Social Security Enlisted to Push Its Own Revision

Over the objections of many of its own employees, the Social Security Administration is gearing up for a major effort to publicize the financial problems of Social Security and to convince the public that private accounts are needed as part of any solution.

The agency's plans are set forth in internal documents, including a "tactical plan" for communications and marketing of the idea that Social Security faces dire financial problems requiring immediate action.

Social Security officials say the agency is carrying out its mission to educate the public, including more than 47 million beneficiaries, and to support President Bush's agenda.


As it has so often done before, the Bush Administration puts its own spin on a Vietnam quote: In order to save the village, it was necessary to destroy it...and to usethe village's own resources to buy the ammunition.