Should Social Security be eliminated entirely?

[revots33]

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The rich guy paid in too, and he paid in more than the poor guy, so the intent is that the system be progressive that way, rather than just banning rich people from getting benefits.

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Fair enough, but then what is the purpose of social security/medicare? Is it the "safety net" politicians love to talk about, or is it a forced savings plan? If it is a forced savings plan, surely the rich guy could have done better with his hedge fund or whatever investments he chose.

[mosdef]

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The rich guy paid in too, and he paid in more than the poor guy, so the intent is that the system be progressive that way, rather than just banning rich people from getting benefits.

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Fair enough, but then what is the purpose of social security/medicare? Is it the "safety net" politicians love to talk about, or is it a forced savings plan? If it is a forced savings plan, surely the rich guy could have done better with his hedge fund or whatever investments he chose.

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It's a forced savings plan designed with redistributive properties that serve to act as a safety net. The rich guy would do much better having invested his own money, and probaby would have even done better investing the money that was left over after some was given to the poor guy. The poor guy probably would do better investing as well.

[Dan.]

Where's natedogg? I'll see how I can do in his stead:

"Yes.

-natedogg"

[Archon_Wing]

I wouldn't mind it if you could opt out, but you can't and the system is about to be bankrupt too. That doesn't really put much confidence in me regarding the government's ability to handle money for anyone, much less give them help.

[ShakeZula06]

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The safety net needs to be there.

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You seem concerned. You and people that agree with you can do that if you want. Don't force millions of people that would rather spend their money elsewhere to participate.
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but older people (the workers and taxpayers of years gone by) definitely both need and deserve it.


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Subjective valuation.

[Phil153]

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The safety net needs to be there.

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You seem concerned. You and people that agree with you can do that if you want. Don't force millions of people that would rather spend their money elsewhere to participate.

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Should I say the same about the police?

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but older people (the workers and taxpayers of years gone by) definitely both need and deserve it.


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Subjective valuation.

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No, simply a recognition of taxes paid in the past.

[ShakeZula06]

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The safety net needs to be there.

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You seem concerned. You and people that agree with you can do that if you want. Don't force millions of people that would rather spend their money elsewhere to participate.

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Should I say the same about the police?

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Say what?

[GoodCallYouWin]

That the saftey net needs to be there obviously! Don't worry, the police will catch you when you fall... then beat you.

[MyTurn2Raise]

in theory...yes it should be eliminated


however, I'm OK with the 'safety net' as it keeps the masses in-line and from revolting for more revolutionary interventions upon what I do with my life.

[maxtower]

It will probably have to morph into a welfare plan rather than a benefit for all, since the current system will bankrupt itself.