Protecting Social Security

Today was the first day at my summer job as field manager for the Maine People's Alliance Bangor canvass. We're currently working on preventing Social Security privatization. If you've been reading this site for any length of time then you know this is an issue I feel very strongly about.

The fight over Social Security isn't just about guaranteeing people's benefits or making sure the program is there for younger workers, although these elements are vitally important. In a larger sense, it's about the contract we make with our fellow citizens to protect those who need it most. The fight over Social Security is about determining the future course of American public policy. The right-wing of this country is attacking the heart of the New Deal and attempting to break the promise we make as a nation to each succeeding generation.

The main thing one notices going door-to-door and discussing this issue with people is the near-uniform strident opposition to privatization. This isn't an issue that you need to explain in any great detail to people, and it isn't one that you need to work to get them riled up about. Mainers know the facts and they know where they stand. All you have to do is give them Snowe and Collins' numbers.

This summer I'll be writing updates from the field about this and other issues as we walk the streets of northern and central Maine.

If you haven't already made your voice heard on Social Security, check out the MPA website for the info (I know, the site could really use a re-design).

Visit the new Maine Politics.