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Letter: Ensure viability of Social Security

Friday, July 2, 2004 | 4:15 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

July 3 - 4, 2004

A recent poll indicated that Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., is ahead of President Bush on the Social Security issue. Wow! I didn't know that either one of them had mentioned any significant solution.

Perhaps they should be alerted to the fact that the Social Security trust fund is empty. In about 20 years the Social Security tax paid each year will not be enough to pay the annual benefits due. This is because each year since 1936, members of Congress and presidents have spent every dollar of that year's Social Security taxes not used for current benefits.

I say put all of Social Security's dollars not used for benefit payments into investments, such as certificates of deposit. These monies will find their way into the economy and be paid back with interest.

If the president and people in Congress need more money, let them raise taxes if they can justify the need.

LARRY JOHNSON

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