The fundamental problem is that the public 1. Wants to cut the budget so we don't go broke 2. Punishes anyone who talks about unsustainable retirement, disabi

The fundamental problem is that the public 1. Wants to cut the budget so we don't go broke 2. Punishes anyone who talks about unsustainable retirement, disability, and healthcare entitlement programs. So, they get politicians who try to find a third way, even if it doesn't make a budgetary difference. To get out of this, the public (especially the boomer retiree population) needs to be more mature about the fiscal situation they put the country in and realize they are not living within their means.