Includes bibliographical references (p. 189-195) and index.

Introduction -- The forgotten piece of national security : Franklin D. Roosevelt's economic bill of rights -- Misinformation about social security : it ain't what people don't know-- -- The gospel of wealth : amid acres of diamonds -- Franklin D. Roosevelt's plan and its enemies emerge -- From Miss Fuller's first check -- Frightening facts or persistent politics? -- A new plan that truly would improve social security -- The enemies regroup : rallying 'round Reagan -- Presidential attitudes toward social security : "only desperate men with their backs to the wall" -- The special problem of health care : the fortunes to be made -- Some final words to sum it all up -- Appendix A: Text of recording of "Operation coffeecup" -- Appendix B: Internet nonsense about social security -- Appendix C: Social security and Ponzi schemes.