Social security IS welfare. It is a state sponsored wealth distribution program that is paid for by tax dollars from CURRENT donors. Despite what it looks like on your bill is is NOT an account you pay into over time- it is a welfare program no different than unemployment insurance, highway funding, AFDC, etc. no retraction is needed. It's time working class Americans face the fact that their lives would not be possible without government assistance- from paving roads to police to receiving SS- it's all welfare, and that's nothing to be ashamed of.

I appreciate your usually lively and informative show but from time to time you let slip some pretty egregious remarks such as the one by your uncle this morning in which he equated Social Security with welfare! Please announce a retraction on your next broadcast. Even Doug Henwood is attacking Social Security! Where have we come to in this (Pacifica) country!