The success of the Social Security program, which marks its 70th anniversary today, is beyond debate. The program has allowed tens of millions of Americans to retire with dignity. And hundreds of millions more will know that same sense of dignity and peace of mind in the future. The Social Security program has never missed a payment and, unlike most federal initiatives, it is solvent today and will be for decades to come. With minor tinkering – such as a fair tax on wealthy Americans, who contribute far less of their earnings to support the program than do working class and middle class Americans – Social Security checks will continue to arrive so long as there is a United States of America.
That is the genius of the program envisioned by University of Wisconsin professors and implemented by President Roosevelt….