Ever see how bare bones The Social Security Act (Act of August 14, 1935) {H. R. 7260} was?

[MannyGoldstein]

2. "first national unemployment compensation program, aid to the states for ..."

From your quote:

"Keep in mind, however, that the Social Security Act itself was much broader than just the program which today we commonly describe as "Social Security." The original 1935 law contained the first national unemployment compensation program, aid to the states for various health and welfare programs, and the Aid to Dependent Children program."

So the original Act actually covered many millions of Americans in dire straights. The part that we *now* call Social Security was limited compared to today (although it also applied to many millions of Americans right off the bat).

Of course, President Obama has repeatedly claimed that Social Security originally only applied to widows and orphans. And Alan Simpson claims that it originally only applied to the destitute, it was not intended as a retirement program. It would work better if the Third Way would agree on a common fib to use for snatching the Social Security Trust Fund for the wealthiest. It would be nice if they kissed me, too, because I like to be kissed when I'm getting... ah, never mind.