Entitlement Reform

Entitlement reform is one of these perennial topics of discussion in politics with the usual theme: Yes, we must reform Social Security and MediCare. What is usually forgotten is that those two items are not entitlements. Rather, they are benefits that were paid for with paycheck deductions.

But, goes the counter argument, those programs are out of or nearly out of funds. To which one should reply: Yes. That is true because Congress spent all the money on other programs. So, Congress can now raise funds by, perhaps, selling off public lands. Certainly not by putting a greater burden on the taxpayer or taking away the benefits retirees have paid for.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Kristol Clear

I had been getting an email newsletter from Bill Kristol (Kristol Clear). In a recent mailing, Kristol allowed as how he couldn't support Donald Trump. That he and all the other conservatives would likely rally around an independent Republican for president. So, I rebuked him saying he would do well to remember the fate of the Whig party.

That was the last I've heard from him.