Shrinking Tax Base and Social Security

I have read several articles recently about our state struggling because of a smaller tax base. I read the same about our Fed govmt as well. There are articles on "market watch.com" about the coming doom of SS because of the recent recession (which is causing the smaller tax base).

So what do you think will help solve the shrinking tax base? Will it also help solve the Social Security shortfall? Will jobs come back?

Of course, we know the obvious answer is the Fair Tax. Our current leaders on Capitol Hill just will not relinquish the power to see a simple answer. What they see as the answer is higher taxes, extended retirement age and reduce benefits for SS.
I speak to our neighbor who is a widow and retired, and she feels the pinch already of the higher taxes and fees she has been faced with now. She can't afford any more taxes!

I hope Nov 2010 brings better choices so we can push the current congress out on their ears!