Agreed that there is a large variance in the boatloads of policies being presented and their impact but some of them, e.g., reducing spousal benefits, are not.

I don't know where the 21% came from so, I can't speak to that. Again, this is why I try to fact-check anything I'm actually interested in. I'm also not drawing SS yet so this is likely to have a more personal impact on me. :)

I love the Churchill non-quote, btw, and it's historically been pretty accurate.

I'll chalk up our difference of opinion regarding politicians as my being a cynic and you not being one, which is a good thing as it probably makes you a happier person.

I just don't trust the reasoning that they'll fix it because it's in their best interest because there are countless things that are in their best interests to solve that nothing gets done about.

I also don't trust the idea that just because it's been that way in the past, it'll be that way in the future.

Having said all that, I agree something will be done, I just don't have faith that it will be something good. :D

In the end, I approach it the same way that I treat bonuses at a job. Don't count on it and never budget on it, but it's good to have if it's there.

Thanks for having a pleasant and rational conversation! Those feel too rare these days!