This ranking of economic fears helps explain why Social Security is the third rail of politics:
In general, the recession had a significant effect on Americans' personal financial worries. More Americans are worried now about each of the eight items Gallup tracks than were so in the early 2000s. While Americans' concerns about being able to maintain their standard of living reached a new high this year, their predominant financial worry continues to be about being able to fund their retirement.
The Dish 