Polls are meaningless unless respondents are presented meaningful choices. Of course, no one wants a reduction in benefits. Many baby boomers have a strong moral claim to benefits given the level of payroll taxes assessed on them. Moral claims do not matter. Realistic alternatives matter. Either we substantially reduce our spending or the dollar implodes crashing the economy. Of course, the left will say that I am fear mongering. Precious metal markets, rumblings from other countries, statements by rating agencies, and the incredible levels of current and project debt indicate that my assessment is accurate.
Here is analogy I would present. Suppose parents have saved for years to buy a vacation home. Just before signing the contract, the parents find out that their savings have been stolen by an unaccountable party. Are the parents entitled to the vacation home? Morally they are entitled. Will they be able to purchase the vacation home? Not unless they have insured their savings or can obtain restitution from the thief. Otherwise, the parents no longer have the assets avaialable.
For entitlements, politicians have already spent the money. No one can provide restitution. I prefer to renounce my benefits for a reduction in my payroll taxes. I would prefer to keep my benefits but I prefer to living off my savings to an economic collapse.
“Precious metal markets, rumblings from other countries, statements by rating agencies, and the incredible levels of current and project debt indicate that my assessment is accurate.”
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Indeed they do.
But the obfuscating emotional propaganda of the Left has no room for factual data, or the logic and rigor of the free market.