Social Security: A Bipartisan “Voluntary Giving” Safety Net

Social Security:

A Bipartisan “Voluntary Giving” Safety Net

Our social security fund will start paying out more than it receives by 2018 and by 2041 (when I’ll have my 87 year old snout at the trough) it will be unable to meet its obligations. Since we designated this sinking ship the USS Sacred Cow, logical overhauls are politically impractical. Personally, I would make social security more “needs-based” and less contribution/entitlement-based, so wealthy retirees receive less and little old ladies can upgrade from cat food to tuna. Obviously, the “I paid into the system and expect every penny back” crowd would never allow this to happen, but what if these folks were afforded the privilege of altruism? It may not save the system, but it will lessen the pain of its decline.

Recently, I had chance to make a charitable contribution through a site called Donorschoose.org. Public school teachers in underprivileged areas post their specific needs, e.g., we funded a “white board” and markers for around $60. All of the funds were used as proposed, the teacher and the students thanked us, and they keep us informed of their progress. It really is better to give than receive!

I propose that the Social Security Administration create a “Donorschoose” website where the less fortunate (those with inadequate SSI) can post their picture, story, circumstances, etc. SSI recipients who want to experience the joy of giving can log onto the site, identify one or more “worthies,” and have an amount of their choice deducted from their next scheduled distribution. An “autopay” feature could help regularly support the recipient(s). Politically, this should appease both AARP and conservatives who believe that 1) people shouldn’t get more than they deserve, and 2) charity should be a private, not government function. Liberals might prefer a more comprehensive government response, but that will never happen (except in crisis). I see a chance for the bi-partisanism sorely missed over the past few years.

This proposal won’t fix social security, but it will help those in need and, perhaps in the long run, create a culture of giving where enough donors will forgo their entitlements altogether. In the meantime, young people should start viewing their payments as a tax and not an entitlement, and Congress should codify this new paradigm so future generations don’t face the same problem.