Rather than focusing on our broken political system this article is focusing on a solution to the Social Security time bomb. Only yesterday the Social Security Trustees said that the system will not have sufficient funds for the promised payouts in 2033.

Regular ongoing monthly Social Security benefits started in January 1940. Despite what some will claim we are experiencing longer lives. The system was counting on almost everyone dying within ten years of retirement. The problem for the program is that too many are living into their 80s and 90s.

The Democrats have not faced the reality of longer lives. The Republicans have but their solutions are unacceptable to most of us. Interestingly it was George W. Bush who tried to resolve the issue but the two parties seem bent upon disagreement even when they know there is a solution.

We all know that many people are relying on the system as their only source of income. Cutting benefits for the poorest is not a reasonable solution.

There are a few things we can do:
1. Establish a “means test” that would deny benefits to those with higher retirement income.
2. Raise the maximum taxable contributions from the current level.
3. Raise the retirement age.

To do these things will require courage. That is lacking in our representatives.