Another attempt to cut the Gordian knot,

as friend Mr. Dilettante would put it; this time Socialist Insecurity. How do you fix it?

You end it gracefully, of course. There is no way to "fix" a system that is already actuarially bankrupt, presumes upon the future, and will destroy its own actuarial assumptions by its very existence. The choice is between ending it gracefully and bankrupting the country, really. Even AARP members might be able to process the possibility of bankrupting their grandchildren.

Step 1; reduce cost of living adjustments to the actual inflation rate, which is about 1% less than is actually granted each year.

Step 2; reduce benefits for incoming recipients by 5% per year. Give people a chance to adjust savings (generating capital for new jobs), but definitely phase out the current structure of payments.

Step 3; reduce payroll taxes as expenditures drop.

Step 4; reform Social Security disability rules to allow more part time work for recipients. A lot of people, including my sister in law, are capable of doing part time work, but don't even try because they might lose their benefits. It's time to allow people to start taking care of themselves.

Step 5; increase the dependent deduction to 1950s levels so people can better afford to take care of aging parents.