Some left-wing group known as Democracy for America has announced that it will take a page out of the Tea Party playbook and work in the 2012 elections to defeat any congressional Democrats who support the recently released budget-cutting plan by the Democratic members of the so-called “supercommittee.”
Just what they need on Capitol Hill, a bunch of liberals taking a stab at brinksmanship at a time when the supercommittee is making no progress.
This is not playing into politicians’ worst fears, this is encouraging cowardice.
The Democratic plan is fairly modest, chopping $3 trillion from future deficits through spending cuts and tax hikes. And it does take a $500 billion whack at Medicare.
But, Does Democracy for America need a reminder that experts say $4 trillion is the minimum amount needed to make a significant dent in the long-term U.S. debt, the kind that would make the U.S. and overseas markets take notice?
Are these lefties really suggesting that entitlements, which comprise about two-thirds of the budget, should be untouchable?
Beyond the mass of Baby Boom retirees that will be entering the Social Security and Medicare system over the next three decades, how is it that Democracy for America cannot accept the simple math involved in the demographics and actuarial projections that steer these huge programs?
One example: The newest estimates by top scientists indicate that a child born in 2011 has a 50-50 chance of living to 100. Obviously, that means a lot of people in the future will be reaching 105 and 110. And centennial birthdays will be common over the next few decades.
What’s more, I’ve got to believe that a 100-year projection such as this has to be on the conservative side. Just imagine scientists in 1911 trying to foresee the medical advances that are in place today.
Who can even imagine what 3011 will bring?
More importantly, how can we refuse to gradually change an entitlement system that’s well on its way to providing 30 or 40 years of benefits but was originally designed to offer assistance for about 10 years?
