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Insecurities of Social Security
The
Minnesota Daily
January 19, 2006
Social Security should be untouched as a matter of ethical responsibility.
In December the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Social Security benefits could be taken from older and disabled citizens to pay off student loans outstanding 10 years, ultimately conveying that the collection of delinquent loans is more important than protecting those most vulnerable in society.
Social Security, what is perhaps the most noble and necessary commitment to the elderly and disabled, plays a large role in the lives of nine out of 10 retirees.
One-third of elderly are dependent on Social Security as their only source of income, while two-thirds rely on the benefits as their main source of income.
Thirty-three billion dollars in student loans remains unpaid; a little less than $6 billion of that is more than 10 years old. The delinquent amount of $7 billion says a lot about the costs of education.
In a time when corporations can easily cheat their workers out of 401(k)s and pensions, the federal government not only fails to regulate or protect these programs sufficiently, but it also has the audacity to dip into Social Security funds in the name of punishing delinquent debtors.
Just this past May when United Airlines declared bankruptcy, the courts approved the pension termination of 122,000 workers while chief executive Glen Tilton maintained his annual $4.5 million pension. There clearly is this willingness to neglect the very people who are already living off limited money while the wealthy receive financial security.
The treatment of people, including the treatment of those who are elderly or disabled, says a lot about a society. As we move toward societal advancement of all forms, it must be remembered that civilization is not only based on the gadgets and machines that a society has. Civilization also means being socially responsible and civil to all community members.
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