There appears to be a lack of consensus between those on the Right and on the Left as to whether Social Security in its present state is actually in crisis. Some have chosen to back a solution and others tend to give longwinded and questionable reasons why everything the other person has said is wrong. The true question, however, lies in the very nature of this monstrous government program.
If Social Security did not already exist, and the current program we have was proposed, would it ever pass and become enacted? Is there any way the American public would agree to give the government 12.4 percent (call it 6.2 percent if you want) of their paycheck for a benefit that has no guarantee and over which individuals have no control? Of course not. Social Security is deeply flawed and undermines our free society. Social Security should die.
For those of you that watch "The Daily Show," this last statement may sound familiar. Sometime last week, Star Parker, president and founder of CURE (Coalition on Urban Renewal & Education), was "interviewed" by fake news correspondent Samantha Bee about Social Security. When asked about what should be done to save Social Security, Ms. Parker did not mince words and replied, "End it. Social Security should die."
The interview proceeds in the characteristically satirical manner that viewers are accustomed to. It incorporated the suggestions of a self-identified Communist and insinuated that a fitness program for senior citizens would solve the Social Security problem by killing off old people through exhaustion. However, it would be too easy to dismiss Ms. Parker as just another "right wing nut-job" unconcerned with the well being of the poor and elderly. In fact, I welcome everyone that has an opinion (or doesn't) on Social Security to come see her speak next Monday night in Cabot Auditorium and decide for himself.
What makes Ms. Parker particularly compelling is the fact that she was once a single welfare mother living in Los Angeles, California. She gives regular testimony before the U.S. Congress, is a national expert for major television and radio shows and is a regular commentator on various news channels. Having personally been on welfare and reliant on the government, she understands how government dependence leaves us less free and creates a mentality that you cannot take care of yourself or manage your hard-earned money.
Parker is not a wealthy financial planner who seeks to promote the privatization of Social Security to establish a new market and potential source of profit, but rather a strong, black woman who knows first hand how personal responsibility benefits not only the black community, but all of society.
Admittedly, scrapping Social Security is a bit far fetched and implausible, but that does not mean that President Bush's Social Security reforms are not heading in the right direction. Much has been made of his desire to cultivate an "ownership society" by putting money back in the American publics' pockets and promoting a culture of responsibility. If there was ever a time to address such a monumental task as Social Security reform, the time is now.
With a majority in the House and Senate (not to mention a majority of the governorships being held by Republicans), President Bush is well positioned to tackle a problem that most would shy away from. Though several Democratic representatives denounce the president's agenda at every turn and deny that any mandate exists, no clear alternative solution has been proposed, thus relegating the Democratic Party to the all too familiar backseat of politics. The entire country would benefit from a more balanced, bi-partisan discussion of possible solutions to the problems that face Social Security instead of simply denying that a problem exists.
One may ask where we, as students, fit in this argument. Until recently I would have replied, like many others, that a discussion of Social Security and its merits would not be of much immediate interest. Often we find ourselves trying to forget about what we are going to do when we leave Tufts and enter the real world, let alone what our financial assets will be like 40 years from now. Yet our generation has the most at stake. We and those that will follow us have much to lose if Social Security as it stands is not fixed. However, we also have a great deal to gain if personal accounts are established.
Whether you agree with everything or nothing that I said, I think that everyone would benefit from a continued discussion of the merits and faults associated with President Bush's Social Security reform plan, as this type of legislation will directly affect us as we move closer and closer to the real world. The Tufts Republicans will be hosting a lecture by Star Parker on President's Day (February 21) at 8:00 p.m. in Cabot Auditorium concerning the President's plans for Social Security and how it affects the black community in particular. This is a tremendous opportunity to ask questions and become more informed about a program so relevant to our futures.
Kevin Johannsen is a junior majoring in political science and economics. He is the Vice President for the Tufts Republicans.
