To the editor:

In 70-plus years of actively watching politics and every president since Herbert Hoover, I have learned quite a lot.

Now gather around, folks, and let me tell you what I’m gonna do. For only 10 cents, one-tenth of a dollar, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime. Just watch my hands carefully and tell me which of these walnut shells this little pea is under.

Is there anyone so naive as to believe that the pea is still under any of those shells? Does anyone still believe that the stock market isn’t rigged against the small investor? Do you raise the bet and try to draw the right card to make an inside straight?

If you do then get behind President Bush’s reform of Social Security. Here’s news for those who do not know. It has all been done before. In the United Kingdom 25 years ago, Margaret Thatcher, complete with an “ownership society” speech, reformed the British pension system. The result was a 45 percent decrease in benefits, with everyone losing money except the brokers of the approved investment accounts.

Now both the labor and conservative parties call it a national disgrace and economic disaster. Both parties have called for a return to a system based on the present American Social Security model. Sweden also tried it with similar results.

Yep! We’ve got trouble right here in River City.

Freda Davidson Hickam,

Lawrence