OK lets look at what a ratio of 36 retiress (middle ground somewhat) to 100 workers would do, ignoring the fact that disability benefits are being paid out also.

Retiree's benefits $11,00 per year ( assuming no cost of living adjustments, but we know there will be some)

Ratio of employees to retirees 2.78

11,000/2.78 = = $3,956.84 per employee annually!

So every worker in the U.S. would have to pay almost $4,000.00 every year to keep the program going. In addition to federal, state, and local income tax, other taxes, and general living expenses.

Brilliant program!
It is conceptually flawed and simple minded in its approach!

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It used to work; and thus, when conceived, was not so simply minded.
Today, however, it is flawed and simple minded. Thus, it needs to be fixed.

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Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under. – H.L. Mencken

I refuse to trade humanity for patriotism.

It never worked in the sense of being worth what it cost! It was just better than nothing!

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Well then... We're actually in agreement about something.
The area where we may differ is that I think the welfare program in question is a higher priority than the retirement program.

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"Man lives in the sunlit world of that which he believes to be reality. But unseen by most is an underworld, a place that is just as real... but not as brightly lit... A DARK SIDE!"
-opening from Tales From the Darkside

I think the timing should coincide. But I don't disagree on the priority issue either.

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