To the editor:

Thank you for publishing Michelle Singletary’s wonderful column, “Social Security helps cut poverty,” on Aug. 16. It is a clear, well-documented description of Social Security’s true nature and the widespread, vital, almost life-saving help it has been (and is) to millions of people who otherwise would have suffered terribly.

Social Security is vital to the well-being of the American people. It must not be weakened by misleading “private accounts” or other such subterfuges! It can be strengthened by simple modifications such as those recommended by AARP. We older Americans are concerned that Social Security continue to be strong for the well-being of our children and grandchildren. Many thanks to Ms. Singletary for “telling it as it is” in her great and timely column!

Ron Buskirk,

Lawrence