General Discussion

Is that SS should have been a (compulsorily) "self" funded annuity. Essentially with similar rules and penalties to taking early distributions from a 401K.
But managed properly, at scale, by an independent agency of the government.
I'd be perfectly OK with some of those trillions being used to fund less fortunate people, unable to work, or for single-payer health care. Especially if we add those healthcare premiums we (and our employers) are currently paying from salary (and benefits), into the SS fund mix.
Thisnk of this thread as a proposal for another possible part of the solution to pathetic payouts to be implemented when saner minds control the economy. As well as a valid question as to what is really being done with those trillions collected in mandatory contributions, because the math doesn't work on the SSA's side either, by any putative savings, interest rates, or distribution calculations I can come up with.