When the stock market started going out of control a few months ago, proponents of the current social security system felt joyfully validated for their opposition to President Bush's attempts at social security reform, which involved some freedom of investment. But most Americans are not on their side even during this time of market instability, according to Rasmussen:

Forty-six percent (46%) of U.S. voters believe working Americans should be allowed to opt out of Social Security to provide for their own retirement planning, an idea not likely to gain much traction with Democrats more strongly in control of Congress.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) are opposed to the idea of opting out, and 16% are not sure in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

In mid-November, voters were evenly divided on whether workers should be allowed to opt out of Social Security.

...

Younger voters, the ones most heavily impacted by the opting-out proposal, are much more favorable toward it than older voters. Nearly three-out-of-five under the age of 40 support it.

Elephant Owners writes:

This is a position that Republicans should embrace... Like drilling for domestic oil, Republicans should continue to take stands on issues that the public supports and are consistent with conservative values.

Of course the Republicans couldn't even manage to pass President Bush's proposal to set up tiny personal accounts that could be invested elsewhere, so even with them in power, the ability to opt out is unfortunately unforeseaable in the near future. But that said, why shouldn't we be able to expect the supposed party of small government and personal responsibility to not only set up personal accounts, but to cease the mandatory nature of the government's feel-good, but unrealistic and unsustainable social security scheme?

Yet another reason why my money doesn't go to the RNC.