Michael Kinsley

Michael Kinsley

Social Security Fictions

March 18, 2005

Two of the most laughably overvalued words in Washington are "studies show" (right up there with "sources say"). In academia, a study is an occasion for thinking and discussion. In politics, a study means you can stop thinking and cut off discussion.

  • The Meathead Proposition

    February 13, 2005

    Try to forgive my obsession, but here is another proof that President Bush's designs for Social Security cannot work. This one's not mine. I first heard it from the actor/director and liberal activist, Rob Reiner. Like the argument I have been hawking (see latimes.com/proof), this one doesn't merely suggest that Bush is making bad policy, it demonstrates with near-mathematical certainty that the idea he endorses cannot work. Period.

  • Privatization's Empty Hype

    December 26, 2004

    As I wrote last week, I'm convinced that Social Security privatization is not merely a bad idea but a certain failure, and I offered a logical proof, challenging supporters to find the flaw or give up.

  • Let's Face It, Blogs Are Better

    December 19, 2004

    If you're going to peddle opinions for a living, self-assurance is essential. If you don't have it, you need to bluff. People don't want to read a lot of "Oh dear, this is so terribly complicated, I just can't make up my poor little mind…. " Many's the pundit who has retired on full disability after developing a tragic tendency to see both sides of the issue.

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