The Battle for Social Security: From Fdr's Vision to Bush's Gamble

ISBN-13: 9780471771722 / Angielski / Twarda / 2005 / 368 str.

Nancy Altman

Opis

This book illuminates the politics and policy of the current struggle over Social Security in light of the program's compelling history and ingenious structure. After a brief introduction describing the dramatic response of the Social Security Administration to the 9/11 terrorist attack, the book recounts Social Securitya s lively history. Although President Bush has tried to convince Americans that Social Security is designed for the last century and unworkable for an aging population, readers will see that the President's assault is just another battle in a longstanding ideological war. Prescott Bush, the current Presidenta s grandfather, remarked of FDR, "The only man I truly hated lies buried in Hyde Park." The book traces the continuous thread leading from Prescott Bush and his contemporaries to George W. Bush and others who want to undo Social Security. The book concludes with policy recommendations which eliminate Social Security's deficit in a manner consistent with the program's philosophy and structure.

Recenzje

"[A] fine history the best single explanation for Bush′s [defeat] Altman tells the story wonderfully moves briskly interesting story line."
Robert G. Kaiser ( The Washington Post, December 28, 2005)

a well–written political history, appealing to lay readers and policy analysts alike. (Private Enterprise Research Center, March 2007)

Spis treści

Chapter 1: From the Poorhouse to Free Parking.

Chapter 2: Social Security s Grandfather.

Chapter 3: Essential Insurance, Poor Welfare.

Chapter 4: Bold Woman, Cautious Men.

Chapter 5: A Teeny–Weeny Bit of Socialism.

Chapter 6: Dirty Tricks.

Chapter 7: Ready, Set, Start Again.

Chapter 8: Dr. Win–the–War Replaces Old Dr. New Deal.

Chapter 9: Third Time s the Charm.

Chapter 10: All American Program (Minus a Tiny Splinter Group).

Chapter 11: Visible Gains, Subterranean Tremors.

Chapter 12: The Sky is Falling and Social Security Is Bust.

Chapter 13: Aging Gracefully.

Chapter 14: A Leninist Strategy.

Chapter 15: The Drumbeat Finds a Drummer.

Chapter 16: The Ideal, Pain–Free (For Almost Everyone) Way to Strengthen Social Security.

Chapter 17: From FDR′s Vision to Busg′s Gamble.

Acknowledgments.

Notes.

Recommended Reading.

Index.

O autorze

NANCY J. ALTMAN is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pension Rights Center. From 1977 to 1981, she was advisor to Senator John C. Danforth (R–Mo.) on Social Security issues. In 1982, she was assistant to Alan Greenspan when he chaired the bipartisan commission that produced the 1983 Social Security amendments. From 1983 to 1989, Altman was on the faculty of Harvard University′s Kennedy School of Government, and taught courses on Social Security and private pensions at the Harvard Law School.

Blurb

Praise for THE BATTLE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

"A fast–paced read which shows why, as my grandfather said, we need some ′safeguards against misfortune in this man–made world of ours.′ In this world where Social Security is under attack, this book is a must–read to be able to refute the people who want to dismantle it."
James Roosevelt, Grandson of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and former associate commissioner of Social Security

"Thorough, compelling, and engagingly written, The Battle for Social Security is essential reading for anyone wondering whether our nation′s most successful domestic program is sustainable in the twenty–first century. Altman delivers the knockout punch to private accounts and other proposals to radically reform Social Security, while showing the way to truly strengthen Social Security within the principles that have guided this vital institution since its inception."
John Rother, Director of Policy and Strategy, AARP

"I love Social Security like my mother′s cookies it embodies our best ideals for America. Now it is the job of younger generations to carry the vision forward. That means knowing where Social Security came from. If you want a history with action, read The Battle for Social Security. I enthusiastically endorse it."
Hans Riemer, Washington Director, Rock the Vote

"As Nancy Altman proves, there is no reason why history and policy analysis have to be dull. Her new book on Social Security, aimed principally at the non–expert is fun to read, while telling the important story with accuracy and insight. It is a must–read for all who would understand the current ideological struggle, ′from FDR′s vision to Bush′s gamble.′"
Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D–Mass.)

"Nancy Altman′s comprehensive history of Social Security provides a fascinating, behind–the–scenes look at America′s political and legislative process. This is a must–read for the policy leaders who will now determine Social Security′s future. Altman breathes new life into the players and politics, both past and present, that have made Social Security the success it is today."
Hon. Barbara B. Kennelly, former congresswoman and current President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

"Altman′s book was written with a general audience in mind, but it provides, with first–rate scholarship, much that is new for scholars of the American welfare state. The Battle for Social Security is a well–crafted, fascinating, and thought–provoking history of a social insurance program that affects all Americans. I highly recommend it for both audiences, expert and lay."
Ted Marmor, Professor of Political Science, Management and Law, Yale University