Best way to reform Social Security?

[Franzl]

I don't think he really cares that much.

Actually, I'm surprised he isn't advocating complete abolition.

[Franzl]

I don't think he really cares that much.

Actually, I'm surprised he isn't advocating complete abolition.

I think you are right, but I was trying to point out the unrealistic nature of his proposal.  Americans will stand for blacks, hispanics, and assorted unemployed starving to death in the streets, but they won't stand for the huge percentage of olds who would die this way without Social Security.  Not only too unseemly but it is hard to pretend you won't also be old.

You've got a point there, yes.

[Franzl]

You've got a point there, yes.

On the other hand as he has demonstrated they will just say 'oh they didn't plan ahead'.

You know I disagree with you pretty frequently, but I think you're absolutely correct that for many people, it is impossible to "plan ahead". I think some people are at fault themselves: I'm sure you'll agree that some people do try to live beyond their actual means, but it's definitely not true for a majority.

DWTL, however, as most libertarians, is quite naive.

[Franzl]

I don't think he really cares that much.

Actually, I'm surprised he isn't advocating complete abolition.

There no good reason as to why given extensive amounts of time people cannot plan for retirement.  Sure, there are some people that live on minimum wage paycheck to paycheck, but there is no complete abolition.  The number will certainly be enough to live on, and other than that there are plenty of private charities.

Absolute nonsense.

There are many many people that are not able to "plan" for retirement, because they are forced to spend their entire paycheck in order to get by.

And private charities...don't get me started on that.

[Franzl]

...but I think we can all agree that if we keep the current plan going, were screwed. 

No!  Thats just right-wing propaganda.  The current plan is great, we just need to increase taxation of the wealthy, who have been getting away with not paying social security taxes, and increase benefits for the poor.

Indeed, the system itself is in good shape. We will need to raise taxes somewhat to continue funding it, however.

We're lucky we have such a high birth rate, because social security really is in trouble in countries like Germany (where the birth rate is under 1.5). The birth rate in the U.S. is more than 2.0 per woman, basically ensuring that the system itself will survive.