Here are a few points to consider:

1) Union members pay into SS, just like all other workers. Union
members receive benefits from SS, just like all other workers.

2) The unions are not stating that people should not be allowed to
invest in the stock market.
The vast majority of people investing in the stock market today are not
union members. How are unions "trying to deny" the risks and potential
returns of the stock market to other Americans?

3) What the unions, and apparently the majority of Americans oppose is
taking money out of the
currently ailing SS program and sending it to be churned by Bush's
campaign contributors on Wall Street.

4) The government has, for many many years, reduced or eliminated taxes
on money saved for retirement through several different types of funds.
IRA, 401-K, etc. Bush acts like this is a brand new idea, but will only
work if SS is gutted by a corresponding amount.

5) John------ if you can't afford to save for retirement without a 2%
increase in your paycheck that would result from ripping the heart out
of SS, you're doing something really screwed up with your household
budget. Perhaps additional income would help. Ever consider joining a
union?