Defending Social Security.

Charles Morris's "Just the Facts" (February 11) is an exceptionally clear and cogent analysis of the current debate over Social Security. As Morris points out, proposals to divert up to half of Social Security payroll taxes to private accounts would have the perverse effect of undermining the solvency of the program.

Over seventy years ago, Catholic Charities and other concerned Catholic groups played a role in the enactment of the Social Security program. Today, Social Security is the most successful U.S. anti-poverty program ever devised, not just for retired and disabled workers, but for 3.2 million children who have lost the support of a parent due to death, disability, or retirement. Since 1935, Social Security has embodied a shared commitment among all Americans that we are not atomized individuals, totally dependent on the unpredictable risks of the marketplace and the human condition. Social Security strengthens families and communities, so that none of us is alone when death, disease, or disability strikes. Any reform plan must not lose sight of these fundamental principles. It is imperative that Social Security remain strong for all Americans, especially society's most vulnerable people. That is the message Catholic Charities USA and our member 1,341 agencies and institutions intend to bring to Capitol Hill

(REV.) LARRY J. SNYDER

Alexandria, Va.

The writer is president of Catholic Charities USA.