I don't read much Matt Bai, but what I do read, I don't like. This, however, is the last straw. This is David Dayen — you can click through to Matt's trash if you like (my emphasis):
In other words, Social Security cannot run a deficit and will adjust to the available funds. Regardless of whether you think that’s a good idea, the fact is that the program has basically no impact on the budget deficit whatsoever, unless you contort yourself into the lie that paying back the US Treasury bonds in the Trust Fund represents a “raid” on the budget. That’s what Matt Bai did in his preposterous story today, claiming that the $2.5 trillion in the Trust Fund, backed by the full faith and credit of the US government, “is sort of like saying that you’re rich because your friend has promised to give you 10 million bucks just as soon as he wins the lottery.” No, it’s like saying you’re rich because your friend owes you 10 million bucks by force of law.That kind of confusion isn't … confusion. And it's dangerous to call it that. It's agitprop, Movement Conservative behavior, disguised as journalism.
Calling that kind of work "confusion" is like saying the guy in your house with the great big knife is ... "lost."
Matt Bai, you're acting like a Movement Conservative activist, so we'll list you as one. Your table at the operative feast is ready; step this way. If you want to be treated as an honest actor, please provide evidence that you are one.
(Note the lie, by the way, that Dayen calls out; you're going to hear it a lot. The answer? Yes, Virginia, there really is a Trust Fund.)
GP
