This is why the president's 2008 budget ought to force a real debate on our retirement program. Individual members of Congress may either support personal accounts or they may not, but we cannot let that be the end of the conversation. Opponents of reform have an obligation to explain not only the reason for their opposition; they must also clearly explain the program changes that they do support.
Ever since AARP and their friends closer to the debate won the first battle on personal accounts, investment proponents have been reaching out to those with differing perspectives with an invitation to "come to the table." The Democratic leadership has stubbornly stayed home, but no one has forced them to explain why. It is time for that to change.
