[American Quilter]

Phasing out social security has always been the right idea, but it won't happen until the backs of the next generation or two begin to break under the tax burden. Then I think those taxpayers will force the politicians to begin to phase it out, and it'll end with the Baby Boom generation. That's my prediction, anyway. Check back in 50 years to see if I'm right.

[.cnI redruM]

Exactly. You can intellectually and accurately predict future pain all you want. People, by and large, will never intentionally accept more present pain that they feel to offset a bigger pain that they haven't felt yet.

Also, older people can read actuary tables. They know they are still on the good side of the cost benefit ratio for SS and they've also paid in for entire 30 year careers. If SS got axed dead right now, I'd only lose 10 years of input. A retiree loses an entire career. That changes perspectives.

[linda_22003]

"Check back in 50 years to see if I'm right."

With any luck at all, I won't be able to do so! :)

[Skooz]

Phasing out social security has always been the right idea, but it won't happen until the backs of the next generation or two begin to break under the tax burden.

Exactly.

Oldsters have no one to blame but themselves by going apoplectic every time a politician says the phrase "Social Security."

No reform is possible because any attempt at reform is political suicide, therefore Social Security is doomed. But, it won't happen until the tax burden becomes unbearable in a generation or two.