I think I agree with you except for the part:
> Let people invest their own retirement savings. They're not fools,
they're not stupid,
The last two hypotheses are highly questionable. :=)
Also, the panel's report, as flawed as it is, does represent a
radical step forward for a government body. Everybody realizes that
Social Security "as we know it" has to end, but nobody is willing to
alienate (much less abandon) all those AARP members receiving it.
While fairly lame, these are (sigh ) relatively courageous
suggestions, yet sufficiently tame that politicians are willing to at
least consider it. Heck, a year ago most of these guys would have
shot first and asked questions later. Maybe if people actually get
used to talking about the issue without get blasted, we might even
start having some rational discussions.
So it goes. Like, they say democracy is the worst possible form of
government. Except for all the others.
-- Ernie P.