Really good point about how active social security users have the highest support for the program. This reminds me of organizers for tenants’ unions. They don’t want the government to nudge the “free market” into building more housing - they want renters’ rights. Good problem solvers focus on the needs of users. It would be pretty cool if our political parties started acting like problem solvers.
It's such a simple and effective political strategy: What are your needs? Okay, let me help you with those. One cool thing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum did was establish the beaches as public property. Not because it's life saving, but because its something voters care about.
Thanks, Mary! As for the immediate future, I highly suggest finding an organization that will protest attacks on SS and other programs. Given how popular the program is, I do believe protest and other disruptions could make Trump back down (even if just a little) on his plan to cut it.
I find it hard to believe that only 37% of Americans would be below the poverty line. As someone who is living this if what I have already worked for, paid into the system, and already paid taxes on is removed I face being homeless. And yes, I am working at the same rate that they pay 18 year old's with none of the experience that I have.
What's crazy is that the poverty rate is less than $15,060. So while 37% would be below that line, far more would be slightly above it. Which is still impoverished but not technically counted by the US.
Really good point about how active social security users have the highest support for the program. This reminds me of organizers for tenants’ unions. They don’t want the government to nudge the “free market” into building more housing - they want renters’ rights. Good problem solvers focus on the needs of users. It would be pretty cool if our political parties started acting like problem solvers.
It's such a simple and effective political strategy: What are your needs? Okay, let me help you with those. One cool thing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum did was establish the beaches as public property. Not because it's life saving, but because its something voters care about.
Who do you think is doing this best here in the US? Lord knows it’s not from Dem leadership. Who is a bright spot domestically?
Wonderful, clear article! But what do we do about these people? How do we stop them?
Thanks, Mary! As for the immediate future, I highly suggest finding an organization that will protest attacks on SS and other programs. Given how popular the program is, I do believe protest and other disruptions could make Trump back down (even if just a little) on his plan to cut it.
Also, an excellent source for a comprehensive overview of SS is a small free booklet A Young Persons Guide to Social Security.
I'll check it out, thanks for sharing!
Joe, your argument is mostly correct. But the Tax Rate for SS is 12.4%, half (6.2%) from worker/half from boss.
Sorry if that wasn't clear!
I find it hard to believe that only 37% of Americans would be below the poverty line. As someone who is living this if what I have already worked for, paid into the system, and already paid taxes on is removed I face being homeless. And yes, I am working at the same rate that they pay 18 year old's with none of the experience that I have.
What's crazy is that the poverty rate is less than $15,060. So while 37% would be below that line, far more would be slightly above it. Which is still impoverished but not technically counted by the US.
Yes. It's totally crazy. Really more like completely fucked up.
Nothing excites right-wingers more than sabotaging a successful government program. They've nearly destroyed the Postal Service.
It's their only operating feature.
Sorry, but Social Security is in fact broken, whether you want to admit it or not.
Broken how?
It's basically an unsustainable Ponzi scheme.