Setting Grandma's Hair On Fire

Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme for these young people," said Gov. Rick Perry in his first debate as a presidential candidate. "The idea ... that the current program is going to be there for them is a lie."

Pressed by the moderator, Perry did not back down. He doubled down, calling Social Security a "monstrous lie to our kids."

Is not such language provocative, Perry was asked. Retort: "Maybe it's time to have some provocative language in this country."

Since Barry Goldwater suggested the program be privatized and LBJ ran an ad of a Social Security card being scissored in half, the issue has been "the third rail of American politics." Touch it – and it kills you.

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