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Hundreds rally in Washington as Congress
opens Social Security hearings


by Leslie Tune

Washington, D.C., April 26, 2005 As Congress began hearings Tuesday on proposals to privatize the Social Security system, hundreds rallied in front of the capitol to plead that the system not be changed at the expense of the poor.

"Social Security has kept generations of Americans out of poverty," NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar told the crowd. "It seems unimaginable that Congress would suggest that Americans sacrifice this safety net for the uncertainty provided by private accounts." Edgar urged Congress "to be steadfast in its efforts but judicious in its implementation of solutions to the problems facing Social Security.

Carrying red, white and blue placards that proclaimed, "Stop Privatization" and "Social Security, United to Protect," a crowd that included persons of faith, union members, farmers and disabled persons of all ages stood in the spring sunshine to ask Congress to strengthen Social Security in ways that will guarantee its availability for all Americans for decades to come.

Without Social Security, Edgar declared, "more than 50 percent of women and 40 percent of men over the age of 65 would be living in poverty. And, Social Security survivor benefits provide support for 4.5 million children -- a number greater than those who served through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which Congress is also preparing to cut through the budget process."

The "crisis in America" is not to be found in Social Security, Edgar said. "The crisis is in the fact that so many people, especially children, go to bed hungry each night in the richest country in the world. The crisis can be found in the fact that millions of Americans do not have access to quality health care. The crisis can be found in the degradation of the environment and the lack of funding for public schools."

The full text of Edgar's statement follows:

We are here today on the brink of what is a very important moment in our nation’s history. Today Congress will begin hearings on privatizing Social Security, which could adversely affect the lives of  those most in need, even as it is poised to pass a resolution that would balance the federal budget on the backs of those living in poverty. As a person of faith and the representative of 36 denominations with more than 45 million churchgoing and concerned Christians nationwide; I stand here to declare that we do not want Congress to pass legislation that would lead to insecurity for millions of elderly and disabled Americans as well as widows and surviving children. The Bible clearly tells us to protect the widow and the orphan, and others who are vulnerable in our society. 

Indeed, Social Security has kept generations of Americans out of poverty. Millions of retirees, children, widows and those living with disabilities have been helped by the additional income that Social Security provides. Without it more than 50 percent of women and 40 percent of men over age 65 would be living in poverty. And, Social Security survivor benefits provide support for 5.4 million children—a number greater than those served through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which Congress is also preparing to cut through the budget process. 

It seems unimaginable that Congress would suggest that Americans should sacrifice this safety net for the uncertainty provided by private accounts. Will privatizing Social Security help our nation care for the widow and orphan? Will cutting Medicaid or food stamps give deliverance to the needy? Will giving tax breaks to the wealthy promote the common good?  

NO! They will only serve to further increase the obscene number of people who live in poverty in our nation. Because, although we recognize that something has to be done about Social Security, we also believe that if there is a crisis in America the crisis cannot be found in Social Security. The crisis is in the fact that so many people, especially children, go to bed hungry each night in the richest country in the world. The crisis can be found in the fact that millions of Americans do not have access to quality health care. The crisis can be found in the degradation of the environment and the lack of funding for public schools.  

Therefore, we strongly urge Congress to be steadfast in its efforts but judicious in its implementation of solutions to the problems facing Social Security. We call on Congress to move forward diligently but without unnecessarily invoking fear. We ask you to preserve and strengthen Social Security with fully-funded, secure and equitable guarantees for all Americans, whether they need it tomorrow or in the decades ahead.

Contact: Leslie Tune, NCC News, (202) 544-2350


 

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