David McCallum said: James how exactly did those above 60 get us into the mess we currently find ourselves? Have no idea how long you have paid into the system but for me my first payment into the system began in the 60's. I think I have paid my share into the system after nearly 50 years to begin to recoup some of those payroll deductions. Yes the baby boomers are beginning to collect on their investment......unfortunately there are far to few that are willing to work any longer to contribute their fair share into SS. If my employer and my health allow I plan on working well past the time I can legally begin to collect on it........and many say that is a mistake but I prefer to work than retire.
The older one is, the longer one has been a member of the electorate in this country. The electorate chooses the people who will run the government. These problems haven't presented themselves overnight, they have been a long time coming. Therefore the older generations, whom have been running the show for the last 30 to 40 years are more to blame for the dysfunctionality of the system, than those who have had a relatively short period of time in which to choose leaders to run these programs.