Social Security has been deemed the "third rail" in American politics, meaning that politicians believe that touching the issue can mean political suicide. However, with the growing perception that the Social Security system may b e bankrupt in another decade or so, efforts at reform have been raised, though without any clear mandate for what sort of change. Reforming the system in a way that satisfies most Americans would be a good way to consolidate power, as both parties recognize, and Machiavelli would also recognize the value of doing s while also pointing out that making the wrong choice could threaten any existing power base.

             As the perception has grown that future Social Security benefits are in jeopardy because the system may have to pay out more than it takes in from the public, suggestions have been made. One reason for this perception is the large size of the so-called baby boomer generation, but there are economic reasons as well. Numerous proposals have been made to save Social Security. The current proposals offered to correct the deficiencies of the Social Security system can be characterized as follows:.

             1) Raise taxes.

             2) Decrease benefits.

             3) Invest portions of the Security Trust Fund in the stock market.

             4) Allow individuals to invest in their own social security accounts.

             There is no certainty that any change will be made, and for a long time the popularity of the program has been cited as a reason to avoid the issue. However, the issue has been much discussed as pressure increases for leadership to effect a worthwhile change:.

             The ritual deliberation about keeping Social Security in the black has occasioned a larger argument about whether Social Security will continue to be anything like Social Security‑‑that is, not how much of a pension the government should guarantee its citizens, but whether such a guarantee should exist at all. It is ultimately not a technical question but a moral and political one (Chait para.