Just read over at Huffpo that Boehner thinks the retirement age should be raised to age 70. It's funny how there are all these proposals ensuring the future "solvency" of Social Security, but none of them include ones that would truly address the percieved problems.
Why, because those with the means would be given the opportunity to contribute more generously. For some reason, those ideas aren't real popular with captains of industry, those saddled with inherited wealth and those that continue to profit trading CDOs or short selling.
Instead of raising the minimum age to retire, let's lower it to age 55 and include full Medicare coverage. Costs too much, right?
Think of how many uninsurable people would suddenly be afforded "government run" health insurance. Just how many of those tea partiers would be reluctant to sign up? How many people would be left in that highly intellectual movement?
Think about how many jobless would no longer be desperate for work in the twilight of their careers and be able to move back up to real food instead of Fancy Feast?
Think about how many jobs would open up for the younger bunch and the sudden promotion opportunities for some truly deserving folks.
It can be done. Let's piss off the Republicans, get 'em purple in the face. Let's forever change Social Security. We're all about change, right?
Anyway, here's how. In my own mind I'm a world authority on this. If you don't believe me, just ask me!
Eliminate the cap on Social Security contributions. You work somewhere, (I hope!) and you pay in 7.65 into your account and the employer matches it. Self employed pay in both sides. Either set pays in up to 90 something thousand and then isn't required to contribute more in any given tax year.
But what if you make 300K a year like most of the people reading this? Well, you keep right on contributing. Million a year? Keep on sending it in.
Now, if your on Wall St. and you get your yearly $12 billion bonus, under the new system, you get to contribute just as if you'd earned it by the hour. No more contributing a percentage based on salary, wages and tips. Nope, now it includes inheritance, dividends, bonuses- any and all sorts of income. Whatever comes to you during the course of the year, (other than selling possessions and property you already own) is under the purview of the tax guys.
As this bill of mine sails through Congress, I imagine that Dennis the K will toss on a rider eliminating those offshore tax havens that are so popular with high time investors. He'll get Rep. Grayson to proofread it and then attach it before sending it over to the Senate, where we get to watch it's certain burial while Obama, (he of the people) equivocates and does his jellyfish jig.
But that's a whole 'nother matter right? I'm just saying. Let's go ahead and REALLY redistribute that wealth that Fox and Rush always whine and pontificate about. Enough of all this talk. Let's just try and do it. For grins.
It would solve the problem. I've got to go walk my poor deaf dog but I'll check back later after dinner in case a lot of you think this is a dumb idea.