Current Tax Rates Are Insufficient to Finance the Benefits Promised

Current tax rates are insufficient to finance the benefits promised by both the Social Security and Medicare programs. Are these unfunded promises surprising according to economic theory?

A) Yes, political representatives have a strong incentive to levy taxes that are sufficient to cover the cost of all programs they favor.
B) No, the unfunded promises reflect the shortsighted nature of the political process.
C) Yes, political representatives generally favor balancing the government budget because this is best for the economy.
D) No, even though debt financing often makes sense, politicians are reluctant to use it because it will damage their chances of being reelected.