SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM – OWN YOUR FUTURE

Soundbite: Everyday that passes without addressing the Social Security crises is a day lost for enacting real reform. Real reform means the creation of Personal Retirement Accounts (PRA) so that people can create real wealth and enjoy a secure retirement. Although the war on terrorism has taken a lot of time and resources away from legislators, they still must face up to the fact that the Social Security system is going broke, and without a clear mandate for reform, all Americans will suffer.

Summary: The Social Security system is going broke. Defenders of the status quo may try to dismiss the program’s looming insolvency, but the numbers don’t lie: By 2016, Social Security will begin running deficits and by 2038 the program will collapse. Many Americans put money faithfully into the system expecting that their funds will be separate and safe until the time in which they retire. Nothing could be further from the truth. Social Security is a government run program subject to the same financial pressures and governmental whims as any other. Started in 1935 as a safety net with over 17 workers per beneficiary, now there are barely 3 workers per recipient. By 2030, this ratio falls to 2 workers per beneficiary. Add to this the ever-increasing life span of the average American and it is obvious why we have a crisis on our hands.

Call to Action:

  • CSE activists should let their legislators know that they will not be satisfied with having their retirement subject to governmental whims and they want to OWN THEIR FUTURE! Activists should call, write, visit or email their legislators that the time is now to start reforming the system.
  • CSE’s Goals

    While most Americans are probably aware that there is a problem with the Social Security system, they are being given conflicting information. Inherently, people don’t like change and want to trust the government to take care of them. We have to overcome 60 years of government indoctrination and make Americans WANT change!!

    The solution to the Social Security problem is to allow Americans to retire with some level of ownership. It is not good enough for the government to merely pour more money into the problem or cut back on benefits to gain a dollar here or a dollar there. Fundamental reform, which gives people the ability to own and manage their own accounts, is the only way to save this dying dinosaur.

    Resources:

    CSE President Paul Beckner’s remarks on President Bush’s Social Security Commissions Recommendations

    CSE Capitol Comment on Social Security

    CSE Commentary Debunking Myths About the Effect of the Enron Collapse on Privatization