President Bush assured seniors Tuesday that under his proposed reform, they will continue to receive their Social Security checks.
Nearly 1,500 New Mexicans attended the invite-only morning panel discussion about Social Security changes at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
Bush told the audience he'd address challenges the system faces.
"I believe it's the government's job to confront tough problems, not pass them on to future generations," he said.
He said Social Security isn't strictly a matter concerning older Americans.
"It's about confronting the burden that has been placed on our younger workers," he said. "In 2018, more money will be going out than is coming in."
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UNM student Billy Gupton attended the talk. He said some Americans distrust privatization-- because they fear being excluded from the system. Such fears are based on misconceptions, he said.
"The President doesn't want to privatize all of Social Security," he said. "It's just a portion of it so that more people will receive the money they're entitled to."
Not all those who gathered on Civic Plaza were there to support the president. Dozens of protesters gathered to voice their opposition to Bush's proposed reform.
"Bush is a failure," Bob Cruz said. "He's determined to take this country down the drain by using misinformation to create a fake crisis."
Gupton said the Social Security crisis is a real issue.
"Social Security is headed toward bankruptcy," he said. "Voluntary personal accounts will allow young people like us to save a portion of our own money and have it grow at a rate faster than the current system can provide."
Fidel Vargas, a self-described progressive Democrat from California, spoke about his desire to elevate the discussion on Social Security above partisan politics.
"I agree with my fellow Democrats on most every other issue," he said. "But it bothers me when I hear scare tactics telling seniors they won't get their checks."
Bush said changes to the system will be gradual. He also emphasized the importance of empowering Americans with ownership and said when people own something, they have a greater stake in society.
"It all sounds well and good," Cruz said. "Still, I don't believe a word he says."
Cruz said Bush has proven himself to be a liar, and while he didn't expect to change any minds, it's important that alternative viewpoints are represented.
Bush said Americans expect their elected officials, Democrat and Republican alike, to negotiate with all ideas on the table. Americans expect their government to trust them with their own money, he said.
"If Congress thinks private investment accounts are good enough for federal employees like themselves, it seems they should be good enough for the average worker," Bush said.
