Quin, I agree with you that calling Donald Rumsfeld one of the
best Secretaries of Defense ever, and saying the army needs to be
bigger is quite a contradiction.
But I think
this was the most troubling exchange of the interview:
Just on that point, are you willing to sit down with
Democrats in a commission that puts all the options on Social
Security on the table? Not just reductions and benefits, not just
private accounts, but also some kind of revenue increases, tax
increases?
I don't see how you can move forward without people feeling
comfortable about putting ideas on the table. I have made it clear
that I've got a way forward that can do it and I want to hear other
people's opinions. And that's what Hank Paulson is telling both
Republicans and Democrats. It's going to be very important for
people to feel there can be a full, wide-ranging discussion about
how to move forward.
And specifically, tax increases on the table then?
Well, specifically, personal accounts; specifically,
everything that the Democrats think will work, as well.
Well, they talk about tax increases.
Well, let them; that's fine. They can come to the table and talk
about them. I proposed a way forward that doesn't require tax
increases. Nevertheless, I look forward to hearing their
opinions.
It makes no sense to me why Bush would
even consider raising taxes. What would he gain politically? All he
would do is cut off the one remaining leg he has to stand on among
conservatives.
topics:
Taxes, Hank Paulson
