Do you think we should cut Social security and Medicare?

Question

$45 trillion gap seen in US benefits
http://www.newsweek.com/id/78426

Answer 1

I'm not sure its even supportable anymore. It's going to be bankrupt by the time the 20s of today reach retirement age.

Even though politically, it's likely suicide, but they should scrap it and cut the losses.

Answer 2

That is the gap between the promises the government has made in benefits and the projected revenue stream for these programs over the next 75 years.

If Ronald Reagan didn't raid the Social Security surplus and leave IOU's behind, we wouldn't be in this mess. Also and his "Trickle Down" theory of economics.

If everyone plans ahead for their own retirement, with their own 401K or something similar to that. They will be fine. Everyone needs to have a 3 part retirement plan, Company Pension, 401K, and Social Security. Be responsible for your own retirement, do not expect someone else to take care of you. Social Security is just a small part of the package.

Answer 3

Funny you should ask... Yesterday, I took someone I know who was born in the US, has no medical insurance and extremely high blood pressure. Long story short - we were number 25 in line to see a doctor or set up an appointment to see a doctor. Only 3 people in the line of 25 spoke English... The 7 I saw filling out new patient paperwork, couldn't read English and had to have an interpreter... Why can't they learn English? Our benefits are good enough for them but they can't learn to speak our language to assimilate into our society? No. They don't want to. Before benefits are cut to American citizens, get rid of and stop enrolling the illegals who are dragging down the system. Simple, before they get any kind of benefits, show us you legal immigration documents. It may sound harsh, but I gotta tell you, we were there for 2 hours and the non English people kept on flowing in.

Answer 4

No, if we did that what in the world, would the old people do it not like they can go out and get good jobs, they have worked all there life,raised children and educated them,as you know the working man does not have bundles of money stashed up,
A lot I know has even lost their 410k ,due to crooked corporation. handling their money wrong. some old folks can't even buy their medicine. and They take a big whop out of their SS checks to pay for medicare., Do yourself a favor, check with some of the older folks, in your neighborhood I have heard of some just about starving if they don't have family to check on them. So I say a Big NO>

Answer 5

I think that we are obligated to pay those that paid in all of their lives. I think we are also obligated to allow those that are paying in now invest a portion (that increases as the boomers die) in what ever manner they want (a bank account if nothing else, at least it would draw interest). Medicare and medicaid could be revamped in a manner that would cost much less but I don't think they should be eliminated (or even can be for that matter).
In 75 years!!! We can fix a lot of the problems in five and be in the black in twenty.

Answer 6

Well, why not, lets make darn sure that those in their teens & 20's today don't have to give up anything, like paying into a program that has worked well for seniors for a number of years! Many of todays seniors worked for pay that barely covered day today living. Many had no opportunity to attend college, wasn't part of what the farmers & factory workers could ever imagine as their right. What I think should be done is euthanasia for all people over 65, so that no one of todays youth have to worry about getting their fair share, even if they work at menial jobs all of their lives & can't afford to sock away plenty for the years that they will be unable to obtain work or are not qualified for any type of work. If the new form of caring for the elderly is to euthanise those over 65, they won't need to worry about S.S. & will it be there for them, they will be well taken care of, they will be dead! Problem solved!

Answer 7

Not now!!! I've been paying into it all these years and will be able to start collecting my share in about 14 to 18 years from now. I want what I am due, and the libby kids (who are advocating that we elect Hillary or BO who will be in their late 30s then) can pay their share. Unless of course you think they should refund the contributions that I (and my employers) have made, I'd be happy to have it back and invest it as I see fit. I wouldn't even care if the government kept the interest.

Answer 8

Clinton expanded Social Security and Medicare to include recently arrived elderly immigrants. Another one of his bad ideas.

Answer 9

Citizens should have the right to privatize their personal social security. Medicare will never be 'cut' as no politician would dare end their career so quickly.

Answer 10

The problem is 2 fold, yes we should cut it, but Bill Clinton counted it as general funds and it's been spent, so those that are collecting now are getting funds paid in now, if we quit paying then those who paid and need it now are screwed, if we don't cut it, the we who are paying now and will need it are getting screwed!!
Our older generations need not worry because they raised more generations to pay for their needs, but we are aborting more "funds", so they won't be there when we need them!!!

And they abortion doesn't hurt!!