> When Social Security was enacted in the 1930’s it seemed like a good idea. Everyone working would pay a small tax and those revenues could be used to pay a retirement stipend to retirees.
1) It was NEVER a good Idea.
2) Not everyone had to pay. Until some time in the 70s it was voluntary enrollment. If you joined you were guaranteed your share, but it was not mandatory to join. If you didn’t join you could not receive either. It was your choice. If you did join you could not withdraw at a later date.
“2) Not everyone had to pay. Until some time in the 70s it was voluntary enrollment.”
This is news to me.
I’ve been in the workforce since 1972 and never had any option whatsoever regarding FICA withholding.