The Real Stories Behind Social Security’s Success

04/30/2005

Dear DFLers,

As we heard from Bush last night, the President is determined to continue down the road to dismantle Social Security, despite public outcry to save it.  Many of you, young and old, have answered our call to share your stories about the importance of Social Security and the way this proud American legacy has provided security to you and your family members.

Thank you!

Your incredible stories are the real stories behind the more than 750,000 Minnesotans and the more than 47 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits… the stories that Republicans in Washington have forgotten as they push to privatize this American success story.

While some retirees have pensions or savings, Social Security is the only guaranteed retirement income seniors have.  In addition to providing retirement benefits, more than 6 million disabled workers, nearly 5 million widows, and 4 million children receive Social Security benefits.

The Minnesota DFL wants to share your stories with other Minnesotans by putting some of your voices on the airwaves all across the state, and we need your help today to do it.  Please consider making a contribution to the DFL’s Stories of Social Security radio campaign today by clicking here .  A contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500, or whatever you can afford will spread these positive stories about social security and make sure all Minnesotans know the truth about how privatization will dismantle this American success story.

Below are just three of the many hundreds of stories you have shared with us:

Kathy from Minneapolis, MN

In 1925, when my mother was 12 years old, her father died.  She was the oldest of 4 children, and when she turned 16, she had to quit school and go to work to help support her family. In November 1963, I was 11 years old and my father died in a construction accident in downtown Minneapolis.  My mother had severe arthritis and couldn’t work, so we survived on Social Security survivor benefits and the wonderful kindness of relatives and neighbors. 

Read more of Kathy’s story…

Kathleen from Eden Prairie, MN

This story is about my 89 year old mother who lives in Morris, Minnesota.  Mother lived on a farm with my father near Kensington, MN, where they raised seven children.  Times were very difficult financially, but my parents worked day and night to provide for us and to make sure we had opportunities for education.  My mom was a teacher, and went back to teaching despite having seven children to raise, in order that we might have opportunities such as piano and voice lessons.  She taught enough years to earn some social security benefits.

My father died 10 years ago, and my mother’s only source of income now is her $550.00 a month social security check.  She owns her home and car, but she lives on $550.00 a month - and never complains!  Without that check, my mom would be left destitute after a life of constant struggle and hard work.

Read more of Kathleen’s story…

Jane from Eden Prairie, MN

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998.  It looked to be a pretty straightforward case--no spread of the cancer to other areas, a smallish tumor, and my overall prognosis was very good.  I had surgery and chemotherapy and was supposedly good to go.

Well, we all know that cancer is a sneaky disease.  After 2 years, a mass in my chest showed up on a scan.  The following year, cancer had eaten a hole through my pelvic bone. In spite of more chemo and more radiation, it had taken over.  I was now dying of cancer.

Read more of Jane’s story…

Help us get stories like these on the air in your local community by making a contribution.  Your money will be used right here in Minnesota on radio stations all across the state.  We cannot do it without your help.  All online contributions to the Minnesota DFL in the next two weeks will be dedicated towards the Stories of Social Security radio campaign.

Stand Up, Keep Fighting,
Mike Erlandson
Minnesota DFL Party Chair

P.S. Nine out of ten individuals age 65 and older receive Social Security benefits, and without Social Security, more than 50 percent of our seniors would be living in poverty.  For nearly two-thirds of retirees, Social Security provides more than half their income.

P.P.S. Remember the first $50 of your contribution, $100 for a married couple, is fully refundable from the state’s political refund program.  At minimum, I hope you will consider making us this eight-week loan (it takes about eight weeks to receive your refund)!