Personal accounts not gambling

I am utterly astonished by all the misinformation in Rudy McDaniel’s analysis of Social Security and his proposed solutions (“Correct problems, don’t gamble it away,” Letters, Jan. 21).

Mr. McDaniel proposed stripping benefits from the disabled who haven’t paid enough. This is absolutely ridiculous and goes against the spirit of Social Security. Next he claims that any immigrant who comes here at retirement age gets benefits without working. This is not true. You have to earn a minimum of 40 points or be the surviving spouse to someone who has contributed. You have to work to get points.

Mr. McDaniel fails to assess the age demographics of our increasing population. Just because we have more people doesn’t mean we just get to willy-nilly say there are more people contributing.

Mr. McDaniel took a parting shot at personal savings accounts. In less than 40 years the government will lift up its mattress to find nothing left and yet he thinks personal accounts is the “insane idea.” He also can’t help but to throw in the new buzz word for personal savings account – “gambling.” Pensions, IRAs, 401Ks, thrift savings accounts are all wonderful, but somehow personal savings accounts are gambling. Go figure!

Jason Johnson

Everett

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