I had a boomer coworker who was nearing retirement. We talked about finances a lot. He was pretty knowledgeable, he played the market well and had an impressive portfolio to take him into retirement. When we were talking about my finances I mentioned off hand that I’m going to plan as if I won’t get SS, because that money is gone. This man, who was otherwise calm and reasonable sprung to attention and said “No, that’s your money! They can’t take it.”
Idk what shock conditioning course the boomers received, but it seems to have worked totally. Even the smart reasonable ones can’t seem to wrap their minds around the money they paid in has already been paid out.
I won’t be taking any money from “young working Americans”. I’ll be withdrawing from my 36+ years worth of deposits. Just give everyone back their SS contributions plus interest and everyone can fend for themselves going forward.