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Use Social Security means test

Mark Thoma's guest viewpoint (Register-Guard, Feb. 24) comparing Social Security to fire insurance was thought provoking.

I agree that the intent of Social Security is to provide a minimum for those without adequate resources and that this is best done through an insurance-like process. The fire insurance analogy limps, however, because not all those purchasing fire insurance will receive benefits from it.

That's the concept of insurance: Those who need it make a claim and are paid; those who do not need it make no claims and do not receive benefits. The cost for all is then reduced because claims are spread across a wide base; only a few will need to draw from the pot.

Social Security as it is now structured pays everyone participating in the system. At its 1935 origin, it was intended that payments would go to those who needed it, not to all those who participated.

The surest way to provide adequate future funding of Social Security at reasonable cost is to return to the original concept. Means testing would result in benefits being paid to those who truly are in need. Although it does this now, it is also a standard- of-living enhancement for many who are able to provide for themselves adequately without it.

BILL HAYNES

Eugene