Letters: As Social Security turns 80, let’s preserve it

Our Social Security system celebrates its 80th birthday on Friday, and as a retiree I get upset when I hear politicians in Washington talk about cutting and privatizing the program to trim the federal budget. Social Security is paid for by American workers and employers.

It’s hard enough for retired folks to get by. Pensions are disappearing; the middle class is shrinking; it’s harder than ever to save for retirement. Cutting the Social Security benefits we earn would only serve to push millions of seniors into poverty.

We should be looking to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. By simply having all Americans, including the super-rich, pay their fair share into the Social Security system, we can extend the life of the trust fund and modestly increase benefits for most beneficiaries.

For generations our Social Security system has been the foundation of retirement in America. We have to maintain it to make sure it’s there for generations to come.

This story was originally published August 11, 2015 at 7:39 PM.