A great moment in history.

[ananda]

I was looking around at pictures of FDR and came across this one, the 1935 signing of the Social Security Act. It is so moving to remember what a great day this was.

[ananda]

1. And equally great ... Johnson signing Medicare in 1965.

[WillyT]

2. One On Top Of The Other... We Stand On The Shoulders Of Giants... At Least We Used To...

[okaawhatever]

3. For those who complained about the ACA roll out:

The Social Security Act was signed by FDR on 8/14/35. Taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937 and the first one-time, lump-sum payments were made that same month. Regular ongoing monthly benefits started in January 1940.

An interesting piece of trivia:

Q2: What is the origin of the term "Social Security?"

A: The term was first used in the U.S. by Abraham Epstein in connection with his group, the American Association for Social Security. Originally, the Social Security Act of 1935 was named the Economic Security Act, but this title was changed during Congressional consideration of the bill. (The full story has been recounted by Professor Edwin Witte who was present at the event.)


Q3: When did Medicare start?

A: Medicare was passed into law on July 30, 1965 but beneficiaries were first able to sign-up for the program on July 1, 1966.