You cannot possibly improve the national debt and deficit without discussing possible adjustments in these the three largest entitlements. Sure no one wants to touch these third rail entities but we are beyond doing what we want to do, and are now at the point of doing what we have to do. The goal is saving the government from financial ruin, not making sure everyone is happy with their level of entitlements.
source: http://hotair.com/archives/2011/03/28/durbin-social-security-reform-a-deal-killer-for-budget/