Dear Editor:I am writing regarding the editorial "Should Social Security Be Retired?" in the Aug. 26 edition of The Downey Patriot. What Mr. Epstein and the Ayn Rand Center fail to address is the hardcore reality of such a situation. Thousands, if not millions, of our seniors would not be able to survive, forcing the government to come up with other alternatives, such as government-controlled housing. An idea like Mr. Epstein's would take years and years to put into place, and to what end? A society of homeless, penniless seniors. Of course we all know Social Security was not meant to be a person's sole income upon retirement. Should a person be responsible to save for his retirement? The answer is a resounding "yes." However, many catastrophes can happen to a person or family over a 40- or 50-year working career, leaving them financially dissolved. How many young Americans today are saving for their retirement? In these economic times, most people are struggling to live day to day. Social Security may very well be an entitlement, but it should not be viewed as such. In my opinion, it should be viewed as a safety net for all American seniors. It is the payback for paying taxes all of one's working life and for sending sons and daughters to war. If we are indeed the greatest and most compassionate country in the world, then we should protect Social Security and Medicare as well, at all costs. Those who feel differently I say, do not have red, white and blue flowing through their veins. -- Gavin Duncan, Downey

********** Published: September 16, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 22