Nature abhors a vacuum

Writing in the Houston Chronicle, Michael Tanner asks: “How would you fix Social Security, Sen. Kerry?”

When it comes to Social Security reform, John Kerry is clear about what he is against.

``I will not privatize Social Security,'' he declared in his acceptance speech to the Democratic National Convention. ``I will not cut benefits.'' The Democratic Party as a whole takes the same position through its party platform: ``Democrats believe in the progressive, guaranteed benefit that has ensured that seniors and people with disabilities receive a benefit not subject to the whims of the market or the economy. We oppose privatizing Social Security or raising the retirement age.''

It is a clear, resounding message... that says absolutely nothing about what Sen. Kerry or the Democrats would do to solve Social Security's looming financial crisis.

Kerry’s entire campaign is built on “not Bush.” Eventually, he’s going to have to come up with some answers of his own.