In a recent discussion regarding Social Security I was reviewing my position about the original intent of Social Security providing a form of insurance for those who outlive their life expectancy. If the government had continued with this original intent the current age for receiving Social Security benefits would be a little over 77 years old. The person I was talking to was over 65 and currently receiving a monthly check from the SSA. He also has over $1 million in assets. I postulated the idea that perhaps Social Security should be means tested, like the welfare system. Using over the top examples like Warren Buffet, I demonstrated that there are people in this country who simply do not need this type of assistance.

However, in the midst of this discussion I realized that there might actually be another reason why Social Security cannot be denigrated to the realms of social welfare. Pride. Many of the people who need the money the most would be too proud to ask for it if it were not an age based right. If it were a means tested benefit, it is likely that some would prefer to do without than to publicly admit that they cannot care for themselves.

Another problem that came to my mind as soon as this thought had ended was the reality of voter apathy in America today. National turnout for the 2004 election was around 63.8% including a 71.8% turnout from those 55 years and older, but only a 46.7% turnout for those 18-24 years of age. If you are a reasonable politician running for office, who are you going to cater your message and actions to voters or nonvoters? Of course the voters win on this point so it seems that adding benefits to Social Security or Medicare come up in Congress whenever an election draws near. You rarely hear talk about streamlining our obligations to retirees to make them more realistic and economically feasible.

Another crucial facet of this political game must include the voice of lobbyists on capital hill. The AARP is one of the most powerful lobbying organizations on capital hill; it has more than 35 million members making it the second largest organization in America after the Catholic Church. When a group like this opposes Social Security reform, legislators sit up and listen to what it has to say.

The younger people in this country have not formed a coalition like the AARP to pressure legislators into seeing things their way. If the people under 55 banded together and voted the same way that the people over 55 do, I think we would see a vast difference in political discussion across the nation and especially in Washington.