Decoding Facebook's Social Security Misconceptions
Facebook has long been a breeding ground for misinformation, particularly when it involves something as misunderstood as Social Security. What’s frustrating is that a specific rant has existed for nearly a quarter of a century, casting doubt and spreading falsehoods about one of the United States’ most vital programs.
The Persistence of a Myth
Since 1997, when I first addressed this rant, it has evolved yet stubbornly persisted, now taking on new life on social media platforms like Facebook. This diatribe repeats misleading information like a broken record player, resonating with an audience untrained in critical analysis. According to Dallas News, misinformation has a profound impact, influencing public perception.
Voluntary Participation - A Fabricated Promise
One of the rant’s central claims is that Franklin Roosevelt promised Social Security would be voluntary—a notion easily dispelled by historical records. In reality, participation was never meant to be optional, and the program’s mandatory nature is a key reason for its success, both in the U.S. and in 165 other countries around the world.
Tax Rate Misinformation
The author of the rant also perpetuates confusion about the Social Security tax rate, falsely stating it is now 7.65%. Simulation and analysis show that the actual rate is 6.2%, with the additional 1.45% allocated to completely separate Medicare funding.
Misdirections on Taxing Benefits
Another favorite target is the taxation of Social Security benefits, wrongly attributed to President Bill Clinton. Crediting Clinton overlooks the true bipartisan genesis of the tax under Reagan’s administration, designed to stabilize the program during economic challenges.
Immigrant Benefits: The Truth
Probably one of the most pernicious falsehoods relates to immigrants receiving benefits without contributions. This not only reflects a misunderstanding of Social Security versus Supplemental Security Income (SSI) welfare programs but also unfounded fears about immigrants’ roles in society.
The Role of Bipartisanship
Finally, it’s essential to emphasize that Social Security reforms have historically resulted from bipartisan efforts, aiming to enhance the system for every American, rather than fuel the partisan blame game.
Social media may keep myths alive, but facts, built on years of bipartisan legislation and historical precedent, remain steadfast. It’s time to prioritize reason and research over platforms prone to distort truth.
For an in-depth understanding, my books “Social Security – Simple and Smart” and “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts” are available on Amazon.com.
