The reality of Social Security

Paul Matten ’84 is mistaken when he includes Social Security in his polemic against unfunded entitlements (letters, Dec. 14.)

Can we have a reality check here? Over its history, the Social Security Administration has taken in more in payroll deductions than it has paid out in retirement benefits. That surplus gap is now closing, and it generally is agreed that Social Security has to be amended if it is to remain solvent for future retirees, but it won’t take rocket science to do this.

There may be government programs that are legitimate targets for criticism, but by any reasonable measure, Social Security should not be one of them.