Myths and Truths About Social Security
Yes, the system needs some adjustments, but we don't need to destroy it in order to fix it

By Karen Westerberg Reyes
April/May 2005

Don't Destroy Social Security AARP's position on Social Security 9 Ways to keep social security solvent Busting the Myths About Social Security (primavera 2004)

Social Security is the ultimate support system, a monetary cushion for grandmothers and granddads, but also a lifeline for widows, widowers, divorcées, orphans, and people with disabilities. For the average American over 65, Social Security makes up nearly 40 percent of income. For about 20 percent, it is their only income. The system has worked well for some 70 years now with few adjustments. These days, it's on everyone's radar. That's because President Bush has put Social Security reform at the top of his second-term to-do list. He and many others argue that big changes are necessary if Social Security is to survive, much less thrive. But there are those, AARP included, who believe a radical overhaul could spell disaster—the end of Social Security as we now know it.