Avoid Distractions!

October 2, 2002

In a September 22 article, Toronto Star columnist James Daw writes, "The Monica Lewinsky affair still rankles custodians of the world's largest tax-supported pension system."

Daw argues that former president Bill Clinton was set to push hard for Social Security reform before the infamous Lewinsky affair hit the national scene: "Liberal Democrats were opposed to his pension changes, so to get their support to avoid impeachment, Clinton postponed the package of reforms, insiders say."

The phenomenon of political distractions getting in the way of true Social Security reform is relevant to the current situation writes Daw "George W. Bush is hampered… by the distractions of his war on terrorism and looming Congressional elections in November."

Delays and distractions do nothing to improve the long-term funding crisis facing the current pay-as-you-go Social Security system. As James Lockhart, deputy commissioner of Social Security warns, "reform of Social Security is critical for the long-run health of both the American and the world economy."

Daw emphasizes this fact, pointing out that whatever reforms take place in America, "Canadians will be watching."

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