Political Quotes

“There is no question Congress must face up to the tough task of balancing the Federal budget. I'm the first to accept responsibility for this task, but I draw the line on devastating the Social Security trust fund to accomplish this task. Franklin D. Roosevelt, upon signing the Social Security Act, said, We can never insure 100 percent of the population against 100 percent of the hazards and vicissitudes of life, but we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age. I received numerous responses after writing this letter, but one response I received, as I mentioned on the floor yesterday, was from Helen Collins who said: I have been a widow since age 21. I never considered applying for any kind of welfare assistance. I worked, and raised and educated my son. He got a master's degree. Sad to say, at age 71, I am totally on my own on quite a limited budget. By being very careful, I get by. However, I do worry about getting more seriously ill and losing Social Security. For many of us, these are not the golden years. But I, for one, thank God that good people like you are helping us maintain our dignity and independence. That is what this debate is all about.”