It is, for some. Takes survivors benefits, which is NOT based on what the survivor earned (usually the woman) but on her benefits and part of what the deceased would collect (usually the higher earning man). Or children of deceased workers. How much have these kids paid into the system? Or the lowest earners, who will receive far more in benefits than they ever paid in?

What the broad payment of SS checks provides is political cover for these obvious welfare aspects of Social Security.

Obama's donut idea will expand, until there is a lot more hole and a lot less donut. Maybe that's the way it will have to be--taking tens of thousands of dollars of purchasing power away from the rich means fewer luxury items purchased. Does any one here remember what happened to the boating industry when the luxury tax was passed?

Luxry gas guzzling polluting boats, Suv's, mabye these industries will become efficient finally. That may make the only less rich more happy.

men and women in that industry, out of work. I doubt that losing their jobs made them happy. Maybe that makes an ideologue like you happy..