'Understanding the SS Debate' Seminar for Journalists,Nashville, May 20

[paineinthearse]

Two related press releases concerning the 'Understanding the Social Security Debate' Seminar for Journalists

'Understanding the Social Security Debate' Seminar for Journalists in Nashville May 20

5/16/2005 3:03:00 PM

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To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor

Contact: Kashmir Hill of the National Press Foundation, 202-663-7282 or [e-mail]

News Advisory:

-- A no-cost, half-day seminar for journalists, May 20, at the Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center in Nashville, Tenn., underwritten by a grant from the Ford Foundation

The nation is now launched on the most important domestic debate in decades: whether to change Social Security. Designed to inform in a balanced and interesting way, but not to advocate any specific viewpoint, the seminar will feature speakers recognized as national experts but with different perspectives. The National Press Foundation and the National Academy of Social Insurance, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, present the following agenda:

8:30 a.m.: Breakfast Available

9 a.m.: Welcome – Nolan Walters, director of programs at the National Press Foundation

9 - 10:15 a.m.: An Aging Society – Robert Rosenblatt, senior fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.: How Social Security Works – Edith Fierst, former partner, Fierst & Moss, PC

12 - 1:15 p.m.: Debate on Private Accounts:

In favor - William Beach, director, Center for Data Analysis, Heritage Foundation

Opposed - Bill Spriggs, senior fellow, Economic Policy Institute

The program will look at the fundamentals of Social Security, examine how government programs fit into retirement, and include a debate on the merits of private accounts in the Social Security system.

The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. until 1:15 p.m., at the John Seigenthaler Center, First Amendment Center, 1207 18th Ave. South, Nashville, Tennessee 37212. Parking available in Vanderbilt University Zone One, Parking Lot 76, across the street from the center. Directions and parking instructions will be provided to registered participants.

NOTE: There is no cost, but reservations are required. To attend, you must be a print, broadcast or online journalist, an active freelancer or journalism student. Students will be admitted on a space-available basis. A light breakfast will be served.

To reserve a seat contact [e-mail]. Call Kashmir Hill at 202-663-7282. Provide name, affiliation, address, telephone, email and fax. Additional seminar will be held June 10, University of Texas, Austin.

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The National Press Foundation -- http://www.nationalpress.org -- and the National Academy of Social Insurance -- http://www.nasi.org - - are non-profit, non-partisan educational foundations.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

&

DeLay Welcomes Wexler to Social Security Debate; Democrat Faces Criticism from Own Leaders for Stepping Forward

5/16/2005 2:30:00 PM


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To: National Desk

Contact: Dan Allen and Shannon Flaherty, 202-225-4000, both of the Office of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay

WASHINGTON, May 16 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today welcomed House Democrat Robert Wexler's (D-Fla.) plan to introduce Social Security legislation.

The Associated Press recently reported, "Wexler said he had twice spoken with Pelosi about his plan. While he would not reveal her reaction, he said, 'It would be wrong to assume it was a receptive conversation.'" (Glen Johnson, "Florida Congressman Offers First Democratic Social Security Fix," Associated Press; May 13, 2005)

"For months, Republicans in the House and Senate, as well as the president, have asked Democrats to offer ideas instead of partisan attacks, and solutions instead of politically motivated criticism. Although I don't agree with the Social Security legislation Congressman Wexler plans to introduce, I welcome his efforts to join the debate to strengthen and preserve Social Security," DeLay said.

"Republicans have enjoyed broad bipartisan support on many of the initiatives we've moved through the House already this year. While Republicans have led the way, Democrats in leadership have continued their efforts to obstruct our agenda. It was only a few weeks ago that Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi prohibited any Democrat from joining Republicans in a meeting with representatives of the AARP to discuss Social Security. Today's actions by Congressman Wexler illustrate once again how out of step Minority Leader Pelosi is with her rank-and-file members.

"Congressman Wexler's actions today represent the first of what will probably be many defections by rank-and-file Democrats who shun their leadership's continued obstruction. I welcome any Democrat, no matter what their ideas, to join Republicans in our efforts to find solutions to strengthen and preserve Social Security," DeLay said.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

[ibid]

1. Right wing teach-in for the media" - only one actuary seems to

be speaking.

http://www.nasi.org/ site does include many papers by actuaries - but none seemed to address the Bush plan's problems, or the easy solutions to the 40 years from now "possible problems" in Social Security.

Speakers are listed as:
* William J. Arnone, Partner, Human Capital Practice at Ernst & Young
* Laurel Beedon, Senior Policy Advisor, AARP Public Policy Institute
* David John, Research Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
* Tim Kane, Bradley Fellow in Labor Policy, The Heritage Foundation
* Robert Rosenblatt, Senior Fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance
* Maya Rockeymoore, Vice President, The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

where Arnone has indeed written truth about Social Security.

[paineinthearse]

2. Look again

Economic Policy Institute vs. Heritage Foundation is like Red Sox vs. Yankees.

[ibid]

3. I see a truth telling actuary listed, and actuarial papers listed , but

the actual speakers list seems to be missing the E&Y fellow.

I grant you ESI is not Heritage! :-)

[ibid]

4. Bill Spriggs is a solid economist and Edith Fierst a solid lawyer - and

I expect they will be able to hold up the truthful side of the debate

:-)