Paul Tonko: “I think that the President was right yesterday when he called our friends on the other side of the aisle out of touch.…”

“I think that the President was right yesterday when he called our friends on the other side of the aisle out of touch. In my hometown of Amsterdam, New York, there are neighbors who are hurting. In some instances, this recession has eliminated nearly half of their retirement savings. Others have lost their homes. Despite this downturn and Wall Street's recklessness, Republicans still want to privatize Social Security. They want to create a casino economy and play Russian roulette with our hard-earned retirement savings. Most of the seniors in Amsterdam have worked hard and have played by the rules their entire lives. Social Security, which they have paid into their entire working life, is their crucial safety net and financial security. Let's not gamble it away to appease Republicans, Wall Street, and big banks. Just a few days ago, the leader of the other side suggested slashing Social Security benefits and using those funds and savings to pay for the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan. Enough is enough. Democrats in Congress are standing up for seniors and fighting to protect Social Security, to create jobs here at home and to support small business as the engine of job growth. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to fight for seniors because they are deserving of the respect that they have earned.”