Means testing is basically a compromise between the two extremes that you offer: fund them completely (by raising taxes) or drop them completely (because they'r

Means testing is basically a compromise between the two extremes that you offer: fund them completely (by raising taxes) or drop them completely (because they're too expensive). That's the best you're going to get in a system where lots of people with vastly differing views have to agree on a single conclusion: a compromise that makes everyone a little bit unhappy.