The New "Third Rail".

[no_hypocrisy]

Social Security used to be the political Third Rail to both parties. Touch it and you will die an intense and painful death.

Now that it's no longer taboo to even consider "tweaking" SS (age of eligibility increased to 67, cost of living adjustments), there is no fear how much "adjustments" can be applied. Perhaps to the point of the program no longer serving its purposes when there is A) insufficient funds to distribute and/or B) the new rules render it ineffective.

So, the new Third Rail has become apparent during this "crisis" of raising the debt ceiling while pre-emptively drafting a new budget months before the topic is on the House's agenda. And the new Third Rail is the three wars we are prosecuting simultaneously. Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. Even removing one isn't enough for significant reduction to the budget and hence, the debt.

With the exception of Dennis Kucinich and Bernie Saunders, nobody in either House wants to "go there". Because of the list of "evils" if we reduce the military budget. Terrorists in Times Square. Taliban returning to govern Afghanistan. Lost oil leases in Iraq.

Keeping U.S. skin in the game is more important than protecting vulnerable citizens who are disabled, elderly, sick, and poor. And taking away their subsidies also removes their hopes of longevity, dignity, and ability to participate in our society.

The fact that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid were even on the table amazes me. As though they were hostages that could be bargained for.

If the war budgets were just as likely to be considered up for reduction, you might find there magically isn't a debt ceiling crisis after all.

[daa]

1. Those that believe that will soon be unemployed reps. nt

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Evidence toward my premise.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1605202

[joeglow3]

3. I think the new third rail is the impact seniors have on health care

Strip away every penny of insurance companies profits, executive pay, advertising expenses, etc. and you will STILL see health care costs shooting. The reason is the MASSIVE drain we all have on the system in the final years of life, coupled with the huge demographic shift we are experiencing. Unfortunately, when people try to have an honest discussion about it, hacks like Palin will scream "death panels" so the can capitalize politically.