Privatization is an important step in SS reform. It will not fix the entire problem, but it will give us a much better rate of return than we now have.
They can use dirt-cheap index funds, just like the TSP program uses.
I completely agree with you about the government not being able to use SS receipts on other current obligations. Hands off.
That is the reason this SS "privatization" is NONSENSE! If you were a retired rail road employee, or a retired teacher you will be getting a pension from a professionally managed funds. There is nothing in the laws that said that the government cannot hire a dude who has managed the firemen, the policemen, or the teachers retirement funds successfully. Retirement funds cannot be spent on purchasing puts on commodities! These funds are typically manged safely. It would be a mistake for you or me to expect 20% return, if the index funds are returning say 5%. You may invest your discretionary money in such risky investment, but not your retirement money.