>The one specific thing I agree with the Paul Ryans of the world about is entitlement programs like social security and Medicare. We should not be giving money to those who do not need it. But oh boy, don't suggest that. Any politician who seriously suggests that will be hanging in the public square in about an hour.

The problem with means testing Social Security and Medicare is that you undercut the consensus for them. When they're only for "the poor," you'd get the same kind of moaning about "parasites" that you now hear for welfare and food stamps. When they're universal, that doesn't happen.

Tamar