If you had invested $100 in the Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks on October 9, 1953, that money would have been worth $2,727.89 exactly 49 years later.

Why 49 years? That's the length of time between turning 18, and retiring at age 67.

Why October 9? Because October 9, 2002 is the date on which the Dow hit bottom, at under 7,300, during the height of the recession.

(Can one speak of a "height" of recession?)

Adjusting for inflation, $100 49 years ago would be worth $712.31 today.

But $100 "contributed" to the Social Security program 49 years ago is worth less than $263.88 today.

We need Social Security reform.