We shall make the most lasting progress if we recognize that Social Security can furnish only a base upon which each one of our citizens may build his individual security through his own individual efforts.

Because we made real progress and because in 1998, we said here's our future agenda -- save Social security, keep the economy going, pass a Patients' Bill of Rights, continue to invest in our children's education -- the public responded and we moved closer to being a majority in that historic election in 1998,

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.

Well, let's go back to the original intent of Social Security. It is an insurance contract.