Re(2): RE: can SS be saved by buying stocks?

[Ellen Frank]

One more comment on SS, then I'll stop. 
Greenstein's column (as I recall) made no explicit
policy proposals.  But to add to the climate of
crisis-mongering in this environment, and
this was Mark Weisbrot's point, is irresponsible
unless one has a progressive proposal to make. 
Say Greenstein is right (why not?  who the hell
knows what will happen in 20 years?).  The 
demographics are bad, the population top-heavy
with oldsters.  How exactly is this problem
resolved by paying extra taxes today or,
alternatively, by giving extra funds to Wall Street
today.  Is the assumption that Wall Street (or Congress) will
spend the money on long-term projects that
can benefit an aging population?  If that's the assumption,
spell it out.  Then we have something to mull over. 
Like, what has the corporate track record been in
providing goods and services for the elderly?  If
this is what we're talking about it, let's talk
about nursing homes.  Or pharmaceuticals.  Or
health insurance.  I have a longer article on 
this in the May issue of Dollars and Sense
(www.dollarsandsense.org) and another 
coming out in Dissent.  Can send these off-list to
anyone who's interested.

			Ellen Frank