Tax the Rich

My accountant Found a niche; Lowered my taxes, Though I’m rich. Taxes, like death, may be certain. Unlike death they can be finagled. Finagling works best if you’re rich and can join with brethren to hire accountants, lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians to...

Four Hundred Thousand Reasons to Vote

They say that the definition of a political gaffe is a politician caught telling the truth. Recently, former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson got in trouble for speaking his mind about Social Security. Simpson, the co-chair of President Barack Obama’s task force on...

Elders’ Safety Net Could Fray After Nov. 2

Stores are already full of Halloween costumes and scary stuff for October 31. TV stations are gearing up for reruns of “Nightmare on Elm Street” and its many sequels, when Freddy Krueger will revisit us again and again. But what really ought to terrify...

Happy Birthday, Social Security

Social Security, created by FDR in the midst of the Great Depression, recently turned 75. If she were a person, this 75-year-old would probably appreciate the monthly check, which keeps 13 million elderly Americans out of poverty. Myself, I’m several decades...

Social Security in the Eye of the Beholder

Social Security is in trouble, but not because of any fundamental imbalances, OtherWords partner Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), says, citing the Aug. 5 broadcast of CNN’s Situation Room program. It’s just under attack by ideologues....