For me, D&O has two on the list that I am sceptical about.
1. A consumption tax is no good. Mainly because you cannot make it progressive enough. Billionaires would need to be profligate to make an adequate contribution. That is unlikely. And in fact a consumption tax encourages saving, which isn't always good for an economy. Anything that exacerbates inequality isn't solving the right problems.
2. The focus on moochers. That is a small problem in an economy that isn't creating enough jobs. A large proportion of the poverty issue results from macro economic failures and bad luck. If the Republicans permitted infrastructure spending and a massive government jobs program, then I might complain. But right now, helping people is the right thing to do. Obviously, if you can easily define the freeloaders then like D&O I am against them. But actually, it is impossible to know. I assume many people are legitimately down on their luck right now.
Last but not least. My own concerns re SS date back to 2000. But I have thought the architecture was needed forever. Hence a long run dilemma. But finally the lack of noticeable demand makes me think I may be wrong about the trust system's value. I hardly follow the conversation - my only interests in wave are revenues and cash at this point.
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