Quote:
Originally Posted by Weiser Wonder
Sorry if this has been covered, but I feel like it needs to be made absolutely clear. Entitlement programs are called that because the American taxpayer has been paying into this programs, and is entitled to getting their money back in their old age. Everyone who mentions cutting SS and medicare should remember that.
Furthermore, SS is a solvent program running a surplus. Obviously, reality is that the government has spent the money in other places, so something needs to be done about SS. However, it's not true that SS caused the current spending problem.
It's also worthwhile to remember it's terribly shortsighted to cut entitlement programs. Taking away safety nets increases instability for the average consumer, which leads to a worse economy. The economy and long term future of the United States is better secured by providing for its own. The days when a first world country can do without caring for its old, poor, and sick are over, for both practical and moral reasons.
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You have just hilighted the biggest problem with these programs. People believe that they've paid their fair share and are entitled to get full benefits back. In fact, the money they have paid in is not sufficient to cover the benefits that they're hoping to get back at retirement. People have not paid their fair share. The program is able to function only because there has, up until now, been more people paying into the programs than claiming. As that balance shifts, the program will not have enough money.