Start real Social Security reform

America's greatest president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, signed the Social Security Act in 1935. In the past 70 years, Social Security provided life-saving benefits to widows, orphans, retirees and the disabled, including many in my family.

Republicans have opposed Social Security ever since its inception and have demonized it by labeling it as a form of socialism. George W. Bush continues that assault under the guise of reform that, if his proposals pass, will deform Social Security.

Bush is trying to use lies and deception to frighten people into believing there is a crisis, but Social Security is solvent, and will be quite healthy until 2050, which means there is plenty of time to improve it in a sensible and intelligent way.

There are several ways to secure Social Security for future recipients. First, Bush and this Republican Congress should replace the trillions of dollars they robbed from the trust fund to fight the evil war in Iraq and to fund the tax cuts for the wealthy.

Second, remove the cap on the amount of earnings that are taxed for Social Security. The wealthiest should pay the same percentage of their income as the person who works for minimum wage.

Third, people 65 and older who have annual incomes of more than $100,000 should not receive Social Security benefits.

Immediate assistance should be given to recipients by exempting all Social Security benefits from income taxes and increase the $250 death benefit up to $5,000 for actual funeral expenses.

If Bush was as compassionate as he claims to be he would support these real reforms and stop trying to destroy Social Security through risky stock market private accounts.

Anne Cook, Augusta