Did you know the problems with Social Security and Medicare are because old people like me just aren’t dying fast enough? Yep, all the problems are because Granny and Grandpa are collecting too much money. So said a certain “comedian” in his serious opening monologue after a trip to Washington D.C. And he had fancy charts with selected statistics to back up his thesis that Social Security and Medicare are doomed, and we should just accept that.
I say baloney! There’s a lot we can do to strengthen Social Security and Medicare. First, vote for Democrats who will do everything in their power to protect and strengthen these programs, while today’s MAGA Republicans are doing everything in their power to kill them and hand all our future retirement and health care money to the giant, wealthy corporations. Remember, private corporations are there to make profits for their owners – not look out for your best interest. Government holds your contributions in safe investments and answers only to we the people and our representatives in Congress. Plus, government doesn’t pay each of its top managers millions of dollars per year or lease magnificent offices in expensive Wall Street high-rise buildings full of marble and fancy amenities.
Second, demand our representatives in Congress take the actions needed to solve the funding issues, such as taking the cap off the amount of wages subject to Social Security contributions. There are income loopholes that are only available to the wealthy that can be closed as well as many other steps available to make the programs fair and fiscally sound.
Third, make a lot of noise and be visible to every level of government representative, even at the local level. Write letters, make calls, present at meetings, talk to your neighbors and family, etc. The death of Social Security and Medicare would mean your local, county, and state governments would have to take care of those who would normally receive Social Security and Medicare services. And who pays for that? YOU DO!
Bottom line is stay informed (I recommend AARP as a nonpartisan, factual source), vote for candidates who will protect Social Security and Medicare (Democrats), and become noisy in your own way.
Marian Hill