Quick Questions for the Blogisphere

Trotting through the usual governmental political rhetoric, I found W mentioning how old he is. Incidentially, he miss spoke yet again saying he would be 60 in 2008. He caugh himself, but hey, if the man can't remember his own birthday - zoiks! Here's the question: Do you think W has ever contributed to Social Security in the usual way?

I don't think he has ever had a regular job. And, what ever jobs he has had were minimal, or perhaps he only did them for a short time (oh, don't forget, is questionable as to whether or not he actually performed certain jobs like the one with the National Guard).

The reason why I ask is that the folks who seem most adiment about killing social security or medicare are those who have not contributed to those programs or are so wealthy, they have no need for them. Am I wrong? Lastly, is it just me, but it seems like the military budget is one we know for sure is "growing faster than our ability to pay for them." It is questionable as to whether or not that is the case for social security or medicare as the President would have you believe.

The bigger challenge to this budget is the long-term deficits driven by mandatory spending, or what they call "entitlements." And these entitlements include Social Security and Medicare, both of which are growing faster than our ability to pay for them. The cost of these programs are growing faster than the economy. The cost of these programs are growing faster than the rate of inflation. The cost of these programs are growing faster than the population is growing. It's unsustainable growth, because a lot of people like me are getting ready to retire. (Laughter.) In my case, I turn 60 in 2008 -- that's a convenient date for me -- (laughter) -- 62 in 2008; 60 this year, unfortunately.