Iraq looks messier and messier. Gasoline prices have soared. The president's controversial plans for overhauling Social Security give Democrats a big cudgel to hammer Republicans among seniors.

After the Democrats' obstructionist approach to Social Security reform, it is more difficult for them to claim the mantle of fiscal responsibility.

There is sticker shock. It comes after Iraq. We have a time of war, rising deficits, Medicare and Social Security [shortfalls].

The major impact of Sept. 11 on privatization is the disappearance of the Social Security surplus, ... Before the attacks, it was questionable whether we had enough money available to pay for the transition to privatization. This makes the issue even more difficult.

We can set aside a surplus to save Social Security or Medicare, or we can pass the burden of the baby boomers retirement off on to our children,

I believe keeping our promises should be our highest priority and that means saving Social Security and Medicare while preserving the American dream for our children and grandchildren.