Neal Boortz: Old folks, think of grandkids’ future

A message here to some of my more wrinkled readers. You whippersnappers need to read this, too — it’s about you and your children — but I’m speaking directly to the Gimme Generation.

To begin, let me say I and most Americans are fully aware of how much credit your generation deserves for shepherding our Republic through World War II, Vietnam, the Cold War and Jimmy Carter. But, I only have a limited number of words here, so may we take notice of your accomplishments and address your failings?

Failings?

Yes, failings: One in particular, in fact. That would be your propensity to panic as soon as a Democrat hints that the evil Republicans want to take away your precious Social Security. Calm down, folks! You’re going to give yourself a stroke!

This bit about taking away your Social Security? That’s been part of virtually every single Democratic campaign since 1952. And our senior citizens take the bait every time.

Look, you’ve come this far using your head and thinking rationally, why stop now?

A test: Do you think that there is a Social Security Trust Fund where the contributions you have been making over your working life are being held for your retirement? Sorry, but no. The money is gone. Congress took it, every cent, and spent it on various vote-buying projects. If you believe this trust fund still exists, then you might buy this “The Republicans want to take away your Social Security” nonsense.

Maybe it’s the “privatize” word that scares you. Democrats love to tell you that the evil Republicans are going to privatize Social Security. The Democrats will cite Paul Ryan’s “Roadmap for America’s Future,” so let’s take a look. Ryan’s idea is to allow — not force, allow — any worker under 55 to take up to one-third of the money you “contribute” to Social Security and put that money into a personal retirement account.

This account would be very much like the Thrift Savings Plan federal employees can use.

Now — read carefully — you would actually have a property right to this money! Right now you have absolutely NO property right to your Social Security contributions or benefits. None. But the money in your personal retirement account would be YOURS.

But wait, as they say, there’s more!

Under Ryan’s plan, the government would guarantee that you would never lose one dollar of the money you contribute. Social Security doesn’t do that. Plus, you would get a guaranteed rate of return. One more thing: When your time comes to take the eternal celestial dirt nap, you can determine who gets any money left in this account. Social Security? That money is just as gone as you are.

People totally understand why you are so focused on your Social Security benefits. Just know this: No voter would ever support any politician who actually intended to deprive you of your Social Security. Reform is clearly needed. The system is going broke. Reform can occur without reaching into your pocket.

Perhaps it’s time for you to spend about half the time you spend worrying about your financial present and worry instead about your grandchildren’s financial future.

Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. The ultimate Social Security administrator would have been Bernie Madoff. Why should politicians be allowed to continue with what would be a criminal enterprise in the private sector?

The GOP doesn’t want to take your benefits away. The idea is to protect you while working to give your grandchildren a return on their contributions. It’s time to reject the Democrats’ fear tactics.

Listen to Neal Boortz live from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays on AM 750 and now 95.5FM News/Talk WSB.