A ‘Tweak’ to Fix Obamacare? That’s a Red Flag

Here’s a little diversion to pass the time as you endure Washington’s policy debates. Listen for phrases like “All we have to do” or “We need just a small tweak” or “There’s a really simple fix.” Then watch to see what happens. Whatever that person is proposing will prove to be really, really costly -- politically or fiscally or both.

On some endless panel discussion, I once pointed out that fixing Social Security’s funding problem would probably involve some combination of tax increases and benefit cuts for future recipients. A very indignant left-wing commentator of some note got up and lambasted me, saying “All we have to do is raise the payroll tax cap.”