Will we confront broken promises?

We put our daughters through college, and they have lived and worked independently even before graduation. While both have good jobs, they are challenged with the costs of Seattle living. This is the alternative to commuting up to two hours, each way, each day. They work hard to make it. Not unlike most folks at their age — or any age for that matter.

One recently got a Social Security statement. It states that this fund will only be able to pay 77 percent of its obligations by 2033. If I am alive by that date, I will receive 77 percent of what was previously promised. I can manage this when I am 78 years old. I am lucky; I planned, saved, and have had less trust in government each year. I just cannot see the glass half full when it comes to taxes and promised benefits. I do see an unfair burden on young people that seems oppressive.

But, our youth are not only funding our Social Security with a combined contribution of 15 percent, but doing so with the risk they will get even less than 77 percent. How low will it go? Questions: Is this fair? Is this just? Are the Carpet Baggers in D.C. pleased with this mess? Do they care? Do they like sustaining uneasiness, or threatening thoughts about retirement? Why will Congress not act? Are they indifferent? Do they not see that at some point those who struggle can only take so much? Will this issue always be kicked down the road? Does anyone care? Are broken promises now the norm? Do we react? Are we lambs? Do we have a right to be upset with our elected representatives? Is it too late? Is this another form of taxation without representation? Should we revisit our country’s revolutionary founding? Are there any new age Patrick Henrys, John Adams or George Washingtons? Am I alone with these thoughts and feelings?

Not even mentioning that four letter word- called our national debt, which falls on our children, and theirs. Just saying.

Rob Dietz

Arlington