As with my comment above to absmith, I don't see the issue as "is SS perfect?". I see it as "is SS better than the alternatives?". If I've got to cut benefits to everyone over 45 by 70% to get out of SS, I would decide to stay. The current program isn't that bad.

Thanks Adder.

Certainly I realize that a phase out would be neither easy nor painless. I would be willing to continue to pay the SS tax (at a reduced rate) to fund Baby-Boomer benefits even though I know I would be receiving no benefit as I long as I knew there would be an end to it. In my oipinion, it would be for the good of the country long-term as it would return to the worker part of his rightful due. I am also not naive in that every worker will plan appropriately for his/her retirement and utilize a tax-deferred retirement vehicle, however, through education, in time, this step could be made.

Government should not be a hand-holding, money-doling entity under our Capitalistic economic structure. Socialistic programs such as SS are a slight against our people and our Founding Fathers. I certainly don't buy the argument that it represents an evolution of ideas, or its needed in our newer, more modern economy and world. The vision of Hamilton, Jefferson, Franklin, et al was enormous in scope. Let's not ruin it now with programs that promote irresponsibility for oneself.