A few weeks ago on C-Span, there was a live focus group discussion. One topic that came up was the alleged upcoming financial shortfall for Social Security. The panel was pretty much unanimous that they wanted Social Security fixed. But when asked whether they wanted to see increased taxes to pay for Social Security, or decreased benefits, they answered neither. This is quite consistent with other more comprehensive surveys.

I think our elected leaders give us pretty much what we want in regards to Social Security. We know its has serious problems, but we don't want to address it. I think our fiscal situation works pretty much the same way. We want things, but prefer others to pay for it, or hope it simply goes away.

As to this particular topic, all I offer is that 1) any economic plan still has to be approved by the Congress, and 2) If you want to know what sort of tax changes may be forthcoming, you best ask Charles Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means committee. That is where all tax bills originate and nothing will happen that Representative Rangel doesn't sign off on. Rangel certainly wants the wealthy to pay more in taxes. Finally, the fact that both candidates plans support some tax cuts and spending increases in a time of rising deficits, I find myself unable to feel a great deal of enthusiasm towards either.

And lest someone remind me that we need some form of National Health Care or a new comprehensive energy policy, my answer is, you are probably correct. Now how do we pay for it.

Hey, I got a great idea. Lets go back to talking about Sarah Palin.