Putting Social Security Into Private Hands

The competing sides to the argument of whether workers ought to be allowed to place some portion of their payroll taxes into private accounts place in stark contrast the opposite philosophies of our political parties (“Democrats Venture Into Realm of Social Security Privatization,” July 25).

The Republicans believe it appropriate to place some of the responsibility for decision-making regarding your personal financial future into your hands. The Democrats argue that this approach would expose those with no investment experience (the poorest workers, presumably a Democratic Party constituency) to the greatest risks.

No worker will be exposed to any greater risk under such a plan if that worker simply chooses not to divert income into private accounts. However, the Democrats apparently do not believe that the “poorest workers” are intelligent enough to make their own decisions. Doesn’t anyone find this a bit pretentious?

Ric Ottaiano

Fullerton