To the editor:
In his column, on page A4 in the Nov. 1 Daily Journal (“An issue U.S. can no longer ignore”), Lee Hamilton wrongly refers to Social Security and Medicare as entitlement programs that he references for spending cuts to address the federal budget deficit. Social Security is not an entitlement program for retirees. Retirees receiving Social Security paid into it while they were working, in order to receive retirement benefits.
Over the years, Congress has changed Social Security so that disabled citizens can be eligible for and receive Social Security benefits and also allow the federal government to use Social Security funds. Neither of these entities paid into Social Security — they just take money out of Social Security!
So, Congress wants to cut retirees’ benefits so money will continue to be available for other entities withdrawing from the system. How did we get here? And how great would it be if these two entities would be cut from Social Security rather than cutting the benefits of those who paid into Social Security?!
Medicare is a health insurance program for retirees and we pay a premium, just like any insurance plan. That premium is automatically deducted from our bank accounts.
Entitlements!!! Not for retirees!!!
Helen Volk
Sellersburg
