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Social Security scam is destroying the US

  • Originally published December 22, 2012 at 4:06 p.m., updated December 22, 2012 at 4:06 p.m.

Editor, the Advocate:

I am a WWII veteran. I served in the Philippines. I was fortunate enough to dodge a few bullets, but was not able to avoid the mosquitoes; malaria sickness prevailed for years. After the atomic bomb was dropped and the shooting ceased, I was sent to Korea and served there a year. All of this took place starting more than 68 years ago and ending two and a half years later. I said all of this to let you know that I have experienced a little bit of what life offered me so many years ago.

Thinking about a long time ago, I am older than Social Security and while on the subject, would I have ever thought that some day that would contend, or be listening to the haggling about this program classified as something earned or an entitlement? Of course, words mean something different in the Obama world (like Bill Clinton's world of 'is' word).

I remember Social Security very well with the discussion with those doing carpenter work and farming work. Recall this: This was 1935, the Depression was ongoing and the newness of Social Security left lots of questions to be answered. This validated the time lapse getting all the pitfalls covered over before the program was complete in 1937. I remember seeing FDR when he signed Social Security into law, showing it on RKO News at the movies in 1935. I got my Social Security card in late 1939. The withholding rate started at 1 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent and it stayed that way. Years later came the scam! It was stated that everyone born in the years 1915 through 1926 are to be declared "notch" people, and they were referenced as "notch victims," which was determined by whom? Later on, it was announced that since none of us were receiving the correct amount that we are being offered, a $5,000 settlement was offered to correct for the underpayment over the years. This will not happen, because President Obama is encouraging everyone to cash in on our Social Security. Destroy the USA, insert socialism.

Coolidge Gerdes, Victoria