WDYS (Where Do You Stand) is an ongoing series of threads to figure out where everyone really stands around here on both political and non-political issues.
Is this forum really a nazi cesspool, or are they just louder? Vote so we know, Where Do You Stand?
Today's topic is social security. For the non-Americans, social security is the US social welfare insurance for the retired and disabled.
Should a country have a national social insurance for the retired and the disabled?
Yes
No
0voters
Post 2 will be a chatgpt breakdown of the talking points supporting and against social security.
Here’s a balanced summary of the most common arguments for and against Social Security, broken into supporting and opposing points, with their usual talking points.
Arguments Supporting Social Security
1. Poverty Reduction for Seniors
Talking point: Before Social Security, elderly poverty rates in the U.S. were extremely high; the program dramatically lowered them.
Ensures that retired Americans have a basic income regardless of lifetime earnings.
Protects those whose savings were eroded by inflation, recessions, or medical bills.
2. Social Safety Net for Disabled and Survivors
Talking point: Not just a retirement program—Social Security includes disability insurance and survivor benefits.
Helps families avoid destitution after the loss of a breadwinner.
3. Economic Stability
Talking point: Guaranteed payments act as a stabilizer in recessions—beneficiaries continue spending, supporting demand.
Helps avoid severe drops in consumer spending during downturns.
4. Forced Savings / Retirement Security
Talking point: Some people wouldn’t save enough for retirement on their own; Social Security ensures they do.
Mandatory contributions prevent individuals from relying solely on family or charity.
5. Popular and Broadly Trusted
Talking point: Surveys consistently show Social Security is one of the most valued government programs.
Viewed as a “right” earned through work, not a handout.
Arguments Against Social Security
1. Financial Sustainability Concerns
Talking point: Demographic shifts (longer life spans, lower birth rates) mean fewer workers per retiree, creating funding shortfalls.
Trust Fund projections show possible depletion around the mid-2030s without reform.
2. Low Return on Investment
Talking point: Workers often receive less in benefits than they could have earned by investing their payroll taxes privately.
Especially true for higher earners and younger generations.
3. Crowds Out Personal Savings
Talking point: Mandatory payroll taxes reduce people’s ability (or incentive) to save independently.
Could encourage reliance on government rather than fostering individual financial responsibility.
4. Regressive Payroll Tax Structure
Talking point: The Social Security tax is flat up to a wage cap, meaning high earners pay a smaller percentage of their income.
Critics say this unfairly burdens lower-income workers.
5. Government Control & Political Risk
Talking point: Benefits and eligibility rules are subject to political changes.
Future generations may face reduced benefits or higher taxes.
You’d assume with the economic or other pressures lowering our lifespans and shortened expected lifespan of poc in particular that you could a lil slack here
Social security is a necessary evil under capitalism, constantly forcing more to prop up the excesses of those who came before to avoid total collapse of present civilization
In an ideal world there is no need for social security because all citizens would pay into a single fund that manages the health and well-being of all citizens regardless of age
We need to make budgeting and personal finance a required class in school and make the advanced level talk about taxes. It's stupid how we throw people into the work force expecting them to figure it all out.
