From: Richard Arsinow <richard.arsinow@rauland.com>
Subject: RE: James' reply to Thanks, Don and Dorothy
>From: Richard Arsinow
>>>>As you continue to read these postings, I think that you will find that those who advocate "saving" or "strengthening" Social Security are the ones who suggest means testing.
>From: James
>>>>I think you mis-state the case. Look at Walter Hart's proposal, and that of the Concord Coalition. Both advocate means-testing of benefits for current recipients as we move to a privatized solution.
>From: Richard Arsinow
My observation was that, on this board, you are more likely to find advocates of "saving" or "strengthening" suggesting means testing than you are to find advocates of "privatization" suggesting means testing. Most advocates of "privatization" writing on this board want promised benefits to be guaranteed to current retirees who have paid in for so many years, just as they want full recognition of all past contributions as part of a transition.
Walter Hart seems to be alone, among writers to this board, in advocating privatization and also means testing.
The Concord Coalition does not strongly advocate privatization. They are a major sponsor of forums and discussions about various alternatives, as is ADSS. Further, while a number of participants here have cited the Cato Institute plan as an excellent solution (which demands guarantees of the government's promised benefits to current retirees and does not wish to see anyone denied benefits), you are the first to even mention the Concord Coalition here.
