Don’t be selfish in Social Security reform

In 2005, President Bush was promoting Social Security reform. When older people expressed concern, he assured them that there would be no change for anyone over 55 years old. Today, the Republicans are advocating for the Paul Ryan budget plan that includes a major revision (i.e. benefit reduction) of Medicare. Once again, we hear the assurance that anyone over 55 will be exempt.

Inherent in this assurance is the assumption that people only care about themselves. If the people over 55 are assured that no changes will happen to their benefits, they will be OK with changes that reduce benefits for other people. I'm over 55 and I don't think that way. I don't think most Americans think in such a selfish manner.

Could it be that George Bush, Paul Ryan and other Republicans think people think this way because that is the way they think?

Richard Greer

Cedar Rapids