Step 1
Well-informed voters learn a variety of sources.
To give you a foundation for understanding the New Deal Social Security program, watch the video entitled The New Deal. Pay close attention to the second half of the video, during which the narrator talks about the relationship between liberty and security. Also, carefully think about the following quote, which is taken from the video:
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"The New Deal changed the expectations that Americans had of their government."
Step 2
Learn at least two sides to every argument. Read this paper by Carolyn L. Weaver, of the CATO Institute, on how the elderly were taken care of before Social Security. As you read the paper, look for how the author makes her argument, that "private financial institutions, in combination with public and private assistance for the poor" is able to provide the retirement income needs of the elderly.
After that, read "Historical Background And Development of Social Security" on the Social Security web site. Read up the end of the section titled, "Monthly Benefits," which includes the story of Ida May Fuller, the first recipient of Social Security benefits. Then, go to "The Development of Social Security in America" and examine Chart 2. Growth in Social Security Coverage, selected years, 1935-2007," and Chart 4. Poverty among the elderly, selected years 1935-2008. What do these charts show concerning the effectiveness of Social Security?
Step 3
Now that you have some background from two different perspectives concerning Social; Security, it's time to look at some ideas for the future..
Go to "Creating a Better Social Security System for America", by Daniel Mitchell of the Heritage Foundation. Read up to the end of the section titled, "A Big Boost for Savings." Look for reasons the author thinks our country should move away from our present Social Security program.
After that, watch this video, entitled "The Future of Social Security." The video makers take the position that Social Security ought to be continued into the foreseeable future. What does the video say ought to be done to improve the Social Security program?
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