Congress – Hands off our Social Security

Latest

Protest for healthcare at House Speaker Paul Ryan’s office in Racine, Wisconsin.
PHOTO/CHARLES E. MILLER

Editor’s note: Social Security is under attack. Between 2010 and 2017 its operating budget fell 10%. There is fear that the increase in the federal budget deficit from the recent $1.9 trillion tax cut for the wealthy will be used to reduce the program. Cuts will mean more seniors in poverty. The fight for Medicare for All is part of the fight to save Social Security.
WASHINGTON, DC — Social Security was passed in 1935 to provide a form of economic security to address the need to support workers after the end of their work lives with resources provided in largest part by the workers themselves. The backdrop for the creation of this program was the Great Depression, which created a level of fear to which this was a response.
The original Social Security Act created several programs that, even today, form the basis for the government’s role in providing income security for older people, the unemployed, and needy families. The Medicare program was created 30 years later.
The original program covered workers in only about half the jobs in the country, those in commerce and industry. This meant that at its inception, this program codified the limitations of this exploitative economic system—capitalism—by defining social security in a way that was racist and sexist, failing as it did to cover workers in fields of work populated primarily by people of color and women: agriculture, service, child care, home care, health care, education, and the social service industry. Some of those “errors” have since been corrected through the action of the workers and their unions.
This Social Security system, even in its initiation, was opposed by the corporations and Congress. During the 1980s, Social Security was taken completely away from the working class through Congress—which is made up principally of the rich. Capitalism only serves a few, the 1%, and has a dominant effect on all of our institutions, including Social Security.
Together we can create all the necessary goods and services—including Social Security—that we need, and a world where no one has to suffer the injustice of poverty, hunger, homelessness, sickness, unemployment, or disease. Let’s build a better world together, with workers—whether unemployed, employed, semi-employed, laid off—at the helm. The problems that we as a class face (the 99%), will only and can only be resolved by us, the working class. To quote one of our local ancestors, the eminent publisher Calvin Rolark, “If it is to be, it is up to me!”
Rick Tingling-Clemmons is Business Manager, Gray Panthers of Metropolitan Washington broken hockey stick. Dylan was shot through the heart.
 

Letter to the Editor: Medicare cuts


 

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘Organize Like Our Lives Depend On It Because They Do’

'There are no winners here, because we are all bound by our nation’s refusal to confront its own soul. This fight is not over; it’s only beginning,' says Director of Los Angeles Skid Row organization, LA CAN.

Where Do We Go From Here: It Does Matter

Those of us who have a history of being on the front lines knew this moment was coming and we’re telling ourselves it is not the time to fatigue out! We know either way it lands, that it’s in our laps and we need all boots on the ground.

Pregnant Teen Died: Seeks Care in Three Texas Emergency Rooms

Nevaeh Crain cried in pain, too weak to walk, blood staining her thighs. Vomiting and feverish at her baby shower, the teen went to two different emergency rooms, returning home, worse than before. Pregnant women have become untouchables.

No, Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable

Despite politicians' claims to the contrary, immigration is not making housing unaffordable. In fact, immigration can be part of the solution.

Make Your Vote Count 

This 2024 election is gaining on us and the pressure to get to the ballot box is intense and...

More from the People's Tribune