Privatizing Social Security not bad

Regarding the July 27 letter 'Braley fights to protect benefits”:

I would like to come to Joni Ernsts' defense and remind the writer that privatization of retirement plans are not all bad.

Ask the teachers, state employees and city workers how they like the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System, or IPERS. This is a private plan and funded mostly by stock in companies that are on the stock exchange. I would venture to say most of those people would say IPERS is superior to Social Security, but without thinking about their own retirement plan are against privatization of Social Security.

I also would like to come to her defense when Bruce Braley condemns her for voting to raise the gas tax. Iowa is third worst when it comes to the condition of our bridges and we don't have money to fix them. If Braley or one of your readers has a better idea of how to come up with the money to fix our bridges tell us about it, but don't complain about the possibilities of raising the gas tax.

Alvin Valentine

Cedar Rapids