[achilles2000]

There was no “contribution”. FICA is just a tax with a different name. There is no real trust fund and never has been. The money you and I have paid in FICA is no different from payments of income tax...money in...money out.

[skeeter]

Right. Here's my idea - phase out SS by allowing those in the workforce who've paid the most drop their contribution completely and gradually increase contributions depending upon the level of total contribution to date.

No new recipients, those who are on it now are the last. Contributions will continue to be made until the last of the current recipients expires.

That way we all share the pain.