Congress can override old law

With regard to the Tuesday letter, “Increases dictated by 1973 legislation,” which stated, “The lack of a raise in Social Security wasn’t anything the current government had any say over

,” this is not true.

Among other things, the lawmakers could have passed a “House referendum” which would have effectively overridden the outdated legislation passed in 1973. The referendum could have reflected honest changes in the CPI, using the CPI-E (consumer price index for the elderly). Can any reasonable person deny that seniors on fixed incomes are adversely affected by regular increases in the cost of food, clothing, shelter, energy, insurance, health care, fees and taxes, etc.?

They deserve at least the same cost of living increases that their government “employees” receive. Perhaps if our politicians had not raided the Social Security fund so many times, their “stingy” attitude would change. For elderly recipients, Social Security income is a return on a life-long investment, and should not be referred to as an “entitlement,” which infers welfare.

They expect and deserve the government to a be good, honest steward of their investment. They don’t expect or deserve a government that is constantly finding ways to short-change them.

Don Sanders
Granite Falls

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Jan. 25

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A parent walks their children to class at Whittier Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Everett schools warrant yes votes on bond, levy

The bond will add and renovate schools; the levy supports 15% of the district’s budget.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Jan. 24

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Jan. 23

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Why LifeWise found it necessary to sue Everett Schools

Everett School District’s hostility to off-campus religious instruction violates the Constitution.

Comment: What families should consider in choosing a school

With a range of school options, here’s what to consider in finding a good fit for your child.

Comment: Latino, other communities rely on drug pricing program

Continued support of 340B is vital for diverse communities and small business owners in the state.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Jan. 22

A sketchy look at thenews of the day.… Continue reading

People sit on benches in the main hallway of Explorer Middle School’s new athletics building on Oct. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Voters should approve Mukilteo schools levy, bond

The levy provides about 14% of the district’s budget. The bond funds improvements districtwide.

A drawing by Edie Everette made while providing care for her mother, who was living with dementia.
Forum: Care for loved one calls on compassion, grace and humor

When dementia arises in someone you love and now must care for, remember that you’re not alone.

The Buzz: Cpl. Veronika, you’re being sent to defend Greenland

Cows have been hiding their ability to use tools. Is the bovine revolution at hand?

Schwab: It isn’t GOP cowardice but approval that emboldens Trump

In message and manner, an ICE-like cruelty is on proud display. And about last week’s column: “Pysch!”

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.