The Massive Bullshit You’re fed about Social Security
I’m 77 years old and I’ve been hearing that SS “won’t be around by the time I need it” for over 60 years. Somehow it’s still here. And everybody my age who has been saying this horseshit for six decades is living on their SS payments.
The Majority Report sums up some of this bullshit!
Social Security in the United States was enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935 as part of his New Deal program to address rampant unemployment and poverty during the Great Depression. The program aimed to provide financial assistance for elderly Americans through a payroll tax levied on employers and employees, with benefits provided at retirement age or in cases of disability, death, or unemployment.
In 1939, the Social Security program started making payments to retirees and survivors of deceased workers. Disability insurance was added in 1954, and Medicare for hospital care benefits was introduced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. In 1972, Congress approved an increase in benefits for all recipients and expanded coverage to children with disabilities.
Over the years, Social Security has grown into one of America's most successful social programs, providing financial security for millions of retired workers, their dependents, and survivors. It continues to be a major force in American society, helping to protect seniors, widows, orphans, and other vulnerable populations from poverty and destitution.
Listen, it will still work for you if you insist on keeping it!
But people have been misinformed and misled by politicians who seek to dismantle social security under the guise of fiscal responsibility. The truth is, Social Security has a trust fund that is projected to pay full benefits until 2034, according to the latest estimates from the Social Security Board of Trustees.
Furthermore, even after the trust fund runs out in 2034, it's important to note that there are sufficient payroll taxes to cover about 75% of scheduled benefits. This means that people will still receive a significant portion of their Social Security benefits, even if the program is not fully solvent.
The misconception that Social Security won't be available for current retirees or future generations is often used as a scare tactic by those who want to privatize or dismantle this important social safety net. It's crucial that we continue to advocate for the preservation and strengthening of Social Security, rather than succumbing to these false narratives.
We say, "Hands off!"
Photo by Barbara Burgess on Unsplash
