Recently, as the federal budget deficit has ballooned and the economy has soured, politicians have begun to look for ways to slash federal government services and benefits, both now and in the future. Social Security, formerly an untouchable government benefit, has come under attack by fiscal conservatives as an unsustainable and ill-conceived government entitlement.
Some have advocated privatizing Social Security so that future retirees would not receive a defined benefit amount, but instead would be responsible for investing for their own retirements, similarly to company-sponsored 401(k)s and other retirement accounts. Others have suggested raising the age of retirement so that retirees would not be eligible until much later. Other proposals that would restrict and narrow the benefits offered under Social Security have also been suggested as a way to avoid bankrupting the Social Security trust fund, currently set to be exhausted in 2043 if no changes are made to Social Security, according to a report from the Congressional Budget Office in August 2009.
Campaign For America Resists the Threat to Social Security
Many Americans, including Campaign for America, have fought back against the proposals to change Social Security or cut it altogether. Over 17,000 Americans have signed Campaign for America's petition to leave Social Security alone. But Campaign for America has also turned the screws on politicians by asking them to sign the Social Security pledge: a promise to reject any plans to alter the Social Security program.
Many political candidates for federal office have already signed the pledge or have directly indicated that they are against the pledge and will propose changes to Social Security, if elected. By making the threats to Social Security a visible issue in the 2010 elections, Campaign for America hopes to put the issue on the radar for American voters.
In Ohio, vocal Social Security critic John Boehner has already refused to sign the pledge, while most other candidates for federal office in Ohio have signed the pledge to protect Social Security or remain mum on the subject.
Changes to Social Security, one of the most popular and enduring federal programs, will affect Social Security beneficiaries, both now and in the future. Before sacrificing a program that has been the backbone of American retirement and a safety net for millions in old age, politicians should consider the wishes of the majority of Americans. According to a Gallup poll in July 2010, most Americans are opposed to any changes in Social Security, except for possible benefit reductions for the wealthy.
