Security." To all such companies Krugman says "JUST SAYSNO"!

As I see it, now is the time to put the pressure on and KEEP IT ON. Tell President Bush and your Representatives and Senators.No compromises, no "deals." No selling us out. Contact them today and EVERYDAY until they get the message. It might be a good idea to get this message to President Fallis as well.

Remember, you have to be in it to win it.