Question: How can we be forced to invest our money in the stock

[linazelle]

market? It's one thing to be forced to pay the government taxes. It's a whole other thing to make it mandatory to put our money into private investments. Some people, like moi, are risk averse.

The whole concept makes no damned sense! It should be fought in court (of course I know the courts are stacked but we shouldn't take this without a fight).

[JoMama49]

1. I agree. And, if this passes, we better figure out something

much smarter to do with our share of the $ -- like buying Euros!

[whistle]

2. stick the SS into treasury bills, insurance policies or bonds

[Yupster]

3. There would be fixed options

and bond options just like in a 401 (k) for those who are risk-averse.

Also, the whole program would be voluntary. You could always just stick with the current defined benefit plan.

[linazelle]

4. I hear you and yet the private investment part is a sticking point

for me. There are too many uneducated people who will be taken advantage of by this. Social Security was an investment in the goverment and through the government. This is something else.

[Yupster]

8. I'm not convinced the plan will work either

My biggest fear is a few years of inflation would wipe out a lifetime of savings.

But the idea anyone would be forced to invest in the stock market is wrong.

[mermaid]

6. Yes

and accept the definite 40% cut in guaranteed benefits that goes along with taking that option!

Blood-drinking bastards!

[Aussie_expat]

7. Bonds are subject to capital loss also ....n/t

.

[nolabels]

5. This is the time when an underground economy starts to kick in

The government is in a take, take, take mode with no reciprocation on your tax dollar. So it only makes sense barter and every kind of other under the radar type deal being made. This is just how the original colonies kicked off the yoke in the first place. On High telling others whom they consider to be servants how to manage any legal tender regardless of the Holders wishes.

Patriot act is an Oxymoron

[WillowTree]

9. Forced?

Who's suggesting that anyone will be "forced" to invest anything? As innappropriate as we all may think the President's SS plan is, I've heard nothing about anyone being "forced" to participate in the investment part. At least not yet. What I've heard discussed is that younger workers (under 55) will have the option to invest a certain percentage of their normal SS contributions, up to $1,000/year, in specified, relatively "safe" funds. Don't wanna play? The option to stick with the SS plan as it now (or however the "regular" SS plan is structured going forward) remains.

At least so far, that's what they're saying. What they'll want to change it to two years from now may be a very different thing for all we know.

[USHealthC]

10. it's voluntary

[SammyWinstonJack]

11. The 40% cut in the 'guaranteed' benefits aren't voluntary.

Those will be forced on the ones who don't chose to participate in **'s Ponzi scheme