Leave Social Security, Medicare alone

I lost my job and my home. For seniors living on fixed incomes, this economy is especially terrifying since I also have lost my retirement savings. The cost of health care continues up. That's why I can't understand why some in Congress are urging cuts to Social Security and Medicare at a time when these programs are all that is keeping me afloat.

I am in poverty even with Social Security and Medicare. If the current meltdown has shown us anything, it's that Social Security is the one reliable component of America's retirement system and Medicare often makes the difference between affording health care or doing without.

There is no reason programs such as Social Security and Medicare should be cut to pay for failed economic policies. A strong America needs a strong safety net in difficult times.

Gary Bergman

Marion