On July 12, I joined a group of Virginia Organizing supporters, volunteers and board members on a trip to Washington DC to meet with staff from Senators Mark Warner’s and Jim Webb’s offices to discuss Social Security. One of the most important things that I have learned throughout this experience is the importance of being heard by our political leaders. Although filling out an action card or making a phone call to your representatives may seem insignificant or small, it is important to let our government know about the issues that are affecting us. I feel like this concept is often times lost and we become intimidated by a big, overwhelming government.
The first meeting was with an economic advisor from Senator Mark Warner’s office. We explained to him our mission as an organization and why we made the trip to Washington to protect Social Security. We discussed that Social Security is NOT an entitlement program and that the people fund Social Security, not the government. Senator Warner’s staff was helpful in explaining the senator’s concerns regarding the social program. He stated that over 70% of Americans believe that the cap on the richest Americans paying into Social Security should be raised but that this is a non-popular idea in Washington. Knowing that there is a groundswell of support for lifting the cap, we ask that Senator Warner use a common sense solution and strengthen the program by scrapping the cap, rather than making unnecessary cuts. Overall the discussion was fluid and it was clear that his staff understood our position even if there was little being done politically to make it happen.
After the meeting with Senator Warner’s staff, we met with an individual from Senator Jim Webb’s office. Again we stated the importance of Social Security to the 53 million individuals who receive a check every month and the belief that those checks must continue to benefit those who need it the most.
Overall, visiting our Senators’ offices in Washington was a rewarding experience which reminded me that a politician’s purpose is to serve the people in the best possible way. They were there to listen. That is reassuring to know with $1.5 trillion in spending cuts to be made in the next five months. Our leaders in Congress should be seeking input from their constituents about those cuts. With the overwhelming majority of Virginians supporting strengthening, not cutting, Social Security, I hope our Senators are listening in the next five months.
Seth Weston is an intern with the Virginia Organizing Social Security summer program. This summer in the S. Hampton Roads area, you can find Seth giving daily presentations on the future of Social Security.
