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Highlands Today > News > Letters To The Editor

Mr. Dunlap, Come Sit In My Rocking Chair

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 10, 2008

Re: Social Security -

Fear Mongering.

In response to Mr. Dunlap's response to my Social Security letter. I would like to remind Mr. Dunlap that a recital of fact is not fear mongering; if that were true, thousands of classroom educators would be guilty of same.

He suggests Social Security is "simply" an income transfer program, when in fact during the past 25 years Social Security has become a deceitful wealth transfer program, intended to confuse the general public. Based on some of Mr. Dunlap's observations, opinions, reasoning and misquoting of my original letter, it's working.

Mr. Dunlap, I would love to engage you in civil discourse through my published e-mail. That's the way to begin solving issues, but since you didn't do that, I can do one better. I will give up my rocking chair one afternoon so you can sit down and explain to our little 3-year-old granddaughter (one of 14) exactly what you have in mind for her regarding Social Security.

I'm particularly interested in how you'll explain why her mommy and daddy's Social Security contributions are being used to encumber her financial future; how 6 million government workers aren't obligated by law to pay Social Security taxes; how the Social Security income cap has the majority of working Americans contributing 12.4 cents for every dollar they make, while million dollar wage earners pay less than 1.5 percent; tell her how many part time jobs she'll have to have because Social Security denied her the financial resources to save and invest; tell her where you were when $2.3 trillion of IOUs were put on her back; and don't you dare tell her, "don't worry - be happy."

Mr. Dunlap, I'm sure you're a nice guy, and given a chance we could agree on a lot of things. However, this issue isn't about you and me, it's about the next generation of Americas, and America herself.

Using terms like "fear mongering" and "right wing" only gives credibility to my original letter headline; Social Security, political kabuki dancing; it appears you've been taking lessons and have learned the dance real well and are looking for dancing partners.

To learn about a 35-year inter-generational solution to this issue, contact Jim at jg@americaretoday.com.

Jim Gries

Weeki Wachee

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