This letter is in response to a Cal Thomas syndicated column that appeared in the Sun Journal May 14, titled, “Create wealth, don’t redistribute.”
In his column, Thomas criticized Pope Francis for raising issues concerning income and wealth inequality, with such inequality historically the worst it has ever been.
I understand why Thomas and other conservatives are worried about the issue, since it could significantly impact elections this fall and in the 2016 presidential race. But only if voters take the time to understand how much of the nation’s wealth is in the hands of so few. And how, especially with the Citizens United ruling by the conservative-led Supreme Court, the wealthy have even more impact on elections and government — effectively buying politicians and their votes on important matters.
As distressing as that is, Thomas’ whining and puling about how much of his money is “… confiscated by the state …” is the new mantra of the “poor-me” rich. Does Thomas and his family have to decide between buying food or needed medicine like many U.S. citizens do, especially elders?
I think not.
But Thomas continues by asking “… who will take care of us should I retire or become incapacitated? I can’t live on Social Security alone.”
That last statement is a definite slap in the face to countless Americans whose major source of income is indeed Social Security. Recent figures indicate that 46 percent of unmarried elderly and 23 percent of married elderly couples rely on Social Security for 90 percent of their income, with an average monthly benefit of only $1,290.
Thomas and his conservative brethren are out of touch with the everyday economic security realities faced by Americans.
These people want to cut benefits to Social Security beneficiaries to solve a budget crisis caused not by the self-funded Social Security program, but by the wealthy and corporations not paying their fair share of taxes.
Congress should instead boost Social Security to protect the retirement security of millions of American families by raising the minimum benefit formula and boosting benefits for all others.
Furthermore, to keep benefits fair, Congress should utilize the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly to account correctly for inflation.
Finally, Congress should also consider restoring survivor benefits to college students up to age 24 and providing Care Giver Credits to the unsung heroes of our country — those who voluntarily care for their young, dependent children and elderly relatives.
To pay for all that? Scrap the payroll wage cap. That will make Social Security solvent for future generations.
It is the right thing to do.
Americans need to wake up and make their voices heard, their votes count.
Jim Lysen, Lewiston
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