To protect senior citizens, protect Social Security

Republicans are threatening the most vulnerable of our nation just to get their way. It’s blackmail!

For the past 80 years, their whole focus has been on dismantling or privatizing Social Security to get their greedy hands on the $2.8 trillion in the SSA Funds.

Social Security provides the nation’s foundation for what will be a secure and dignified retirement for millions. Even in the midst of the 2007 Great Recession, caused by the Republicans, Social Security’s “earned” benefits were paid on time and in full.

Before Social Security, growing old was something to fear, to dread. Without a job, or upon a death or disability, families were forced out on the street to beg, penniless, dependent and vulnerable. Social Security transformed our nation. It eradicated what was once a primary anxiety for the vast majority of Americans: the terror of growing old, sick and penniless.

The will of the people has kept it strong and have protected it against the jackals on Wall Street and in Congress. If Republicans are really concerned about Social Security and its future, all they have to do is eliminate the cap completely!

Regarding SSDI, people do not ask for a stroke nor do they ask for a devastating illness. It happens. To say they are “gaming the system” is despicable. The inspector general reported that only 0.3 percent of fraud was found.

I know the hard-working, decent people of our nation will not allow any cuts to or any drastic changes to SSDI that will harm the needy. It is the primary protection for the vast majority of disabled recipients and children. The Social Security Administration has transferred funds to SSDI in the past, and there should be NO problem to do so now.

The Republican Party creates problems that don’t exist. Contrary to their tales, Social Security is self-sustaining, and workers contribute to this program and will continue to sustain it as long as there are workers. SSA is and will stay strong. Seniors who have worked for over 50-plus years will see that it stays strong and safe.

Ann Gutierrez, Bridgeport

Illiana holds promise

On the map it looks like a useful shortcut that would reduce congestion on other expressways, but it all depends on the numbers, how many cars and trucks will use the route.

It’s the old “build it and they will come” philosophy. I remember when the East-West Tollway was built out to Naperville and Aurora, it was only two lanes each way and traffic was minimal, really smooth-sailing at high speed. It is called priming the pump, fostering development, reducing congestion, pollution and improving gas mileage.

The Illiana could be further extended out west to I-39 or northwest to I-80.

Thomas Cechner, Lockport

Strip club doesn’t beautify community

In a recent article, the Chicago Sun-Times wrote about a strip club, the Admiral Theater, which just received the Albany Park Neighbors’ January award for “helping keep Albany Park Beautiful.”

This strip club may be “tidy” on the outside, but we can’t ignore the physical and sexual violence frequently reported by strip club workers at the hands of customers.

Even the state of Illinois recognizes that strip clubs like this one are an institution where sexual violence is commonplace. In 2012, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law that collects new fees from strip clubs that also sell alcohol and distributes those fees to rape crisis centers because they recognized the harms these clubs present to their communities.

Strip club owners abuse their position by using coercive tactics to sexually exploit their employees. The last thing they deserve is an award for making the community “beautiful.”

Leena Saleh, Loop