We need to simplify our argument on SS...

[Dawgs]

Wouldn't it be nice if someone could come up an online calculator to determine current SS payments versus Bush's SS payments. It could be something similar to what you get in a mortgage calculator.

For example-->

User input
-----------------
current income
expected return(Bush's plan)
amount you expect to spend(% of payment)

Results
-----------------
initial investment we would have to make(2 trillion dollars)
expected monthly payment from Bush plan
amount that could be left for inheritence

minor adjustments to current SS
expected monthly payment from current SS
amount that could be left for inheritence

-->

It wouldn't have to be totally accurate... just enough to show how Bush's plan works compared to the current plan. Would this be even possible? From what I understand, those that don't put in alot would get screwed the most... go figure.

If it is possible, and someone's knows the caluculation, I could come up with the site.

Thoughts?

[whistle]

1. It's very simple, social security IS NOT GOING BANKRUPT!

...it will work just fine under the current system of annual adjustmenst of the cap and COL. But, it can work better if all caps are raised to $150,000 or even $250,000 or no cap at all. Then the system Bush is proposing would make sense for young people and still not cut the current recipients benefits. But we democrats could come up with a plan that would pay social security beneficiaries what they deserve.

[Dawgs]

3. I agree, but I think you're missing my point.

You are not going to attract anyone to anything with your statement. That is why I proposed the calculator. If someone argues with you about future payments, you could give them a website that proves it.

[Ganja Ninja]

4. The GOP won't rest until they have created personal accounts.

I propose we create private accounts with out taking the money out of the trust fund by allowing people to hold a portion of the treasury bonds the government now holds. See the proposal in this thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3051409&mesg_id=3051409

[LizW]

2. Al Franken made a good point while ago

He was playing parts of the SOTU and debunking them. He played the clip where Bush claimed that by 2018, the system would be paying out more money than it was taking in. Al said (paraphrasing): and if your system is put in place, Mr. President, the system starts paying out more money than it takes in RIGHT NOW.

That's just a small point, but I get what you're saying. One thing we should mention is that NO ONE can actually compare the current system to Bush's proposal, because no one knows how much benefits will be cut. So even if the privatized account earns at a very good rate, it may not be enough to offset the cut in benefits caused by taking money out of the system.

[whistle]

5. Anything suggested by Bush can be calculated out even if his...

...assumptions are vague. Who has a social security calculator program? Does one even exist? It seems simple enough. Plus what happens when people are thrown out of work for extended periods of time and they can't continue to pay for the private accounts? Won't fees eat them up? It seems like a real "pig-in-a-pock" idea. Bush claims it is his innovative idea. We need to smash it apart for the fraud that it really is and then ram it back down the republican's throats the way they have about Gore's claim to having invented (I think Gore claimed to be the facilitator) the internet.

[Dark]

6. Simple. You WON'T control the accounts. Ken Lay, Tyco, and World Com will.