Answer my question on Social Security

[bluestateguy]

Let's just say that this whole privatization scheme becomes law. My question is, will I have the right to choose to not participate? Can I refuse to "invest" any of my Social Security money in the stock market? First of all, I would be a hypocrite for denouncing this plan and then partaking in it. Second, I believe my Social Security money is there as an insurance policy, not a get rich quick scheme. I will invest my money in the stock market separately from Social Security.

[Pegleg Thd]

1. From what I see

it will depend on how the pukelicans word the law. They are going to do what is best for them and not for you.

[forgethell]

2. I don't know, any more than you,

what your rights and obligations will be. However, it is not hypocrisy to follow the law, even if it benefits yourself. For instance, do you remember when Jimmy Carter showed his income tax returns and it turned out that he hadn't had to pay any? so he ponied up some amount of money. I always wondered why. He hadn't paid income taxes because he hadn't owed any income taxes. You should never give more money to the government than what you owe. They'll just waste it.

No, you have to work within the system. Then protect yourself legally.

[koffison]

3. Yes

Every plan to partially privitize the ss system over the last 30 years has included the right to opt out and also indicated that there would be only certain investments that would qualify as investment vehicles for your money.

[creeksneakers2]

4. It looks like what they are going to do

is enact cuts that take place 20 years down the road. The cuts will apply to everyone. So you'll be given a choice between private accounts or nothing.

[On the Road]

5. Yes, That is True. BUT...

the people who do opt for private accounts will draw money out of the system because they'll be reducing the amount of their payroll taxes which go into the system. Because these will likely be younger people, private accounts will have little effect on payouts for many years. This will only increase the problem Bush claims he wants to solve.

The result is predictable. The "Social Security problem" will increase, leading to proposals for more of the same. The result is likely to be what Chile experienced.

It's a slippery slope argument, but a pretty straightforward one.

[illflem]

6. This is all just speculation

no plan details have been worked out yet. Last I heard the proposal was you could only put a certain percentage of your SS into private accounts.

[zoeb]

7. Exactly...you get nothing from the Dumbass Commander in Chief

If we knew ahead of time, his plans, the pros and cons would be debated and congress wouldn't pass the bill. That's why this administration does everything in secret so they can change laws to benefit them and not for the masses. This is one of the ways they create their "reality."