It's Time to Protect Social Security

The longer we wait, the harder it gets. Here are possible solutions from both sides of the political aisle

by: Mark Miller, from: AARP The Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2011 issue

The Social Security Playbook illustration

Changes are needed to restore Social Security to long-term fiscal health. — Illustration by Pete Ryan

THE OPINIONS

Americans of all ages and political affiliations have told AARP pollsters that they want Social Security preserved in its current form, and 85% of Americans oppose cutting Social Security to reduce the deficit. But there's less agreement on exactly how to keep the program strong.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt)

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, gestures as he speaks at the Californi Democrats State Convention in Sacramento, Calif., Saturday, April 30, 2011.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). — Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo

"I get a little bit disturbed when I hear folks...talking about Social Security is going broke…'We have to reduce benefits, we have to privatize it, we have to raise the retirement age.' That is all total nonsense."

Former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY)

Former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY). — Photo by Peter Maravovich/Getty Images

"...We've reached a point now where [Social Security is] like a milk cow with 310 million tits!"

Representative Ron Paul (R-TX)

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 26: Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) addresses the crowd at the Tea Party Patriots American Policy Summit at the Phoenix Convention Center February 26, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona

Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) — Photo by Laura Segall/Getty Images

"I'd let [young people] out — just get out of the program, opt out! Restore your freedom, demand your rights to take care of yourself. And then take care of the elderly who are dependent — don't put them out in the streets."

Syndicated columnist Mark Miller is the author of The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security: Practical Strategies for Money, Work, and Living. He blogs at RetirementRevised.com. Twitter: @RetireRevised.