The Democrats are relying on the stupidity of the American public to sell their excuses why Bush's Sociali Security plan will fail. The problem is, they're not relying on reality.

I am willing to make a bet right here and now: As the Democrats are telling you that Social Security will fail if it is privatized, I would be willing to wager a fair sum that you cannot find me ONE US Congressman or Senator who does NOT have a portion of their savings invested in the same stock market they're telling you is unreliable. Please feel free to prove me wrong on this.

The reason they are invested in stocks is simple: because stocks over time make money, they do not lose it. One of the reasons for this is a principle known as dollar cost averaging.

For the uninitiated, let's give an example. If you buy ten shares of stock in January at $55 a share, then the stock dives before February and you buy February's 10 shares at $45 a share, your cost per share of stock is $50. This means you need to see the stock's value climb $5 (just over 10%) rather than $10 to realize a profit. Continue this over time, and the "peaks and valleys" average out; for the shares that you bought high, you've also bought several low, and it balances out. When you spread out your investments, usually you will see more profits than not. This is why a $10 plunge in Microsoft stock could happen on a day when the stock market GAINS in value.

Now I'll admit, I'm a piss poor economist. But I know how to analyze longterm performance, and the fact is, over time, stocks and bonds haven't failed. It's the "day traders" and those that rely on short term gains who usually get burned.