Why do editors and other opinion-makers blame the deficit on Social Security? They are or should be intelligent enough to know that Social Security is self-funded by its own tax and runs a very big surplus. What they dare not say is that they are lusting for this surplus to use for other purposes.
Social Security is a solemn promise by the government to use this tax money for old age, disability and survivor pensions. To use this money for other purposes not only breaks a promise to the American people but is a tax increase no different from an income-tax increase.
The Social Security tax is an enforced savings plan. If it were not enforced, most people would not put this money away for their retirement.
They have been assured that they can rely on Social Security as a secure part of their retirement income. If as opinion-makers advocate, Social Security is converted to a welfare system by making it means-tested rather than an implied contract between the worker and his government to pay the worker a calculable pension, the entire concept of Social Security is lost.
