As the Political Rhetoric Heats Up, A Social Security Guide for the Ages.

The article discusses the projected shortfall of U.S. Social Security in about 16 years as of 2018, when recipients' benefits would be reduced by roughly 20 percent and offers a Social Security guide in an environment of political rhetoric. Topics covered include the role of demographic shift in the shortfall, social security's effect on the deficit, and potential fixes to close the shortfall. Also noted are the views of Republican and Democrat politicians on the issue.