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

by Nancy J. Altman (Author)

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 Securityâ 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 Presidentâ 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.

Front Jacket

In the chaotic aftermath of September 11th, millions of Americans reached into their pockets to contribute to the Red Cross and other charitable organizations assisting victims' families. But the most immediate, sustained, and generous support came from Social Security. At the same time that Social Security was diligently finding and helping those families, President George W. Bush had the program in his crosshairs. Breaking rank with every president before him, President Bush is engaged in a high-profile campaign to undo America's most successful domestic program.

The Battle for Social Security recounts the program's lively and dramatic history, and highlights the longstanding ideological battle embedded in today's debate. Nancy Altman draws on her in-depth knowledge--gained from more than thirty years of work on Social Security and private pensions--to provide a clear and penetrating look at the individuals and events that have shaped the Social Security debate over the years. The book also traces the continuous thread of a "tiny splinter group," as President Eisenhower called opponents of the program, from Prescott Bush (the current president's grandfather) and his contemporaries to George W. Bush.

President Franklin Roosevelt's vision for Social Security as a "sound and adequate protection against the vicissitudes of modern life," has transformed society from a world of poorhouses and elderly parents living with adult children to an era of financial independence in old age. History reveals that Social Security has survived prior assaults because it has always enjoyed the support of almost all Americans. Armed with the proper insight, Americans can win the current battle and ensure that this vital institution will continue to provide security to our children, grandchildren, and all future generations.

President Bush talks about strengthening Social Security, but his plan would profoundly weaken the system and radically transform it. In The Battle for Social Security, Nancy Altman recommends an alternative that would eliminate Social Security's projected deficit in a manner consistent with the program's philosophy and structure.

Back Jacket

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

Author Biography

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.