Letters to the editor: 2/11/05
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We must confront the reality of Social Security's woes
In her Feb. 4 letter, Donna Whitson Brett suggests that legislators like U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart who advocate urgent Social Security reform alarm the public by stating that the current system is in jeopardy of insolvency ("Reason for Suspicion"). Ms. Brett defends her position by offering the opinions of "some analysts."
If Ms. Brett were to consult more reliable sources, such as the 2004 Annual Report of the Social Security Trustees, she would conclude, as concerned lawmakers have, that there are unacceptable costs to delaying Social Security reform.
The study, authored by a panel including the chairman of the Social Security Administration, concludes that Social Security is heading toward bankruptcy. Thirteen years from now, in 2018, Social Security will be paying out more than it takes in and every year afterward will bring a new shortfall, bigger than the year before. When today's young workers begin to retire in 2042, the system will be exhausted and bankrupt, able to pay only 73 percent of its promised benefits.
If efforts are not made now to restructure Social Security, the only solution will be drastically higher taxes, massive new borrowing or sudden and severe cuts in benefits or other government programs.
As someone whose livelihood depends upon choosing his words carefully, I offer that the consequences of not reforming Social Security sooner, as Rep. Hart advocates, rather than later, merit the use of strong words and necessitate confronting reality.
LEE COHEN
Press Secretary to Rep. Hart
Washington, D.C.
Crying wolf again
Kudos to the Post-Gazette for its informative Jan. 27 editorial regarding Social Security ("Phony Crisis: Save the Social Security Program We Have"). The editorial stated the same information put forth by the Social Security Administration, Time Magazine, etc. -- that there is no crisis, that Social Security is, in fact, secure at least through 2042 without any changes whatsoever. Beyond that date, it can pay out about 75 percent of promised benefits -- without any changes whatsoever.
Does this remind you of anything? We were told more than two years ago by this administration about the imminent threat that Iraq posed with its weapons of mass destruction, which were never found. And now, here it is crying wolf yet again. If the administration gets its way this time, at least we'll needlessly lose only some of our retirement security, not our lives!
First Published February 11, 2005 12:00 am
