Social Security

It's such a paradox these days. It certainly is a "social" program in that everyone contributes for the greater good.. but there isn't much "security" to it these days. The ironic thing about it, is that it was created mainly as a counter to people's mistrust of the stockmarket, following the great crash of 1929, and now President Bush wants to make personal investment a cornerstone of a newer, better Social Security program.

If you ever hear a politician speak publicly of a "Social Security Lock Box" or "Trust Fund", immediately throw the nearest brick through your TV, even it's a cool plasma or bigscreen. There is not a "trust fund" or "lock box". If there ever was, all it would be filled with is I.O.U.'s. Our congressman and senators continue to rob this money to pay for other things that they want. I'm actually in favor of the concept of personal investments, but I don't think the President has found a good way to bridge the gap and that will ultimately prove him unsuccessful in his efforts. Even Republicans are publicly saying they will support tabling the idea for now, and that's big considering the Bush Administration's ability over the last 5 years to have people toe the line.

Social Security is definitely broke, and there are really only two ways to fix it: Fund it more by increasing taxes, or find a way for personal investments to work.

Given those two choices, I say we try the second way first.