Social Security survived in the past because it addresses a universal human need for financial security. Every person has to face the uncertainties that life can bring, be it death, disability, or old age. Before the 20th century, more then half of the people living in the United States lived and worked on farms ("Social"). Their extended families provided their economic security. When the country got to the point where more people lived in urban areas instead of rural areas, the extended family and family farms dwindled as a source of economic security. The Great Depression was the event that exposed the weakness in the country's economic structure. From that time to the present, Social Security has been the program that has kept many retired persons out of poverty. The challenge facing us now is to keep Social Security intact for the 21st century.
             Over three months, beginning in late 1929, the stock market had collapsed, losing $26 billion; 40% of its value. Unemployment surpassed 25%, the Gross National Product declined from $105 billion during the "Roaring Twenties", to $55 billion and wages paid to workers declined from $50 billion in 1929 to $30 billion in 1932. For those above the age of 60, poverty levels also reached an all time high ("Pre-Social").
             To solve this problem many ideas were entertained by the nation. One idea came from the governor of Louisiana, Huey Long. Huey Long was technically described as a democrat, but he was considered a radical populist. Mr. Long wanted the government to collect the wealth of the nation's privileged, and then disperse it evenly among the rest of the nation. He also suggested actions such as limiting private fortunes and yearly earnings. Another idea, proposed by 66-year-old, unemployed doctor, Francis Townsend, called for the national government to give every retired person (age 60 or older) $200 a month. He planned to support this pension by an annual 2% sales tax ...