Rally for Social Security on Dec. 5

On Thursday, Dec. 5, at 11:30 a.m. at 230 S. Dearborn, Chicago, citizens from all over Metro-Chicago will be gathering to show our support for this integral part of American family life.

In the 1930s, when America was in dire straits, a bold legislative move was undertaken, a deal was struck, a promise was made to secure the American family. I'm speaking of Social Security.

More commonly known as a retirement safety net, Social Security is, in reality, a family safety net. The Social Security program contains benefits for widows, orphans and the disabled, in addition to security for retirees. It was our country's pledge to the American family. We have all been contributing to this program since its inception.

Current budget talks have Social Security on the bargaining table. Elected officials are willing to cut benefits, ignore families whose only source of income is Social Security, and refuse to allow a cost of living that accurately reflects older Americans' spending. Not passing an accurate cost of living forces the choice between food and medicine. Is this the best we can do for those who built our country? For those who are building it now? For those who will build it in the future?

Social Security is a social contract designed to increase quality of life.

Social Security is an earned benefit - not an entitlement - and we pay for it in advance.

We must let our elected officials know that we will not allow cuts to this most important safety net. Today's actions will have profound economic and social impact on our children and our children's children. We cannot afford to be silent.

For details, call Jay Lewkowitz, LCSW - National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, at (847) 299-5588.