To the editor:

It is hard for me to understand why Americans don’t see the full importance of Social Security reform. I have been paying into Social Security for a few years now, and I want to know that the money will be there when I get older.

As we know from history, Social Security was created mainly to combat the financial troubles of retired workers. This was a time when money was scarce, and the government needed to step in to aid the people. What Americans today don’t realize is that the system has to be changed in some way.

The “baby boomers” are approaching the age at which they’re eligible for Social Security. This mass number of people will overwhelm the system, and the money that I and other workers are paying will have to be stretched beyond its limits. Why not change the plan so the money works for the workers?

According to the information presented by the president and his advisers, there were approximately 16 workers to support each beneficiary in 1950. That was about the same time that all these baby boomers were being born. Today, there are close to three workers to support every recipient, and the cost of living has greatly increased.

The 21st century needs a 21st century Social Security plan. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have the option of making money with my Social Security payments. That way I would have at least some control of my personal funds.

Brett Werling,

Lawrence