The original arguments against the creation of Social Security in 1935....nothing new under the sun

[steve2470]

These types of arguments are nothing new. They were first tried 75 years ago to prevent the creation of Social Security, and similar arguments were made against enacting Medicare.

When President Franklin Roosevelt created Social Security in 1935, Republicans and corporate interests opposed it. Two separate lawsuits were filed.

In the first, plaintiffs argued that by imposing a tax on employers that could be avoided only by contributing to a state unemployment compensation fund, the federal government was forcing states to establish an unemployment compensation fund that would comply with its criteria. In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Social Security law, stating it promoted “the general welfare” of the nation.

In the other case, a Boston electric company argued that Social Security amounted to a federal contributory insurance program, which it said was illegal. Nevertheless, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law in a 7-2 vote, stating a tax upon employers was constitutional and also was allowed because the spending was for the common benefit rather than a merely local purpose.

http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-20220-social_security_medicare_faced_same_arguments.html

I would quote more but obeying the 4 paragraph rule. The Republicans will be embarassed they opposed "Obamacare" so vehemently.

[steve2470]

1. no comments ? nt

[RC]

2. You posted something historically important.

And this is DU. You expected comments? Really?

Post some crotch sniffing story and see what happens.

[steve2470]

3. lol good point nt

[FogerRox]

4. RC is totally right

I write original content, that tends to not go over too well @ DU. As the founder of the DU SS group, I liked this post.

KnR

[steve2470]

5. thanks ! nt

[steve2470]

6. last kick nt