Let us out! Let us out!

Is there an enterprising conservative Congressperson out there with the stones to bring Social Security reform back?

Because it might have some legs:

Forty-nine percent (49%) of U.S. voters say working Americans should be allowed to opt out of Social Security and provide for their own retirement planning.

Hat tip Moe Lane.

I have standing orders from my wife to opt out the moment the opportunity arises. I’d have done that anyway – she’s not the boss of me, you know – but I’d have called and made sure it was okay with her, first. She’s told me in no uncertain terms not to waste time on such foolish double-checking.

More:

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% disagree and do not believe Americans should be able to opt out of Social Security.

Your money belongs to us!

And, from the “well, duh” files:

A majority of voters under 50 say workers should be allowed to opt out. A plurality of those over 50 disagree.

I admit that there’s a danger here: if millions of Americans begin opting out of Social Security, will they save and invest on their own, to ensure their own retirements? Or will the American love of instant gratification preclude that?

And, if so, will those out-opters then stick their hands out? And, if so, will the rest of us have the stones to tell them no?

Bonus: Moe has YouTube video from President Bush’s 2006 State of the State – the one where Democrats stood up and cheered the demise of Social Security reform.

I wrote a column about that at the time. Made my “Best Of” list.