Part 1 of Essay
As we look toward helping shape the system of tomorrow, we need to remember that there is no immediate financial crisis. The long-term financing problem is manage- able-if we act sooner rather than later. However, there are choices to be made ... by the American people and their government representatives. There are a var ....

Part 2 of Essay
.... people believe that the income limits on which taxes are paid should be higher. They say that the current earnings limit of $72,600 in 1999 allows wealthier Americans to avoid paying taxes on some of their income. Critics say that is supposed to be a foundation for retirement planning. If wealthier people contributed more than they now do in taxes, they would either have to receive more-and in some cases much more-than they now do in benefit payments, or they would not receive any additional benefits for the ....