the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
Aug 16, 2010
Raising the Social Security retirement age to 70 is one of the proposals floated by the so-called “Deficit Reduction Commission.”
It’s a vile attack. But politicians justify it, saying that people live longer than when Social Security was passed in 1935.
Yes, we’re living longer. But we are vastly more productive at work. And this greater productivity could let every one of us retire at 55 or 60, with a much bigger check from Social Security–if the increased wealth produced by our work came to those of us who do the work.
Let arrogant politicians work to 70, let them get an actual job! But for many of us–who do work all our lives–working to 70 would be a death sentence. “Many older workers are in jobs that require substantial physical effort, jobs that may not afford them the option of working into their 70s.” This is the conclusion of a study done by the Center for Economic and Policy Research.
We’re not ready to die at work, and we don’t intend to starve to death on a reduced benefit because we go out at 65.
No cuts to Social Security!