Federal Budget Dips Into Social Security

Re “U.S. Will Take $9 Billion in Surplus Social Security Funds, Figures Show,” Aug. 28: The Congressional Budget Office report predicting a need to tap into the Social Security surplus is a very ominous sign. It portends a beginning of deficit spending so reminiscent of the Reagan years. This is how it starts, folks. A little bit here and a lot there.

The smoke screen to cover the trivial travails of a congressman has been perfectly devised. As we are lulled to sleep by the incessant non-newsworthy reporting of the unimportant Condit event, the raiding of the people’s coffers continues. Where is the intelligentsia of America? We need you now!

Jim Caputo

Valley Village

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I must ask, why did the story regarding the federal budget and use of Social Security surplus appear on Page A12? Is this not a significant enough story to warrant bumping the story regarding the Fresno landfill that appeared on Page A1? Perhaps it is just another glaring example of the unspoken “conservative press” determining what is given priority for the readers.

Brian L’Ecuyer

Los Angeles

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Everyone seems to be asking whether or not Social Security should be privatized when the real question should be how can we prevent the current administration from sucking it dry.

Steve Pirtle

Whittier

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Re “Bush to Fight for Defense Increase,” Aug. 25: Our compassionate president wants to spend $18 billion for defense, but warns Congress that if it goes on a “spending spree” for the social programs it wants, we will have to tap into Social Security to pay for them. I guess Dubya isn’t aware that Congress represents 100% of the people, and he does not even represent half.

But maybe he is right after all. We will need to shore up our defense if he’s going to continue making enemies around the world.

Shirlee Browne

Redondo Beach

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Bush’s definitions are confusing. If Congress wants to spend money for children or health care, that is a “spending spree.” If the president wants to spend money for a “Star Wars” missile defense, that is a “funding priority.” Please clarify.

Porter Ewing

Van Nuys