But in the same chapter, co-author Paul Solman dismissed those concerns, accusing Kotlikoff of “irresponsible hyperbole, animus and undue pessimism.” Social Security is not any more unsustainable than all the other things that the deficit-plagued federal government does. “Why single out Social Security?” Solman wrote, suggesting several minor benefit cuts or tax increases that could ensure that Social Security’s trust fund lasts longer.
Solman and Kotlikoff’s differences are partly theoretical. Kotlikoff insists on calculating Social Security’s true cost over an “infinite” time frame, which he says is the only way to see how the program shifts the burden on future generations. Solman says it’s ridiculous to predict so far out in the future, when so much could change in the economy, the labor market, and government finances.
One thing they agree on, however. Addressing young people, Solman wrote: “You will get yours–or at the very least, you’ll get most of it.”