RE: families and ss

[Lisa Furia <lfuria@earthlink.net>]

I completely disagree with Mr. Kidd's statement below:

"I guess what I am trying to say is that I disagree that Social
Security should be universal.  Governments exist to ensure a level
playing field, but not to provide everything for everybody.  I
believe the vibrancy of the U.S. economic system shows that an
economy based on personal responsibility, risk, and rewards, works
much better, and provides better, than the failed Eastern Bloc
socialist countries, or the quasi-socialist countries of Europe
today (note:  I use the term socialist in its technical form, and
in no way intend it as a derrogatory term)."

First, his assessment that the "quasi-socialist" Western Democracies
of Europe have done worse than the US "economic system" at "provid(ing)
better" for our citizens is false.  Consider that over 44 million
Americans are without health coverage and his argument dissolves.

The fact that we are in an economy of unprecedented success and
still the numbers of Americans uninsured for health care are growing
dispels his notion that our economic model, without government
intervention, can provide of its own volition for those in need.

I believe the situation in health care is a valid comparison for
what could happen to elderly Americans if they were somehow
"uninsured" for minimum retirement benefits.

I applaud Mr. Kidd's assessment of family obligations.  In my own
family, my father recently faced the decision, after the death of
his own father, of how to care for my grandmother. Bringing her
into his home would require 24 hour supervision by a professional,
or, he would have to do so himself, precluding his ability to run
his business.  WHile Mr. Kidd's rhetorical question, "Why don't
families take care of their own?" is valid, I believe the answer
might be found in the social, productive and standard of living
model we have in the US.

As with all issues in this debate, there are answers requiring
compromise.  The very minimal commitment this country makes to the
social welfare of its citizens could scarcely be reduced without
enormous social upheaval.  Mr. Kidd would do well to examine the
relative low crime rates, standards of living and overall population
wellness provided by the West European Social Democracies before
suggesting that the US is doing a better job.  Yes, we have enormous
commercial and financial individual opportunities in this country
compared to France, Germany, etc.  However, the overall standard
of living is more equitable in those countries due to their more
comprehensive social welfare programs.

Lisa