A blueprint for a fiscal deal

It seems to me that House Speaker John Boehner and President Barack Obama can close the deal and avoid the "fiscal cliff" ("Progress elusive in fiscal talks," Dec. 14). The Republicans need to agree to increase the taxes for the wealthiest 2 percent while the Democrats need to agree to increase the age for Medicare eligibility from 65 to 67 — perhaps by three months a year beginning in 2015. The early retirement age for Social Security also needs to be increased from 62 to 65 — also by three months a year beginning in 2016. This will give anyone thinking about taking early retirement three years to plan.

December 18, 2012