[dinodino]

You do understand the phrase, “on average,” right? I guess math is not your strong point.

Maybe this will simplify it for you. For two years now we have spent more money on Social Security than we’ve taken in:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444138104578033282095368120.html

You don’t need to worry about averages to understand this. We paid out more in benefits than we collected in the same year. Get it now? It’s broken, bankrupt.

[muawiyah]

Do you understand how people get tricked by sneaky propagandists. The piece said: "on average, Social Security recipients" ~ referring directly to recipients and then following with what they may have paid. That's simply not all the folks who pay, nor the payments made by employers for employees who never collected, nor for interest paid, or that should have been paid, on the money borrowed from Social Security for use in the General Fund.

If you start the equation by referring to those who pay FICA it's a different picture that doesn't make the same impact.

It's propaganda.

I'm not saying this to defend Social Security, but rather to point out to you that your reference was to an untrustworthy and dishonest source.

This should also show you how Karl Rove and his crowd in the GOP-e have slowly undermined Conservative institutions and voices.

[wrench]

Averages and total contribution are not accurate when dealing with regular contributions over a period of years. Look into how money works in an Annuity, and what that annuity is worth after 40 years of regular contributions. (Hint, the value FAR surpasses the sum of contributions).

[ridesthemiles]

For two years now we have spent more money on Social Security than we’ve taken in:”””

Dirty Harry Reid still maintains that SS will last up to & thru about 2035. Most others say 2016 is the end.

He absolutely refuses to accept that SS is already in the red from the Feds taking out the money as soon as it arrives.

[cherry]

well don't blame us who haven't collected a dime yet...between my husband and I we've been paying in for 40 yrs..each.....

and yes, we are due it and you can call it entitled or a ponzi scheme whatever...

its a govt mandated ponzi scheme and I expect and demand to get what is owed me...

at least pay me back what I contributed and what my company contributed in my behave...

if you want to get uppity, go after your grandparents....that is the generation that got the golden egg....