Didn't that train derail a few weeks ago?

“We’re looking at putting all the bells and whistles on the Social Security message train,” said Ron Bonjean, spokesman for Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), who himself appeared to be off message last week when he said a Social Security overhaul, including private accounts, may not be possible until next spring. (link)

Bells and whistles -- I know they're always the ultimate deal-makers for me when making life-altering decisions.

And please observe the correct terminology: It's not a plan train. It's a message train.

Just why does Hastert think Social Security demolition may not be possible until next spring?

"Politically," he said, "we probably need to get something done by next spring, a year from now. You can't carry it right up to an election. That's just political dynamite."*

But if private/personal/you-broke-Social Security-now-you-own-it accounts are so very, very wonderful, why are writing and voting on the legislation to create them political dynamite?

You'd think those small-minded, er, small-government-minded Republicans, so enthusiastically elected by appallingly huge majorities of like-minded constituents, would all be scrambling to get themselves proudly listed as co-sponsors of "The Social Security Restoration Act of 2005."

It is puzzling, isn't it.

* Except that now Hastert is claiming he was quoted out of context.