Ellen Paul writes: >> The idea that SS commits future generations to policy choices made >> today is simply false. Because SS is a transfer program, the >> transfers must be made in real time. Voters can always decide to >> stop funding SS. But they probably won't because the moral claim >> of the elderly is too compelling. The anti-SS forces (who include >> financial firms wanting to manage the accounts and parts of corporate >> America wanting to stop paying payroll taxes) must therefore deceive >> voters by claiming that SS is broke, or "unsustainable as currently >> structured" or "won't be there for younger workers." In a straight >> up or down vote on whether the public should secure the well-being >> of the elderly, I have no doubt SS would win, again and again.
SS would win because retired workers, who paid social security taxes during their working years, feel "entitled" to the money, and present workers would generally feel symphathetic. However, I bet if we put means-testing to a vote, it would probably pass, especially if it was tied to a corresponding reduction in the payroll tax. David
