> As far as whether it helps people, it unquestionably does. Maybe it hurts other people (those who pay taxes), but that income transfer would not likely happen

> As far as whether it helps people, it unquestionably does. Maybe it hurts other people (those who pay taxes), but that income transfer would not likely happen under private plans. SS is a big income transfer from blacks and hispanics because they don't live long enough to collect much. It's a modest income transfer to women and the poor.