Social Security

Re “Even a Bad Investor Can Beat Social Security,” Commentary, Oct. 30:

Where was Christine Murphy in 1929 when a few people were unhappy with investments in stocks? How many working people are interested in investing? Not many: They are trying to make the paycheck or paychecks cover the mortgage or rent payments, the car payments, electric, gas, phone and water bills, put food on the table and buy shoes for the kids. They are not worried about some far-off retirement, and if the Social Security taxes didn’t automatically get paid, they would spend the money for current needs and wants.

I am very pleased that I have Social Security, and am not concerned that I might have made a better investment. Social Security is one of the finest programs that our government has given us, and I hope the public isn’t gullible enough to let some financial con artists get it away from us.

RICHARD S. MELVILLE

San Juan Capistrano