Social Security recipients need protection

There is a serious flaw in our Social Security system. And this time it's not whether there will be enough money left by the time many of us retire.

Federal records show that fugitive felons -- from kidnappers to drug abusers -- are being allowed to collect Social Security checks for others, often relatives of theirs who cannot manage their own accounts.

A recent audit found 3,473 cases in which fugitive felons were serving as financial representatives in 10 states. As government auditors check further, the number will no doubt grow.

One cause of the problem is the lack of a national database of fugitives. In addition, federal law does not prevent fugitives from serving as financial representatives for Social Security.

Both of these can be remedied. In this information age, when we can click on a mouse and find almost any piece of information, a database of such fugitives makes sense. Congress is working on legislation that would impose the prohibition on fugitives and anyone convicted of a felony.

Either of these would help the problem. America's minors and disabled who receive Social Security checks need this protection.