It failed most when it let secondary or interest group goals drive decisions or when one goal became so overarching that it prevented adequate recognition of or compromise with other legitimate principles. Here, in simplest form, I would like to lay out some of the basic principles and goals that I believe form the core of any long-term system of government support for the elderly. When any one of them is neglected, the system, current or reformed, cannot stand. The basis purpose of a governmental system of elderly support is to keep the truly elderly out of poverty and ensure that they receive a basic level of health care services. As much as is reasonable, the system should not distort work and saving behavior.
Individuals have the right to receive a fair return on their transactions.
Nonetheless, once the redistributive function has been accomplished, the government should be guided as much as possible by the latter principles in allocating its resources. In a society providing minimum levels of benefits to individuals, moreover, each individual carries some responsibility to avoid relying on others. If you and I have equal lifetime incomes, but you save and I spend during our earning years, then in a simple welfare system you would end up paying for my retirement, as well as your own. Social insurance, therefore, carries along with it obligations to pay as well as rights to receive. Future voters and generations have a right to ownership of government and to a say in how to allocate the additional tax resources that accompany economic growth.