Why take from Social Security?

It’s outrageous that some in Washington want to cut Social Security to help balance our federal books. budget. Social Security did not contribute to our financial mess and should not be used as a piggy bank to pay down our debt. If it weren’t for Social Security, millions of Americans like me would have had little to depend on during this economic nightmare.

I don’t understand how this program, which touches the lives of virtually every American family and has performed so well during this crisis, is now being targeted by fiscal hawks as “unaffordable.”

It seems like every time I read the paper or turn on the TV, I learn about new budget proposals on Capitol Hill to raise the retirement age, means test Social Security or reduce the COLA. As a senior, I understand the need for fiscal responsibility and want a prosperous future for my grandchildren.

However, I also know that we don’t have to rob from Social Security to meet those goals, and I worry our grandchildren may ultimately need Social Security even more than we do.

Kenneth Kadlec

Glen Ellyn