Dean's column on Social Security this week is excellent.

http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_17623.shtml

SNIP..."The crisis is not in Social Security – the crisis is the “borrow and spend” philosophy espoused by Republicans in Congress and the White House. Leadership which has no willingness or ability to think or act in our long-term interest is not leadership at all.

If America is to continue to be great and strong, we need leadership which is great and strong. We need to be told the truth about our financial problems and we need a plan of action motivated by facts, not scaremongering and propaganda....."

And he makes these suggestions.

SNIP..."The Republicans need to start thinking long term and make the following reforms.

First, stop borrowing from the Social Security Trust Fund to finance tax cuts. These are not real tax cuts; these are tax postponements, which Americans will be forced to pay down the road – with interest.

Second, balance the Federal budget. There are many ways that this can be accomplished, but they all involve tough choices requiring some combination of revenue increases and program cuts. There seems to be no serious effort in Washington to make these tough choices and our country continues to careen toward fiscal catastrophe.

Third, reform the way elections are financed and run. The special interests that finance our candidates’ campaigns make it virtually impossible for our leaders to make good choices for the long term. Fearful of losing this source of campaign funding and their jobs, they keep making bad choices that benefit the special interest at the expense of all Americans. In the end, of course, these leaders lose both their jobs, and their self-respect. And our children’s debt burden continues to rise...."

so intelligent and thoughtful with our problems. I think it's so great the way he trys to help the republicans with their shortcomings.

That simple, clear, direct and unambiguous take on the truth. I LOVE it, I love it so much.

"Tell people the truth." WHAT a concept!