To the editor:

I believe that the Social Security program should not be changed; any form of privatization would be bad both now and in the future. Privatization diverts Social Security taxes used to pay current benefits into private accounts. Without that money, Social Security benefits will inevitably be cut — estimates range up to 46 percent for future retirees. Because current Social Security taxes are used to pay for private accounts taking that money out means huge deficits — estimates range as high as $15 trillion over the next 40 years. Our children and grandchildren should not be burdened by our shortsighted vision. And the most important point of all, the stock market is risky and cannot be predicted; that could mean millions of people will not have the money they need when they need it.

Joe La Frambois,

Lawrence