How to frame the Social Security debate

So remember: America once had a fully privatized system. It failed. That is why we have Social Security. It doesn't make anyone rich, but it prevents many people from being poor. "Personal accounts" are just a slick way of saying: "Tough; you're on your own!"

Many observers, though, hold progressives to a higher standard than they do conservatives. They say it isn't enough to criticize Mr. Bush's proposals; it isn't enough to say merely, "don't do anything." Well, sometimes that should be enough. As the saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."