What the American People Think: Social Security

[Yeggo]

Four main points when it comes to what the American people have to say about Social Security: http://conversation101.squarespace.com/social-security/2010/11/11/polling-interlude-social-security.html

1 - they think it's in financial trouble

2 - they don't want benefits cut: if raising taxes can solve the crisis they perceive SS to be in, that's the way they want to go - raise taxes, don't cut benefits

3 - they don't want to be forced to put their Social Security into the stock market. If OTHER PEOPLE want to, that's cool. As long as it's not them.

4 - they think it's socialism. Really.

So, to put it in a nutshell "keep your government hands off my Social Security!" isn't just a punch line, it's where the public is.

[Drale]

1. It is socialism

but socialism is not the curse word that republicans want everyone to think it is.

[Yeggo]

2. I agree...

It's people helping people who don't happen to be them. It that's socialism, sign me up

[DURHAM D]

3. Part of the reason they think SS is in trouble is because -

over and over again Obama said "SS and Medicare" are in trouble. He did it during the primary and continued it through the election.

Obama is a Judas Goat.

[exboyfil]

4. 3 shows a lack of understanding of Social Security

Anyone making over about $50K is subsidizing the system. It is meaningless to talk about opting out a portion of your money to go into the stock market. I guess you could come up with some formula that takes the subsidization into account (such as you contribute 4%/4% and give up all future benefits). The problem is that, if it does not go well, the state is not going to let you starve - SSI will still be available.

Anyone making less than about $30K would be insane to ever think about the stock market. S.S. is the best deal you are going to ever have. Run the numbers using Treasury bonds as the return rate and price an inflation adjusted annuity.