Vote the thieves out

Dear Editor: American workers contribute to Social Security from every paycheck we earn. The program uses those funds to pay all benefits and related administrative costs. Social Security does not add a penny to the deficit. When Social Security runs a surplus, the funds are held in trust. There is currently a $2.9 trillion accumulated surplus in that trust.

Our thieving representatives in Washington just voted for a constitutional amendment requiring that all annual revenue and spending balance every year. Two hundred and thirty-three members of the House of Representatives — 97 percent of Republicans, including our own dear U.S. Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook — voted to pretend the accumulated surplus does not exist, in effect voting to not pay us back when those funds will be needed for our earned benefits.

By contrast, 96 percent of Democrats voted to honor their commitment to workers.

It is a disgrace that 233 politicians who took office claiming to represent the people of their districts would vote to steal this money from the people. It is a clear illustration of the low regard Congress has for the people.

Fortunately, the amendment did not attain the two-thirds majority required to pass the House. But those who voted for it are now on the record in support of stealing the American people’s earned Social Security benefits.

With the midterm elections on the horizon, it is high time liberals and conservatives vote these thieves out of office.

Mitch Newman, Rifton