I can see the similarities, at least with a pyramid scheme (which I think is synonymous). Current "investors" are paid by future "investors." Current investors

I can see the similarities, at least with a pyramid scheme (which I think is synonymous). Current "investors" are paid by future "investors." Current investors being people collecting SS, future investors being people paying into the system. When it was first enacted, the "current" investors at the time hadn't put anything in (obviously). I know that's a huge oversimplification. As GDP rises so does the tax revenue (assuming politicians stop cutting taxes) so I understand it's a little more nuanced than a simple scheme. Also, when we had a SS surplus (in the 90s?), the politicians of course spent it all while increasing the debt. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with the way it works financially, as long as the government manages it properly, which they aren't.