Fixing Social Security

For the last couple of years we have been hearing a lot of talk about how much trouble the social security program is in, and if you listen to the jerks in Congress (from both parties) you might think it's a problem that's nearly impossible to fix. The Republicans would like us to believe the only thing that can be done is to blow the program up and privatize it (leaving it at the mercy of the stock market).

The Democrats aren't much better in the silly ideas they are floating -- things like raising social security taxes on everyone, increasing the age of eligibility, or reducing social security benefits. You can tell these rich guys aren't going to have to depend on social security for their retirement, or they wouldn't be putting forward such stupid ideas. But most Americans will have to depend on social security -- especially those who've dedicated their lives to public service and those who've worked hard all their lives for low wages.

Fortunately, the American people are not as dumb as the politicians -- or as dumb as the politicians would like for them to be. The people know that a couple of good ideas that wouldn't hurt the program (or those who depend on it) can fix this mess. The reason the politicians of both parties don't like these simple ideas is because it would make them and their rich buddies pay more and receive less.

Here's what Public Policy Polling found when they surveyed Americans on several solutions to fixing social security. Note that only two ideas receive a clear majority approval (and this hasn't changed since 2005 when the numbers were virtually the same). The politicians should listen to what the people want (and worry less about what their rich buddies want).

Require high-income workers to pay SS taxes on all wages (67% approve)

Limit benefits for wealthy retirees (63% approve)

Reduce benefits of person retiring early (44% approve)

Reduce benefits for those currently under age 55 (39% approve)

Increase the age for full benefit eligibility (35% approve)

Increase SS taxes on all workers (34% approve)

The people have spoken. The wealthy don't need social security and the SS taxes should be paid on all income (and I think capital gains should be included as income). This would fix the system. Of course it probably won't happen because the rich (which includes most in Congress) are the people who run this country -- and they are determined to see that only the poor and middle class workers pay all taxes.