No one is suggesting means-testing Social Security?!

In 1994, former Senators Paul Tsongas and Warren Rudman proposed it.

If that is too far removed historically, Bush proposed it as part of his partial privatization plan.

Furthermore, Supplimental Security Income is means tested.

The 1/2 millionaire didn’t make money in a vacuum. The American economic system that he was operating within allowed him to make it, and gives it it’s (sic) value beyond the paper it’s printed on. That system depends on some people working at low wages. As a society, we’ve decided that those who come up short when all the cards are on the table are still owed a thanks for playing.

Thank you, puffalump — I knew at least one Marxist here would fall for the trick question.

Both men had the same income. The one with half-a-million dollars merely invested 10% of his income in the stock market. The one who is broke spent all that he made.

Tellingly, only about 55% of those who are eligible participate in their company’s 401(k) plan. EBRI Issue Brief #311

Perhaps the credo should be changed to: “From each according to his prudence, to each according to his foolishness.”

But there’s this idea floating around out there about the basic dignity of human beings, and the the notion that in America no one should go without essential health care in their old age.

The 1/2 millionaire didn’t make money in a vacuum. The American economic system that he was operating within allowed him to make it, and gives it it’s value beyond the paper it’s printed on. That system depends on some people working at low wages. As a society, we’ve decided that those who come up short when all the cards are on the table are still owed a thanks for playing.

or

a socialist, strictly speaking, believes in government ownership of businesses (means of production/distribution) That leaves some room to agree or disagree on how wages should be distributes.

the marxist creedo is “from each according to their capacity, to each according to their need” So they wouldn’t necessarily support the two guys having the same government assistance unless they happened to need the same amount. That’s unlikely, since the guy earning low wages has likely been exposed to a lot more physical stress, toxic chemicals, etc.

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Even if your spouse has never worked outside your home or in a job covered by Social Security, he or she may be eligible for spousal benefits based on your Social Security earnings record. Other members of your family may also be eligible. Retirement benefits are generally paid to family members who relied on your income for financial support.

As for Medicare, you must be damn near broke before it will pay for long-term care. Should the aforementioned man who retires with nothing receive free long-term care while the one with half-a-million has to pay for it himself? Is that “fair”?

You have what I have told you. One man retires with half-a-million dollars, and the other retires with nothing, having worked only minimum-wage jobs his entire life. Both are 65 years old.

(Last I heard, which was about the year 2000, fewer than 3% of the U.S. population has a net worth over $500k.)

Do you HAVE Socialist/Marxist friends?

Who is getting the government assistance? What KIND of assistance? Assistance for WHAT?

Personally, I wish NOBODY who has reached 65 would have to find himself in a position to need government assistance.