Social Security Means More Than Retirement

All everyone talks about is getting a better return on the money they “invest” in Social Security (‘Social Security Panel Called to Suggest Reforms,” May 3). Don’t they realize Social Security is more like long-term income insurance and long-term disability income protection? Have you priced disability income protection lately? Most of us could never afford this coverage on our wages. This coverage is in addition to the retirement income we all anticipate. And how about the money that helps the widow raise her children and helps them pay for college?

Investing in the stock market is fine as an adjunct to Social Security, but I don’t want the government getting involved in the stock market with my money. How much more do we want the business community to control our lives? Social Security has worked for 60 years. Leave it alone.

Phyllis Kelly

Long Beach