General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Repeat after me - benefit. Ben-e-fit. Benefit. Social Security is a BENEFIT. [View all]Maplegrass
(41 posts)You can live in any universe you want (that is your right), but Social Security is a welfare program paid for by incoming receipts which are directly distributed to existing beneficiaries. It is a tax. There are no "individual accounts" and it is not any kind of "insurance program." No insurance plan in the private sector works similarly - and we should be proud of that fact, instead of trying to hide it. American Social Security is the single most effective social welfare program in the history of the world - why are we ashamed to say so?
The only reason is fear of right-wing demonization, which we have to get over. It is time to stand up for what we believe, or Social Security will be bargained away in the same manner AFDC was under Clinton.