I'd damn sure rather have 15% more of my income put into a private retirement fund. Even if it were mandated to be put into a fund, say the .gov passed a law that said 15% of your income (yes, half from the employer) MUST be put into a 401k of some kind, I'd be happier with it than creating a fund the .gov can raid at will and I'm not sure will be there by the time I get ready for it.
It hasn't been there for some time. The "Lock Box" is full of I.O.U's.
Woody