THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 10, 1995 TAG: 9502090020
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Regarding seniors who are ``stealing from their kids'' by accepting Social Security payments beyond the actual amount deposited (letter, Feb. 1): I cannot believe Andrew C. Kline would consider making deposits to a bank or an annuity for 30, 40 or 45 years and be willing to accept only the amount contributed, without any growth. It also appears that he believes that dollars of 40 years ago are of the same value as dollars of today. It is important to note that workers had no choice regarding participation in the Social Security program. A part of our wages was taken by our government with the guarantee that we would be entitled to a small retirement later.
Mr. Kline seems to have come upon his final solution when he said, ``If elderly people in this country need a helping hand, let's give them what they need. More than they get now. Let them live in dignity.'' Possibly without realizing it, he states the very reason for the Social Security system. Too many people depended upon business to reward them properly after years of faithful service, only to be disappointed. My father, after 40 years with the same company, didn't even get a ``gold watch.'' Just a handshake to go forth and live in ``dignity.''
ELMER HUNTER
Portsmouth, Feb. 1, 1995 by CNB