HOW DO YOU SPELL “THEY?” or
Reflections of a Social Security Fairness Activist
As an activist for the restoration of social security benefits, there are two comments I have heard over and over again.
If I am talking to a new audience who is just learning about the GPO/WEP, their first reaction is predictably “That is unfair!” Some people even insist that I must not have my facts straight. But then I explain some more and they shake their head and the same words come out of their mouth. “That is unfair!”
Once explained there is no debate that the GPO/WEP are unfair. Even Congress has recognized that fact. And yet, the problems have continued for 30 years. Many professional organizations have worked to push for change and their message has been heard and the problem has even been publicly recognized, but the necessary changes have not occurred.
So, those of us whose retirement has been severely impacted continue to hope that justice will be restored. Some have written letters, some have published editorials in the local newspapers, some have called the offices of Congressmen and some have followed closely the actions of our professional organizations and some have become active in SSFAIRNESS.COM. Others have wrung their hands in desperation.
Hoping for a change in the outlook for restoration of social security equity people start asking questions. Eventually I can count on hearing the following question:
“Are THEY doing anything about the unfair Social Security provisions?”
Before I attempt to answer this, let’s consider the psychology behind this question. The choice of word “they” implies that there is some outside force that is able to make change take place. Well, I wish there were a magic wand to wave and “THEY” would then react to our wishes and equitable Social Security benefits would be restored. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is the answer to the question “are THEY doing anything is really answered by another question.
“Are YOU doing anything about the unfair Social Security provisions?”
“THEY” IS SPELLED “Y” “O” “U” !
A = Action (Sign up for & act on Action Alerts)
C = Commitment to the cause (Tell others & persist)
T = “They” which is really YOU
We need NUMBERS to make our voices heard and only YOU can make those numbers grow.
Do not expect THEY will answer the call to political action.
YOU must answer that Call to Action and follow through on all SSFAIRNESS ALERTS.
We have a small window of opportunity now and can not pass up this chance as it is highly unlikely we will be heard later.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS AND TAKING THE TIME TO ACT!! SSFAIRNESS.COM
We (not they) should also convince AARP to support the repeal of GPO/WEP.
As an organization we wrote a very long convincing and facual letter directly to their steering commmittee this past summer when it was time for public input into their decision making for the organization’s priorities for the next two years. We also had an Action Alert which went out regarding how to provide input individually and letters were written.
Since then we have heard nothing back from them. I suppose it is time to see if by some stroke of luck they heard us, but I highly doubt it. Although originally begun by teachers, AARP now seems to have abandoned us.
Once the AARP priorities are decided, then it is not possible to really have an impact for another two years.
We remain open to all ideas. In the meantime, we can talk with our neighbors, family, colleagues etc, and urge them to sign up for future Action Alerts. It appears the most effective way to gain support is by word of mouth and that can be very slow unless EVERYONE participates and that can then grow quickly. That is the reason for the Facebook page which now has 263 followers. Anyone can easily use the “suggest” to friends option and their list of friends appears and from that they can chose to whom to send an invitation to join the page for Social Security Fairness – Repeal the GPO/WEP.
I have 20 of my friends signed up. Try it and you might also have success.
Thanks for your input.
Please repeal the GPO/WEP.
Please make social security fair!!! If you paid into Social Security, you should most definitely be treated fairly when you apply to receive your benefits. There should be no reason why you are penalized just because you are a public employee!!
we agree. You have the power to help. We are all volunteers working tirelessly to make this happen. The steering committee is small and we have no budget to work with. If you would like to offer your help in some small way or wonder how you can do that, see Local Action on SSFAIRNESS.COM You may also write us at SSFAIRNESS.COM with more comments or questions. Thank you for reading this and for your comment.