21/2 proposals to save social security

This is a review article of three books that deal with the problems facing the U.S. Social Security system. One deals with the OASDI (Old-Age, Survivo rs and Disability Insurance) financial shortfall and proposes an alternativ e plan with both a tier one benefit and a tier two provision based on perso nal saving accounts. A second considers the social insurance system more co mprehensively, arguing for a grand reform that would include new programs, particularly in the areas of child care and housing. A third largely confin es itself to arguing against those who wish to change the OASDI plan becaus e of the financial projections, although it also argues for a more comprehe nsive health care insurance system. The review concludes that key differenc es expressed in the books, particularly between the first and third, rest o n different value judgments regarding intergenerational equity and the role of government.