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.