Between
Sebastian Mallaby's column in todays WaPo and
Garance Franke-Ruta's commentary on it, we may have the outline of our very own "Harry and Louise" commercial for the Social Security debate.
Garance makes the point
"that Bush's Social Security plan will replace something that's simple and works well with a system that's as complicated and confusing as doing your own taxes."
Mallaby's point is that complexity matters. Rich people pay money to let others simplify their lives - financial planners, decorators, accountants, etc. In a complex world, why introduce yet another unnecessary level of complexity?
Which gives us our commercial.
Harry sitting at the dining room table finishing up his taxes.
Louise walks in. "Harry, you about done?"
Harry: "Just finishing up."
Louise: "Good. When you're done you can start on the 'Private Security Account' paperwork" - dropping a large stack of government forms on the table in front of him.
Makes the point, I think.