Why does McCain thinks putting Social Security into the stock market is a good idea?

[sourstraws214]

Stocks are the best way to invest your money. It is a big chance but parts of our 401K/Retirement Funds are in stocks. Plus with Social Security becoming scarce and the gov't running out of moola.. then its the only thing to up it up I guess.

[Ernest V]

The stock market has a proven track-record over any 20 year period.

Yes, it is subject to ups-and-downs, but over the long-run it always gains.

[karl_popper_fan]

source?

Also, if you were 65 today, and has put all the money the government TOOK from you and put in SS, and instead had invested it in a diversified stock portfolio over that same time period, you'd have more money!

[highboot709]

it is indisputable that on our current course SS will be bankrupt in just a few decades............over the last 150 years the stock market averages between 9-12% growth

thats an average mind you but it sure beats the system we have now

[Teekno]

Because the stock market, while it has its occasional downturns, is a very good long-term investment. The market keeps increasing in value, and even a conservative, safe mix of securities will appreciate in value more than any government bonds would over any substantial period of time.

[dianak502002]

Because he's a typical Republican, not the "change" agent he makes himself out to be. Making even part of Social Security money part of the stock market is stupid, look at how many people have lost money on their 401K's and other investments as it is? What would the government do to make up for that money, just say "whoops, sorry, your fault" and not make up for the losses?

[Jonny B]

You need to take an econ class or something. Social security is a joke right now. I know people who cant collect because they still make to much money, but would qualify if they sat around waiting for their check. You will never see what you put in unless you are a complete deadbeat the way it is run now. If it is privatized it means it is your account not a huge pot that you cant claim.

[u_bin_called]

People who are all too comfortable with the notion of the government having 100% control over their SS funds normally make the assumption that "privatization" means shifting that 100% control over to "Wall Street"...

...In reality, the privatization means moving YOUR money under YOUR control...A scary thought to those who like to abdicate their lives to the State, but protections will still be in place for them...

Fact is, my investments have out paced Wall Street for years because I have taken the time to do the necessary homework (it cut into my PlayStation time considerably, but it was worth it)...If I had even a percentage of my SS funds under my control, I would be much better off for it.

[Lou G]

Get your facts straight.

First on SS. Do your own homework, dear.

On McCain: Only a small portion of benefits would have been risked on the market, according to his plan. And it would be voluntuary. If you don't want to roll the dice with your SS bennies, you don't have to.

You're free to let the US government continue to do the same bang-up job with your money that they always have.

[Sam C]

I'm sure it's because it sucks the way it is now and he'd be very right although I've never heard him say anything of the kind. I think you're making it up, a typical liberal ploy.