College Student Takes Social Security System to Task

From: * * * @aol.com [mailt to: * * * aol.com]

[1] My name is Kristie Schweers and I am a student at Orange Coast College. My professor, for political science, has given us an assignment to send an email to a political figure regarding an issue that concerns us. The issue I have chosen to write about is social security.

[2] I have been a taxpayer for the last 7 years now. I work 40+ hours a week for a paycheck and about * * * % of my hard earned money goes to taxes, one of which being social security. I have always thought that was putting money away, towards a "fund" that I would benefit from when I became a senior citizen. Well, I'm not so sure that that money will be mine when the time comes around. There are people, now, that are benefiting from SS that haven't even put money into it, What frustrates me is the fact that my future and my children's futures might be less "fruitful" because of things happening today. I deserve to have that money, that I worked hard for, given to me when I am due. I agree with taking care of the elderly, to a degree, and I realize they have more "political power" than say, my generation. But what about when my generation gets to be that age? Is all the money going to be depleted when I need home healthcare ! assistance? I think that when you turn 70 you shouldn't get to vote anymore. Why should someone of that age dictate my future in this country or in the world for that matter? I also think that SS benefits should be cut off when you turn 75, By that time you should get whatever was owed to you, but after that age, benefits should stop. I know it sounds harsh, but if you look at all the money from the budget that goes to the senior citizens and their programs (more than 50%), is there going to be any money leftover? I am not trying to be disrespectful, by any means, or try to keep the rights and benefits from those who are deserving of them, but I deserve them too.

[3] In conclusion, I think that whatever you put into the SS program, you should be guaranteed when you turn the eligible age. I think that everyone that contributes should have their own personal "bank account" and when the time comes, it should be liquefied. I also think that if, when the time comes, if you are extremely wealthy and do not need the benefits from SS, that that money should be forfeited into a fund to help world hunger and other programs like that. It may seen that I am greedy, but I have grandparents and I help people all the time, I just think that those that don't contribute to the system, those that aren't in need of the money, and some of the programs that we pay for with this money, shouldn't benefit from social security.

[4] Thank you for taking the time to read my opinion. I hope, one day, it makes a difference.