Public surveys, such as this Gallup Poll (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., indicate that the majority of younger Americans think that Social Security is a “dead program.” Please review the required resources for this week and address the following:

1. In your informed opinion, why do so many young people have such a dim view?  
2. What are at least two ways that the existing Social Security program could be altered to make it sustainable long in to the future?  
3. What are some alternatives to the program as it is now? Should alternatives be considered?  Why or why not?

Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length. Support your points with scholarly references, appropriate citations, and full references at the conclusion of your post. Cite your sources in APA format.

Resources:

Required Text

1. The policy game: Understanding U.S. public policy making

1. Chapter 5: Formulating, Designing, and Adopting Policy
2. Chapter 10: A Case Study in Formulation and Legitimation of Policy Solutions: The Reforming of Federal Welfare Policy

Articles

1. Gallup.  (2015, August 13).  “Many Americans Doubt they will get Social Security Benefits (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..”  Retrieved from: http://www.gallup.com/poll/184580/americans-doubt-social-security-benefits.aspx (This article discusses the results from a poll conducting by Gallup assessing how different groups of people in the United States view the Social Security program.  Read this article to successfully complete this week’s discussion, “Social Security.”)

2. Lam, B.  (2016, April 5).  “How Can the U.S. Salvage Social Security (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..”  The Atlantic.  Retrieved from: http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/04/social-security/476331/ (This article discusses different ways that the Social Security program can be addressed.  Read this article to successfully complete this week’s discussion, “Social Security.”)