The right and wrong of Social Security means-testing

Thomas L. Schwarz [letters, Dec. 31] argued against means-testing for Social Security. He could have made an additional point:

Suppose Person A and Person B start their working careers with identical work skills. But Person A fully funds a 401(k) plan and Person B chooses not to save. Means-testing will reward Person B for not saving. Is this not a recipe for national financial disaster?

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Stan Schachne, Purcellville

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Thomas L. Schwarz was wrong about the “unfairness” of means-testing Social Security recipients. As with any insurance program, the many should pay in so the fewer who need it can use it.

Social Security should set a floor below which no one’s income may fall and a ceiling above which no one’s income may be supplemented (not to mention eliminating the cap on earnings that can be taxed for the fund). Economic viability and fairness wrapped into one neat little bundle.

Warren Emerson, Arlington