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25 Words or Less: Readers debate whether $250 in extra Social Security checks is fair
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Contentious issue, this federal proposal to give Social Security recipients an extra $250 - because their cost of living as officially measured didn't rise and result in an increase for next year.
Lots of good arguments for and against in this week's 25 Words or Less entries.
A few people found grounds for a compromise. Larry Delaney suggested it with a clarity that wins him this week's coveted 25 Words or Less cup.
Next we solicit your best shopping strategies for the upcoming holiday season. That question is at right.
Kevin Post, business editor
Should Social Security recipients get an extra $250?
Yes, if below poverty line. We'll spend on food and medicine. No, if have another pension. Can make do without it.
Larry Delaney, Hammonton
Absolutely not! All the seniors I know are the people living the best. Our deficit is so bad, why make it higher?
Claire Given, Rio Grande
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Giveth Social Security recipients their $250 extra, watch the government taketh it away, when no one's looking!
Bea Kershenblatt, Margate
No, everyone needs to be unselfish and tighten belts, including seniors. Do we honestly want to lay more debt upon our grandchildren's shoulders?
Dolores Salerno, Linwood
Recipients should get an extra $250 because President Obama wants this, and I appreciate this, and am dedicated and support the president's decisions.
Natalie Clark, Ventnor
No! Either give all, including teachers, police, fire and government drones 4 percent or give all nothing.
Thomas Tyrrell, Villas
Yes! A $250 drop in the bucket that is filled with increases in property taxes, electric charges, insurance costs and medical bills.
Thelma Clifford, EHT
No. Losing increases for two years because of $250, will cause us to lose it for four years? Some people depend on the increases yearly.
Kathleen Wilson, Millville
Sadly, no. The VA hospitals and clinics need to expand their medical services to our veterans. The wait time is inexcuseable! Give them the funds.
Marie Kernohan, Hammonton
$250 divided by 12 is approximately $20 a month. Much needed income to those denied Social Security increases. Shame on anyone who opposes this lifeline.
Bernice E. Pratzner, Brigantine
No, the government should stop spending money that we don't have. It is impossible to survive if you keep spending more than you take in.
Jean Woelfel, Hammonton
Stop the political games. If you can give me $250, just put it in the fund and give me $20.83 a month in my Social Security.
Phil Biondo, Galloway Township
If our government can spend billions to bail out corrupt corporations, surely $250 to needy, deserving senior citizens won't go to waste on undeserving needs.
Edward J. Bober, Hammonton
No "COLA" for those sipping Dom Perignon, but a modest stipend for those who cannot afford bread or rent, yes. Means test the $250!
Steven Scheff, Cape May
We on Social Security know the rules: No inflation - no raise! Our kids will be paying back my $250. Obama: No Social Security bonus!
John Skoglund, Ocean City
With a lot of people on unemployment for three years, the $250 for us seniors would probably be a lot less than the unemployment cost.
Pat Gerhard, Cape May
No! A COLA was not warranted. Do not increase the deficit to solicit votes. However, Congress should ensure the COLA formula is correct going forward.
Ron Lewis, Galloway Township
No COLA for Social Security 2010 or 2011. How come the House and Senate voted themselves $4,700 and $5,300? In 2010, vote them out.
Edward Gautier, Little Egg Harbor Township
It would be nice to get the $250, but it would be better if we all got the Social Security increase. We all need it.
Jane Fox, North Cape May
It's so hard to keep track of government spending. Accountability? I know where $250 is going. Right on. More of the same. OK.
Ann C. Deverin, Little Egg Harbor Township
My mother taught us that when someone offers you money you take it, say thank you and run like hell.
Jim McManus, Ocean City
No, I haven't had a cost of living increase in years and no one is sending me a check.
Douglas Kelley, Ventnor
Yes, Social Security recipients should get the extra $250, because over 50 percent of them live below the poverty level.
Rochelle Jefferson, Atlantic City
Absolutely! My income is fixed, but my taxes and health insurance alone increased over $800 for next year!
Sue McCully, Linwood
I say yes; it comes to an extra $20.83 per month, a lot much less than the political raises. It might help our economy.
Anthony Maccarone, Egg Harbor City
Yes! The local and state governments take their Social Security for school taxes they shouldn't pay. So, let the federal government give them some back.
Kempton Adams, Mays Landing
The money should be given to people with an income below the poverty level. That would include Social Security recipients who are struggling.
Mary T. Rosenello, North Wildwood
Create more debt? Absolutely not! When will we learn that you cannot spend your way out of debt?
Mahlon Laird, Little Egg Harbor Township
Yes. Based on inflation, military personnel will get a 3.4 percent increase; civilian federal employees will get 2 percent increase. $250 is better than nothing.
Franklin Clayton, Little Egg Harbor Township
Congress voted themselves a raise. Billions of dollars for bailouts. No raise for seniors. That's wrong. What happened to America? Vote them out in 2010.
Pat Dunleavy, Cape May
The next question
What's the best holiday shopping strategy this year?
Send your answer, in 25 words or less, by e-mail to kpost@pressofac.com.
Send regular mail to Kevin Post, Business editor, The Press of Atlantic City, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.
Either way, include your name, address and phone number for confirmation and a place to send the 25 Words mug if you win.
Include suggestions for future topics, anything related to money worth fixing or exploring.
Responses will appear Nov. 22 in Sunday Business.
Posted in Business on Sunday, November 8, 2009 2:10 am
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