From Fresh Air from WHYY, on National Public Radio
With Ryan's Ascent, A Few Thoughts On 'Entitlement'
By Geoff Nunberg
People are saying that Mitt Romney's selection of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as his running mate creates an opportunity to hold what Ryan likes to call an "adult conversation" about entitlement spending. In the present political climate, it would be heartening to have an adult conversation about anything. But bear in mind that "entitlement" doesn't put all its cards on the table. Like a lot of effective political language, it enables you to slip from one idea to another without ever letting on that you've changed the subject....