First Published in May 28, 2004

 

May 28, 2004

 

Dear President Bush,

and Members of Both Houses of the Congress of the United States of America:

We Americans appreciate the burdens that you must bear each day as you work to keep our Beloved America and all Americans safe from harm.

Please consider these respectful suggestions as you ponder the future of our Great Nation.

Social Security Benefits should be improved immediately:

• Monthly Payments should be raised to four times the current benefit payment

• Medical Insurance should be provided with full coverage and prescriptions provided

• Vision and Dental Benefits should be included

• Long Term Care should be added to Benefits.

The Arguments and Justifications for the Suggestions:

• Social Security should not be just an insurance program for the Senior Citizens and others.

  • It is time to revise the system and make it a "Cost of Doing Business" for America

    • All American Workers contribute directly to the Social Security Fund.

    • All American Workers contribute to the Strength of the American Economy.

      • Without the Workers of America at all levels, America would not exist.

      • The Workers of America and all others who make contributions are the Assets of the Nation.

      •   The People are the Intellectual, Creative Force and Muscle in the Body Politic.

    • When America must go to war, we as a Nation pay the price.

    • When America must rebuild after a Natural Disaster or Attack from Terrorists, we as a Nation pay the price.

    • When we determine that it is our best interest to give Iraq 20 billion dollars to rebuild after they have been our enemy, we as a Nation pay the price.

    • When we determine it is our best interest to give the World Bank funds, or to contribute to United Nations Efforts, we as a Nation pay the price.

    • When we decide that we must increase the Budget for Defense, we as a nation pay the price.

    • It is time for the Nation to realize that our Senior Citizens are not disposable.

      • American Senior Citizens are a reservoir of talent, wisdom and experience that should be preserved, in dignity, for as long as they live.

        • Seniors have paid their dues

        • Seniors have contributed during their Career Years.

        • Seniors still have much to contribute after formal retirement.

        • Seniors are very active politically.

        • Seniors may act as advisors, mentors and even the Conscience of the Nation

    • The cost of providing benefits at four times the current levels, plus medical, dental, vision and prescriptions to seniors may be more than the current insurance system can bear but it not more than the Nation should bear as the Just and Equitable treatment of our Senior Citizens.

      • When the Military needs a raise, we provide it.

      • When the Military need better weapons, we provide them.

      • When the farmers need supports, we provide them.

      • When the American Manufacturers need help or rebuilding, we provide it.

      • When the Environment needs protection, we do what is necessary regardless of cost.

      • Are our Senior Citizens less worthy of their expense and cost of improved Social Security than the animal and insect endangered species in America?

    • Current levels of Social Security Benefits are shamefully low.  Most Social Security recipients are living at below the poverty level.

      • A Social Security recipient's life savings can be wiped out by a catastrophic illness or even a nominal stay in a hospital.

      • The reality of modern living with high prices for everything from toilet paper to gas for a car have outstripped the capacity of budgets and thrift by the elderly.

      • The cost of auto insurance, utilities, heating fuel and insurance on a home is often more than the current social security payment.

    • I respectfully recommend that Social Security Benefits become one of the things that we pay first just as we paid the cost of rebuilding the damaged sections of New York after 9-11.

    • If any think that we are not able to afford the amounts required for increased Social Security Benefits let them ask themselves:

      • How can we justify sending foreign aid to any country instead of using that money for American Senior Citizens?

      • How can we justify sending money to other countries that have not even been friends of America on a consistent basis instead of using the money for American Senior Citizens?

      • How can we justify sending money to Iraq, where Americans are fighting and dying for Liberty, while their parents and grandparents are at home, in America, living below the poverty level?

      • How can we not pay the necessary cost to allow American Senior Citizens to live independent lives without becoming a burden on their children or on their State?

Public Opinion knows that changes must be made in the Social Security System.  Your Leadership and Strength of Character can make the changes happen with a minimum of debate and political machinations.  Put yourself in the place of most Senior Citizens in America today.  Think what it would be like to live on the income that they receive from Social Security.  Consider the Stress that each must endure from not being able to pay their own bills for medical treatment for themselves or for their spouses.  Consider the tears that are shed because seniors must go to bed hungry. 

Please make these changes happen now.

These ideas and suggestions are Respectfully offered in the hope that you will use the great power that has been placed in your hands to make immediate changes for the Good of our People and for Future Generations.

Please contact me if I may be of help in any way.  My usual office hours are Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, California Time.  My Toll Free Number is: 1-866-795-5062.   E-Mail: chancellor1@education-1.net