[Tell It Right]

I always have a problem with any kind of "means testing". It means there are rules for some people but not for others.

I can have a respectful discussion with anybody about what the rules should be, but only as long as the rules apply equally to everyone.

[Portnoy001]

Usually I do, but when it comes to what I consider ‘payola’ like SS, I can’t help it.

The Simpsons quote applies with 99% of SS:

Marge: Where’d you get all the money? Grampa: The government. I didn’t earn it, I don’t need it, but if they miss one payment I’ll raise hell.Feb 24, 2010

[gloryblaze]

I always have a problem with any kind of "means testing". It means there are rules for some people but not for others....

The whole idea behind SS was to call it "insurance" so as to not stigmatize the recipients because it was for one and all. We always had general welfare for the truly needy.

Means testing would just admit that it was, in fact, plain old welfare by another name. The wealthier would start to resent it; the poor would be stigmatized just like the old days.