Ida Adkins – 7/20/08

This page was last updated on July 21, 2008.

Be careful when voting this year; Ida Adkins; Beaver County Times; July 20, 2008.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Social Security has always been a thorn in President Bush’s side. That thorn is now in the side of John McCain.”

[RWC] I’d like Ms. Adkins to explain why Socialist Security wouldn’t be a “thorn in the side” of any President. Socialist Security is a Ponzi scheme estimated to go broke in about 40 years.

“I heard McCain say it was absolutely disgraceful that young workers have to pay into Social Security. OK! We seniors have to pay school taxes and we have no children in school.”

[RWC] Surprise! Ms. Adkins didn’t put what Mr. McCain said in context. Here’s how USA Today reported Mr. McCain’s comment. “Asked by a young woman if she is likely to receive Social Security benefits someday, McCain said it was unlikely ‘unless we fix it.’ ‘Americans have got to understand that we are paying present-day retirees with the taxes paid by young workers in America today,’ he said. ‘And that’s a disgrace. It’s an absolute disgrace, and it’s got to be fixed.’”

Does Ms. Adkins believe Socialist Security (and Medicare) isn’t in financial trouble?

“Believe me, I’m not complaining. I’ll gladly pay my taxes. It’s the only way and it’s the right way.

“Could you imagine how much lower our taxes would be if only we had really honest politicians? I guess that is really wishful thinking on my part. When these young people reach their golden years, they will thank God they paid into Social Security.”

[RWC] Ms. Adkins makes a drive-by implication that Mr. McCain isn’t “really honest.”

As for Ms. Adkins claim that when “young people reach their golden years, they will thank God they paid into Social Security,” I doubt it. The return on Socialist Security is pitiful compared to what would be achieved even with very conservative investing of 12.4% (SS taxes) of a person’s earnings.

“Take heed, senior citizens, and watch where you put your Xs when you vote in November.”

[RWC] Translation: Vote for Barack Obama.