The Pledge to Protect Social Security
For too long politicians have been trying to scare voters about the solvency of Social Security. In recent years, some even proposed the partial privatization of the system as a possible solution.
Privatization might have helped the bankers and brokers on Wall Street – and their lobbyists, but it would have been a disaster for working men and women. Many would have lost their secure retirement in the sub-prime mortgage crisis.
Thankfully, the Democrats stopped the privatizing of the Social Security system – and instead kept faith with our seniors and retirees.
Yes, our people are living longer than ever before and there will be increasing pressure on our healthcare and retirement systems. Yes, the current generation of retirees can rely on the system being there for them, but there are less clear prospects for this generation of workers and the next.
But that doesn’t mean we have to give up on Social Security which is probably the best government program that we have ever had.
Some think we need to raise the retirement age. Not me. Some think we need to reduce benefits. Not me. Some still think we need some form of privatization. Not me.
To me, the solution to most of our problems is simple – good paying jobs. American workers pay directly into the Social Security fund – it is their system and their investments.
If we protected our workers jobs instead of the multinational corporations that outsource our jobs, our families would be stronger, taxes would be lower, and Social Security would be solvent.
So my solution is simple. Rather than tinker with the system, let’s fix the economy.
*****
But we still have to protect Social Security from the special interests.
Social Security is a lifeline. Just knowing it is there to provide income security for when people are old or disabled is very important and very reassuring for many Americans.
Social Security is the difference between living in poverty or not. It is the difference between having to work and choosing to retire.
I qualify for Social Security but do not collect benefits. I love to work, and am at my plant at 7:30 every morning.
I have lived the American dream by starting a company and building a life in Western New York. I have spent my lifetime creating jobs, balancing budgets and getting things done for working men and women in our community.
Now I want to help my country again - by fighting for a secure retirement. Not mine - yours.
So today, I pledge to stand up for Social Security, and I call on the other candidates to do the same. My pledge has five parts:
• I Pledge to vote against privatization. • I Pledge to protect Social Security disability and survivors' benefits. • I Pledge to vote against any proposal that would raise the retirement age for seniors. • I Pledge to vote against any legislation that would cut benefits. • I Pledge no Social Security benefits for illegal aliens.
Special interest money controls Congress. We need a Congressman that cannot be bought, has the courage to tell the truth, and will represent the working men and women by protecting their Social Security - and that’s why I am running for Congress.
We must have a growing economy, create jobs, balance trade, increase the tax base, and thereby increase funding for the Social Security system - and that’s why I am fighting to save American jobs.
I'm an optimist, but I know I cannot win this fight alone. I won't ask you for your money, but I am asking for your vote and your ideas. So let’s do it right, and do it right now.