To the editor: The final votes of the 2024 election have barely been counted, the inauguration is more than a month away, and President-elect Donald Trump's close allies are already Chasing Social Security. And Medicare will probably be next! (“The Republican Party and Musk reveal a threat to Social Security”, December 3 column)
Here's how to solve the Social Security insolvency problem: everyone should pay the tax on all their income, with no loopholes for the rich. No one should pay less than the percentage paid by a low-wage worker.
I am a retired teacher. I paid about 25% in income taxes last year. Imagine what you would achieve with 25% of Elon Musk's income (in just one day!), and you probably wouldn't miss the money.
Cathy Zemlick, El Cajon
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To the editor: Columnist Michael Hiltzik left something out in his excellent article.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said that if people put their money almost anywhere else, they would do better than Social Security. Look at how many people don't take advantage of their employers' retirement plans, even with generous donations, and you'll see how big that “if” is.
One reason for the creation of Social Security is that many people simply do not invest anything for their retirement. The old people who sold apples on the corners were a sales point for Social Security.
Does Lee think having more impoverished elderly and disabled people is a good thing for America?
Barry Davis, Agoura Hills
