Why Social Security?

Every worker yearns for a dignified retirement after decades of labor. But for too many, this hope is a fading dream. Low wages and high costs make it difficult to save, corporate pensions are being eliminated and Social Security is under attack from conservatives. Backed by Wall Street financial houses, President Bush started his second term by trying to privatize Social Security. Privatization is the centerpiece of the conservative “ownership society,” which essentially shifts risk from society as a whole to individuals.

Americans took a good look at the program—and rejected it. A broad coalition formed in 2005 to dig for the facts, crystallize the message and carry that message to the American people. The attack on Social Security was turned back. But we have a long way to go before all Americans can count on dignified rest after years of hard work.