I don’t normally do miniature posts, but I just saw this Christian Science Monitor item on Social Security that spells things out so nicely. I especially like these excerpts:
Q: Are things really so bad that the program will go bankrupt, as Bush has said?
A: That depends on the meaning of the word “bankrupt.” [snip]
Q: Speaking of private accounts, would they solve Social Security’s woes?
A:No. [snip]
Q: Could private account money be invested in anything?
A: Probably not. [snip]
Q: Could workers withdraw private account money before retirement?
A: No. [snip]
Q: If you opt to invest in a private account, would your traditional benefit be reduced?
A: Yes. [snip]
There you have it in a nutshell. Maybe that’s why support for the plan is spotty even among Republicans.