Social Security

Andrew Sullivan is going on about the need to reform social security. Ezra responds with some actual data and facts (and charts!). And here's Sullivan's retort,

Social security spending is to Democrats as defense spending is to Republicans. Fiscal conservatives - not equatable with either group - know we have to tackle all of the above.

Social Security is setup in a manner that "fiscal conservatives" should embrace - it's funded by a dedicated tax! The revenue to fund it comes wholly from a specific tax on wages. In other words its self-sustaining. Defense spending is, of course, not.

This is a classic example of Washington thinking about "centrism" and "seriousness." Pick a popular bit of spending from the right and a popular bit of spending from the left, declare them both equally bad and demonstrate your Seriousness by stating that Reform Is Needed.

It's pure nonsense of course but that's the way the game is played by our Serious Intellectuals. Sullivan doesn't like the idea of Social Security and that's fine, he's entitled to his opinion. But he shouldn't pretend as though his qualms with Social Security are related to budget and spending concerns. I suppose its easier to be taking seriously if you furrow your brow over spending than if you furrow your brow over helping old people eat and pay their bills.