<-- Return to Opinion Page
<-- Return to Main Page

Social Security issue is complex

Reading recent editorials regarding Social Security - a program designed to provide security for our society - caused me to think. Unfortunately, my thoughts produced more questions than answers. Perhaps my questions may induce answers from others wiser than me.

In our affluent nation, our government should not subsidize wealthy individuals and corporations by putting a cap on their incomes to shield a major portion of them from the Social Security payroll tax, nor should our government subsidize those who failed to save for their retirement. We should provide for needy children and the sick - but that does not replace the responsibility for families to take care of their own.

Comfortable retirees do not need subsistence assistance, but they would have contributed a major portion into that retirement account. I am a firm believer in that program, having lived in an era before that subsistence assistance was provided, but perhaps that subsistence assistance pendulum has swung too far - and I say that as one of the comfortable retirees.

JOHN W. BAKER

Junction City