Reply #9: pretty good, except for

[sandnsea]

"Which you prefer probably depends on your income, other retirement resources, and belief in the purpose of Social Security. If you see it as a safety net to prevent widows, orphans, and the elderly from living in poverty, you might argue that taxes should be raised and/or benefits cut for wealthier Americans. If, on the other hand, you see it as a way for individual Americans to supplement their retirement income irrespective of other resources, you might be inclined toward broader benefit cuts -- and perhaps the possibility for individuals to do better through private accounts."

It isn't a matter of how one chooses to view it. It's a matter of what it is. It's an insurance program to protect your family from poverty if you die, are disabled, or grow too old to work. Period.