Replace political posturing with real solutions

Tom Keller, Henderson

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 | 2:03 a.m.

Washington has always had its political differences, but the politicians used to be able to apply common sense when a problem demanded it. Now we are in deep financial trouble, and they would rather let the country burn than solve the problem.

Everybody knows that entitlement reform, and probably some tax increases, will have to be parts of the solution. That includes Social Security, which is spending more than it takes in.

But the proposals for fixes that don’t become effective until well after the next election, or that are based on unrealistic future cost reductions, are just smoke. And side issues such as abortion don’t belong in the discussion.

Social Security and Medicare benefits must be means-tested, starting now. Higher income taxes should be considered for athletes, CEOs and entertainers with million-dollar paychecks.

Smoking should be outlawed, saving hundreds of billions of dollars in health care costs. Our future depends on replacing the arrogant, dumb political posturing with real problem-solving.