President Bush is trying to convince the American people that the Social Security system is catastrophically broken and that only privatization and benefit cuts can save it. As usual, our president seems to have a problem telling the truth.

The Social Security fund is currently taking in $180 billion more each year than it gives out. The fund has enough money to last until 2042 without changes, and very modest changes would keep it in balance into the 22nd century.

Yes, it would be better if President Bush had not decided to blow that annual surplus on a tax cut to rich people. But it’s not as if Social Security benefits will disappear. We just need to make some adjustments.

The only beneficiaries of privatization would be Bush’s friends and political supporters in the financial services industry, shifting the balance of wealth yet a bit more away from workers in favor of a wealthy few. And that’s not sufficient reason to mess up a system so integral to our social fabric.

The cost of administering Social Security is less than one penny on the dollar. Can you think of any insurance company or charity that can say that?

Why risk screwing it up?

Alan L. Light

Iowa City