Gov't is misusing Social Security money
Sixty-nine years ago when I first started paying into my Social Security, I really didn't give it much thought as 65 was a long way off.
From my recollection, participation started out with FDR, and was to be completely voluntary with employers, also contributing, so it sounded OK! Also at that time, only 1 percent of the first $1,400 of the annual income would go into a FICA account. However, throughout the years, the 545 caretakers, our government representatives, have found many ways to use or misuse our money.
Under Johnson's rule, our money was moved from a SS Trust Fund into the general fund to be used as a private piggy bank. Not to forget Jimmy Carter, he started giving immigrants SS payments at 65 who never paid a dime into it.
Then during the Clinton and Gore reign of terror, payments to retirees that were not to be taxed, changed with Al Gore casting the tie-breaking vote so up to 85 percent could be taxed.
I don't know or want to know how many billion or trillion dollars the government has borrowed or stolen from what my and following generations have contributed to the SS fund, but the present and future generations will have a tough row to hoe paying it back.
So those of you who are still blaming "W" for all of our woes, look to the past and the present. There is plenty of blame to go around.
Also, in November remember who the racist candidate was that asked people for their vote because of their color. Think what is best for America. Not for you, your party or color.
Jack W. Harmon
Stamford
Women's health should be main concern in N.Y.
National Women's Health Week on May 13-19 was an excellent opportunity for women to prioritize and take charge of their health, and it truly is _ in most cases.
Unfortunately, in New York state, there are tragic situations in which a woman cannot take charge of her health because of a troubling gap in the state's law.
In 1970, New York led the way in protecting women's health by legalizing abortion with strong bipartisan support.
Now, at a time when women's health care is under attack in Congress and in many other states, New York must act again to protect essential reproductive health care services.
The Reproductive Health Act will guarantee that a woman in New York can make her own personal, private health care decisions, especially when her health is endangered during pregnancy.
Seven out of 10 New York voters believe the bill should become law. This legislation will only pass if Albany places women's health above politics and listens to the voices of New Yorkers.
Debra Marcus
Oneonta
MARCUS IS Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood of South Central New York, Oneonta.
