I am committed to doing whatever it takes to protect social security for those who planned their lives and retirement around the promise that they will receive its benefits. Social security is a contract, not a benefit program. Those who are receiving social security now or will soon receive it, have been paying into the system for years. They have kept their part of the bargain. Reducing their payments or ending social security altogether would mean breaking that promise. That’s wrong.
When the social security system was begun in 1935, more than half of America’s senior citizens were living in poverty. We must ensure that America’s senior citizens are never put in that situation again. I am also dedicated to making sure that future generations benefit from a viable retirement system.
Some politicians, like Mr. Spratt, have favored privatization of social security. I disagree with that approach as a cure-all. Instead, I look forward to working to find a comprehensive solution that keeps social security both solvent and sustainable.
In the short-term, the surest way to preserve social security is to reign in government spending and turn around our economy. A deficit reduction coupled with an increase in revenues (due to an improved economy) will quickly bridge the budget gap and ensure a solvent social security system.
The ads you see on TV are a perfect example of how politicians will say anything about anyone to win an election. I never voted to say social security was unconstitutional. I don’t want to make it illegal. And I certainly don’t want to put anybody in jail for taking it. I hope each of you will see those ads for what they are: outright lies.
