Some political bloggers and plenty of newsrooms had snarky fun with GOP gubernatorial candidate Zach Wamp receiving the "coveted" endorsement from Pat Boone on Friday, but there is some substance worth exploring in the press release from the "legendary entertainer" as his 60 Plus Association put it. Wamp got the organizations's "Honorary Guardian of Seniors' Rights" award based upon what the group called his "senior friendly" voting record; the association apparently gives the awards to Democrats and Republicans.
Boone's quote says in part: "As a member of Congress, Zach Wamp has always been counted on to protect Social Security and Medicare. As Governor, Zach Wamp will continue to be a tax cutter, protecting the pocketbooks of senior citizens."
Because people under the age of 40 are not nearly as organized nor as powerful a voting bloc as senior citizens, there is nothing controversial about this endorsement. But it's not a zero-sum game, as many commentators have been pointing out. At some point something must give when it comes to taxes, spending and entitlement programs for retirees. There are lots of ideas about making the budget more sustainable when it comes to these programs -- raise taxes on them, raise the retirement age, apply means-testing, cut services -- but hardly anything approaching a consensus from either party. And though it's unlikely to see an anti-retiree bloc emerge, the algebra is unavoidable -- the more benefits received and fewer taxes levied now will equal fewer benefits received and more taxes levied later. That is, unless the economy grows at some supernatural rate over the next two decades that nobody foresees.
Another point that Wamp's opponents could make regarding this endorsement -- it comes from a group in Alexandria, Va., which might sound nice and Southern-y but is in effect an address that is very much a part of the Wasington, D.C., establishment. Cue the Ron Ramsey anti-D.C. talking points.
Boone's quote says in part: "As a member of Congress, Zach Wamp has always been counted on to protect Social Security and Medicare. As Governor, Zach Wamp will continue to be a tax cutter, protecting the pocketbooks of senior citizens."
Because people under the age of 40 are not nearly as organized nor as powerful a voting bloc as senior citizens, there is nothing controversial about this endorsement. But it's not a zero-sum game, as many commentators have been pointing out. At some point something must give when it comes to taxes, spending and entitlement programs for retirees. There are lots of ideas about making the budget more sustainable when it comes to these programs -- raise taxes on them, raise the retirement age, apply means-testing, cut services -- but hardly anything approaching a consensus from either party. And though it's unlikely to see an anti-retiree bloc emerge, the algebra is unavoidable -- the more benefits received and fewer taxes levied now will equal fewer benefits received and more taxes levied later. That is, unless the economy grows at some supernatural rate over the next two decades that nobody foresees.
Another point that Wamp's opponents could make regarding this endorsement -- it comes from a group in Alexandria, Va., which might sound nice and Southern-y but is in effect an address that is very much a part of the Wasington, D.C., establishment. Cue the Ron Ramsey anti-D.C. talking points.
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