First Boomer Applies for Social Security

The baby boom elephant moved a little further along the demographic boa constrictor today when the first boomer applied for Social Security benefits. Kathleen Casey-Kirschling, born at 12:00:01 a.m. on January 1, 1946, is a retired teacher and, a balanced-budget activist tells Bloomberg, "the first drop of rain in the flood."

Some analysts predict the wave of 80 million or so boomers drawing on Social Security and Medicaid will swallow up all government spending within 40 years. The choice between cutting benefits and higher taxes is so disagreeable, says the Social Security Administration commissioner, that "The question ultimately will be: What's the least painful idea?'' (More Kathleen Casey Kirschling stories.)