Social Security, Medicare and the Tea Party

I've been reading that the Tea Party wants smaller government.  And, Republicans want to privatize Social Security.  And, the country wants less government interference in their health care.  Add to this a soaring debt that most Americans want paid down, plus Corporations want to pay less in taxes (even though they're the lowest since the 1950's), as do most Americans (even though they're the lowest since the 1950's).

Well, I've got a plan.  You ready for it...

Let's get rid of Social Security and Medicare.  Just like that, let's stop both programs in their tracks.  Now, I know what you're thinking, we can't do that -- we have thousands of retirees depending on their Social Security checks and their Medicare!  Well, I have a plan.

I say that starting January 1, 2011, no one in this country pays anymore Social Security and Medicare taxes.  Period.  Those people who are 65 and over on 1/1/2011, get to use up the rest of the money in the pot.  Once the last of them die, those of us who aren't on either program would get an amount of any remainder, based on how much we paid in and how old we are.  I think if you're 64 on 1/1/2011, you should get back at least as much as you put in.  I don't think there would be any left, but we should plan just in case.

Then, all of us, would get to keep the approx. 8% we put into Social Security every year.  It would be up to us to figure out how to invest it.  And, our employers who pay another 8% would get to keep that money to use however they wish.  If they choose to put it in our 401ks, well, that would be a bonus and I say no tax on that money for the employee and employer.  If they choose to keep it in the company coffers, well, Corporations work hard for their money and they should get to keep it, but tax it as profit.

If you invest wisely between now and the time you retire, you should have a nice little nest egg.  I mean, you know better how to take care of your money than the government, right?  You're on time with your bills, you pay your mortgage.  You made a good deal when you purchased your new car, so you must know what you're doing, right?

But, I don't believe in Government safety nets.  I've really had it with bailouts so, if you don't invest wisely, well, that's just too damn bad.  You're on your own.  Oh, and we should enact a mandatory retirement age of 65.  We can't have people hanging on to their jobs in order to make ends meet.  We need the next generation to get out there, work and save for their retirement.

So, who's with me?  Anyone?  Let's write our Congressmen and Senators and let them know - No More Social Security and Medicare.  Let's start standing on our own two feet!  Come on, America!  Let's get together and push this through!

God Bless!