Politicians love to show a pie-chart graphic of how much “federal” money is spent on what, and Social Security is the biggest slice of the pie. However, what they fail to show is that Social Security is funded by workers. Remember that big contribution you make out of each paycheck? Well, that has taken care of Social Security all these years, plus some.

Medicare does not contribute to the national debt. It is fully paid for by the workers. Social Security is not broke. It is solvent until 2026. There is sufficient time to make any needed adjustments. Absolutely no concessions should be done at this time. President Obama has already put in place certain controls that will help to keep it solvent for even longer.

Government spending may, in fact, be out of control. But Social Security is the one program that is working. What we are failing to pay for are the wars and tax breaks. Always before, wartime called for increased taxes. How on earth could any politician want to lower taxes at this time, especially after this has been done for a number of years and has caused record deficits? Social Security did not cause the deficits. Tax breaks and unnecessary wars did.

Gov. Ronald Reagan cut taxes in California and the state is now in financial ruin. President Reagan cut federal taxes and the nation is in financial ruin. It doesn’t take a smart person to figure out that cutting taxes doesn’t fix anything.

At this time, a modest increase in taxes on the most wealthy would take care of our problems. If we do nothing, it will someday be necessary to raise taxes on everyone.

Reita Grant
Rainsville