Everybody want to frame the debate

This idea has its merits:

During some periods, Social Security operates at a surplus (for demographic reasons). During those years, the surplus money is put into U.S. treasury bonds and the governement spends that money when it needs it. Essentially, the government is borrowing money from future Social Security recipients.

When we are operating at a huge deficit, we need to borrow more. That is what endangers the system more than its existing structure.

So, if you are about 45-50, what is the biggest threat (assuming there is a threat at all, which is a point we shouldn't give on) to your future Social Security check?

The tax cut and the wanton spending of the Bush administration.

(snip)

Let's start with this simple line of thinking.

We don't have a Social Security problem. We have a tax cut problem.