It's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack, more nonsense about Social Security. In an article about former Senator Fred Thompson's plans to cut entitlements, the NYT thoroughly intertwines the modest challenge posed by demographics (lifespans have always been getting longer, that is not new), with the problems posed by a broken health care system. As Peter Orszag, the director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has repeatedly pointed out, rising health care costs will have a devastating impact on both the private and public sector if not brought under control.
By contrast, the problems created by longer life expectancies are relatively minor.
This is why it is absolutely outrageous that the article included the flat out assertion about Social Security that "experts say another fix is now needed." Huh? Some names of these "experts" would have been nice here. The program currently is running a surplus of almost $200 billion a year and is projected by CBO to be fully solvent until 2046 with no changes whatsoever. I know economists who want to change the program, but I don't know a single economist who claims that a "fix is needed now."
I’m writing to you today with a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt since I began my journalism career. As executive editor of The American Prospect, I’ve witnessed firsthand how independent journalism serves as a crucial bulwark against the erosion of our democratic institutions. Today, that role is more vital than ever. Can you step up today and show your support?
The winds of authoritarianism are blowing stronger. We’re seeing alarming signs of a coordinated effort to silence critical voices and undermine the very foundations that support progressive causes. As Bob Kuttner presciently wrote in our August 2024 issue, a weaponized IRS could attack the very foundations of the progressive movement. We need readers to step up and help us dig in for the long haul.
We’re falling behind in our spring fundraising campaign, and with so much at stake we can’t afford to come up short. If you value fearless, independent journalism that holds the powerful accountable and defends democracy, now is the time to step up. The American Prospect depends on reader support to stay in the fight. Pitch in today and help us close the gap. Please consider making a donation today.
–David Dayen, Executive Editor
Copyright 2025 | The American Prospect, Inc. | All Rights Reserved
