Taking aim on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

Re: “Trump’s orders bypass Congress,” Aug. 9 news story

While campaigning, Donald Trump pledged not to cut social-safety-net programs. He lied. His 2020 and 2021 proposed budgets would have slashed billions from Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security disability programs.

President Trump lied to the American people again Saturday. He signed four executive orders, the most controversial of which will defer payroll taxes for those making less than $100,000—a move opposed by both Republicans and Democrats in Congress.

Why? Payroll taxes are our contributions to Social Security and Medicare. They keep the programs funded.

Then he promised, if re-elected, he would make these cuts permanent. That would mean these crucial programs could eventually disappear. They are already under stress as retirees live longer and Americans have fewer children, a declining worker-to-beneficiary ratio.

Yes, the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic desperately need government assistance now to fend off evictions and put food on the table. Yet, the payroll tax deferral does nothing to help them. They are unemployed and not paying these taxes.

With this executive order, Trump has clearly declared war on Social Security and Medicare. He has declared war on seniors and every American.

Younger people, who have contributed their taxes to fund these important programs, may never see their earned benefits when they retire.

Do not despair. We have an effective weapon: the vote.

Marilee Menard, Westminster Barbara Wolpoff, Boulder