Many of those who supposedly "lost their homes" did no such thing. With the 110% mortgages a good number had negative equity. They were actually living rent free on borrowed money and now they are being bailed out.

While Bush tried to privatize social security the stock market happened to hava a dip. The liberals pointed out that if people had their retirement funds in the stock market they would have been doomed. This frightened those who had no understanding of compounded interest.Well, if we had invested all of our FICA money in a 401K over the years we truly would have been much better off. Plus our children would have been able to inherit the remainder upon our passing. My husband passed away at age 65 without collecting one penny of social security benefits. Because I receive a small state pension, I am not eligible for spousal benefits. Thankfully we both had saved in IRA's so that I am able to manage.