Tired of sex? Then consider what Social Security will mean for Monica Lewinsky

November 21, 1998

The Social Security trust fund is being drained by demographic realities. Someone retiring in 2005 may be OK, but not someone retiring in 2040. For example, Ken Starr will come close to breaking even, but poor Monica Lewinsky will receive very little of the 12.4% of her income she will pay annually. Cato's director of health and welfare studies, Mike Tanner, believes the impending Social Security crisis can finally bring us some relief from the Monica/Ken soap opera.

"Social Security provides a way for both Congressional Republicans and President Clinton to move beyond the Lewinsky scandal. Republicans need an issue beyond scandals to build their agenda around. What better issue than transforming America's largest social program in a way that will give Americans more control over their lives and their money?

"For the president, Social Security offers a legacy beyond Monica, a chance to cement his place in history. But tinkering is not a legacy. No one will remember a president who adjusted the Consumer Price Index and raised the retirement age. The president who gave workers control over their retirement savings-call them Clinton accounts-would rewrite the history books.

"Congress and the President should seize this unique opportunity. After all, Monica's retirement is at stake."

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