Yesterday's issue of the Seattle Times (that's the Seattle paper with the conservative editorial board, although its readers are no less leftist than its competitor's) had a guest editorial that was a bit distressing. The state of Washington, in an attempt to reduce a budget shortfall, has begun taking a large chunk of SSI benefits to fund the Deaprtment of Developmental Disabilities. The letter writer points out that the state had no problem finding money for $60,000 Lincoln Navigators for state employees, but needs to pull money from seniors on a fixed income to fund a worthy program. Ms. Burke is not wealthy; in fact, she qualifies for HUD subsidized housing. Her SSI payments are based on her last ten years of employment, during which she worked part-time, in order to care for her dying husband, rather than allowing the state to pick up the tab.
Most insulting was the letter she received from the SSI. Her last paragraph:
My letter from SSI states "Please remember that you do not have the right to appeal the state's decision to change payments to its residents"! Do we live in a democracy or a dictatorship? Will the next step be euthanasia of those 65 or older? Think about it.
posted on July 07, 2002 08:27 AM
