Why are there are so many Americans that don't understand how Social Security works?

[Harmony Blue]

Is it because of the mass media that throws misinformation out there? Social security has a few projections, but most pundits dwell on one of the projections, or the worst case scenario. From my point of view, this specific projection assumes the U.S. population growth remains the same the next 50 years, and in addition, also assumes economic growth will stay the same during the time frame. Biggest hurdle is with the Baby Boomer population, but Social Security isn't in danger because of a small bump in the road, and no we refuse to give up on the Baby Boomer generation which did so much for our country anyways!

Social Security doesn't need to be changed in any way, but a robust economy with healthy annual growth, will not only strengthen Social Security by 2076, but also help with other government programs, and also the build up of individual wealth of the middle class. Multiple Job programs spearheaded by the government to put people to work is the KEY to making social security work into the distant future. The right wing loves high unemployment because their Corporate Oligarchy can exploit a desperate workforce, but also starve a program like Social Security.

What is more stunning to me, is that, I am reading some Progressives on this website buy the line that Social Security needs to be restructured because of this one doom projection, but what about the other two projections on Social Security which do not share in this doom? While it is important to prepare for the worst case scenario, you don't impatiently leap forward before looking at what you are leaping towards. The key is patience, determination, and gradual approach that will lead us to a better future.

In summary, Social Security works, and it doesn't need to be touched in any meaningful way. What we need are more jobs which can fix multiple problems that ail our country, but the lack of ambition to talk about jobs coming from the political beltways is worrisome from my view.

Just my two cents from humid, sunny Florida.

[Demeter]

1. Because half the population is below average

and the average in this country is too damn low.

[MineralMan]

2. You could ask the same question about almost any subject.

I'm afraid that we're a nation that doesn't learn stuff, except on a minimal basis. It's very sad.

[msongs]

3. pay in for 35 years then when you get it, they cut it by 60%. that's how it works.

the mutually agreed deal can be waived by the government at any time and YOU cannot make any changes whatsoever.

[provis99]

4. most people on DU don't understand how it works.

It is a direct wealth transfer from working Americans to retired Americans. Too many on DU seem to think it is some kind of a personal savings account, upon which they draw when they are retired.

[Harmony Blue]

6. Right, you need people to be working

for those that retire to pull money from. Creating jobs should be the #1 priority of the WH not just for Social Security, but also other programs.

[DURHAM D]

14. It is not a wealth transfer from working American to retired Americans.

Further, although it is regressive on the front end (pay in) it is progressive on the back end (pay out). So, you can make the argument that it is a wealth transfer from high end wage earners to middle and low end wager earners.

It is also wealth transfer from two wage earner couples (and single people) to non-working married spouse of a couple while wage earning spouse is still alive.

To put it simply -
For couples with just One wage earner = One worker, TWO SS checks.
For couple with Two wage earners = Two workers, Two SS checks.


JFTR - I don't have a problem with the progressive payout system. However, I do have a problem with the two checks for just one wage earner policy.

[liberal N proud]

5. A misinformed public is just one of the effects of a half century attack on SS

The GOP will take any and all measures in an effort to kill the program. Looks like they are almost there with this round.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

7. Why are there so many Americans/DUers who don't know how government works?

That seems to be the inherent problem. Because we don't know how government works, we are not expected to know how SS or any other government program works.

Sad. :(

[Harmony Blue]

9. To answer your question,

I believe the attack on public schools has a big part to do with it, and how Civics, and American history courses are not focused on as much. Some private high schools do teach Civics courses, but for the most it isn't as big of a focus as religious studies in a private Catholic high school just as an example.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

18. The central problem is that civics or basic social studies or government classes are no longer

required. When I was in school, we were required to take at least two social studies/government classes, and perhaps an American history course.

These days, school boards have done away with this requirement which is a shame.

And we now wonder why Americans have no clue about how a law is made, or just knowledge of very basic civics.

[Blue_Tires]

8. two words: talk radio...

[Hydra]

10. Because most of what passes for "fact" is in fact, myth

Ask any major religion- it's amazing what you can get people to believe, as long as it isn't the truth...

[Sarah Ibarruri]

11. Do you agree that SS should not be touched?

And another question. If it must be touched... why not withhold it from those who make so much money that it would be a pittance?

[dkf]

12. I'd like to see your projections. Links?

[Harmony Blue]

17. The three projections are put out by the government

I will try to find it as soon as possible. If anyone puts its up before I do, thank you in advance.

[jtown1123]

20. I'll see if I can find the one that Dean Baker normally refers to.

Basically, the shortfall is likely to never occur because of inflation.

[CrossChris]

13. Because both major parties and the mainstream media are willingly misleading them.

You have to be a real political junkie to find the real info on SS.

[izquierdista]

15. "some" Progressives?

Is this the same vacuous demonstrative "some" used by FOX news? If "some" people think that, then they aren't really progressive, for if you ask a Progressive how to "fix" Social Security, the first thing out of his mouth will be: "make it a truly progressive tax and get rid of the damn cap". That would make Social Security actuarially solvent until the Morlocks are old enough to retire.

[glinda]

16. Same reason they do not understand when you have a Repub majority and a Dem Prez or Gov. that

nothing gets done. Or if it does,(give in) they wonder why they get screwed.

[jtown1123]

19. Incredibly well said and accurate.