Just work on problem

I, along with many of my friends, am concerned about the increased partisanship of politicians and how political discussions have become too adversarial. Among the reasons for this is the use of “conversation stoppers” that politicians and others use.

People throw out terms like “racism,” “indoctrination,” “brainwashing,” “cancel culture,” etc. Terms and phrases like this take the discussion away from legitimate policy differences and possible solutions to problems. One recent example is that the Democrats accuse Republicans of wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare. Then the Republicans are forced to announce that they do not want to do this. Lost in this back and forth is the real issue of the future solvency of SS and Medicare.

As we all know, us baby boomers are the most populous generation. We are currently flooding the system and this will continue for a number of years. The generations coming after us are far less numerous. Another factor is that the life expectancy is continuing to grow longer. What this means is that expenditures will far exceed the tax revenue coming in to these programs. Something must be done, and soon, to make these programs actuarially sound.

Currently, incomes exceeding $160,000 per year face no additional Social Security taxes after that limit is reached. Eligibility for Medicare begins at age 65. Full Social Security benefits begin at age 67. I suggest that all W-2 earnings should be taxed, without limit. Also, raise the Medicare eligibility age to 68 and the full retirement age to 70.

I wish that Congress and the president would stop throwing conversation-stopping grenades at one another and work on this current and growing problem.

STACY PETERS Little Rock