President George W. Bush answered a question from a member of the audience as he took part in a town hall-style meeting on strengthening Social Security in Raleigh, North Carolina, February 10, 2005. (Reuters Photo/Jason Reed)

Husband and wife, Sylvester and Marian Danzl, front left, held signs during a rally on the Capitol steps in Bismarck, N.D., on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005. The rally coincided with the president's visit to Fargo. (AP Photo/Will Kincaid)

Social Security assessments still poles apart

(By Charles Stein, Globe Staff, 1/14/05)

In the growing national debate over Social Security, it is sometimes hard to believe the two sides are arguing about the same program.

PART 2: Bush argues his Social Security plan aids blacks
(By Michael Kranish, Globe Staff, 1/30/05)

As President Bush accelerates his sales pitch for overhauling Social Security, he is arguing private accounts are the way to counter a system that is ''inherently unfair" to blacks. Some groups representing African-Americans say that Bush's logic is faulty.

PART 3: Social Security, stocks link carries risk
(By Charles Stein, Globe Staff, 2/2/05)

Owning stocks has generally been a good deal for investors. On average, stocks have returned about 10 percent a year since 1926. But many academics and economists say good returns are far from guaranteed.