I try to be distinctly non-political, but AARP sent me this recently and in my mind it hits all of us in our community and well beyond. I just signed the AARP petition requesting the government, while attempting to fix our budget crisis, to leave Social Secutiry alone. This is what I wrote:
Social Security is based on a promise that if you pay in, you can rely upon an income when you stop working. I “Paid in” for forty-six years and my wife has paid in for forty-four years. I would like to remind our government that FDR did not envision this entitlement to be touched by any decision of Congress, that it would be a means for older people who had reached a certain age to help maintain their quality of lifeafter their active earning years were over.Americans count on Social Security being there when they need it.
Deal with the federal budget deficit in other ways. Make those who should be paying into the system pay their fair share. Don’t dilute the strength of America’s seniors. We have entrusted you younger people with the care of our CITIZENS.
Entitlement means that we are entitled. It is akin to a right, not a privilege.
I want our government to keep Social Security strong for us, our children and grandchildren.
Dick Benton
