How to Debate Social Security Issues

Social Security is one of the most pressing and prominent issues in the American political landscape. Alarming questions over how much money is poured into the system each year and when its allegedly inevitable bankruptcy will occur spark vigorous debate. If you want to join in this public dialog, follow these steps to debate Social Security issues.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Understand the issues. Most Americans know that there is a problem with Social Security but few know what the problem is. Find out about the issues surrounding Social Security. Specifically, investigate claims of the system's bankruptcy, ideas about optional pay-ins and the effectiveness of the program in fighting poverty. Also, pay attention to the three main revenue sources for the Social Security program.
2. Get the facts straight. To effectively debate Social Security issues you need to assemble as many of the facts as possible. In most debates on the subject, facts and statistics fly like bullets. You need to know how much money the government spends on the program, which demographics benefit from it, what level of assistance it provides and the rate that the system is failing at.
3. Look at the politicians' plans. Any debate on Social Security will inevitably lead to attacks and defenses on the various political plans regarding the issue. President George W. Bush's Social Security plan is only one of many recent positions to stir debate. You need to know the details of this plan and why it has been praised and criticized. Whether you're for or against the Bush plan, you should also familiarize yourself with Democrat-sourced Social Security plans.
4. Start locally. To start honing your Social Security debating skill and style you should begin with people you know. Friends, family and coworkers make good testing grounds for your debate. However, you'll need a more diverse field to continue to improve your argument. Sign up for an political Internet discussion forum such as US Politics Online. Or you can pick a conservative or liberal blog or news site and carry on debate in the comments section.