Rep. Tim Walz and possible senator Al Franken railed against “privatizing” Social Security. I don’t understand that at all.

My pension consists of funds that are essentially invested in the stock market for around 40 or so years. I was allowed to opt out of Social Security. I have a modest amount above my pension invested in the market.

I have lost several tens of thousands dollars in the latest market dip.

That would be enough to make me cry if my wife and I hadn’t salted away 20 times that amount in G.I. insurance, money market savings, Treasury notes, equities, mutual funds, municipal bonds and a new home in years when the market was really strong.

My review of 108 years of market history leads me to believe in it. I think John McCain had it right when he said, “The fundamentals are strong.” Ours is a country of people who really work and invent stuff. We will bounce back. The only question is how long it will take?

My retirement income is about seven times my wife’s Social Security, even though my salary was only a little less than 1.5 times hers.

If you think I pulled those ratios out of thin air let me suggest you talk with my tax accountant if she is agreeable. She may charge for verification as it may take her a little time to pull that information together. You would have to pay that charge. If she says I am wrong I will pay the charge involved.

I wonder if Rep. Walz understands his own retirement plan?

Elwood Guanella

Alden