Linda Fullerton to President Bush on Social Security
May, 2005
Please see remarks below by Linda Fullerton, the President and Co-Founder of the Social Security Disability Coalition in preparation of President Bush's visit to Rochester NY this week.
My name is Linda Fullerton and I am a 49 year old, permanently disabled, Social Security Disability recipient and President/Co-Founder of a national volunteer organization of disabled Americans, with over 1400 members, called the Social Security Disability Coalition. Founded in January 2002, it is based here in Rochester NY.
Show picture - This is me 8 years ago. In January of 1997 I had major emergency brain surgery caused by a triple brain infection, in order to save my life. In March of the same year, a huge inoperable blood clot had formed in my brain and almost took my life a second time. Now, along with the blood clot in my brain, I also have 6 incurable disabling autoimmune disorders, which pose a continuing threat to my life, and I rely totally on Social Security Disability for my very survival.
Social Security Is An Insurance Not Pension Plan
Social Security is the widely used term for Title II of the Social Security Act which in technical terms is called Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability (SSDI) Insurance. The key word in that title is INSURANCE. I strongly urge every American to immediately educate themselves as to what the Social Security program is. Logon to the internet at the Social Security Administration, or go to your nearest library or Social Security office to get more information. Every American from the day they are born may, at some point need and be eligible, for Social Security benefits. Your Social Security statement, which is sent each year to every worker age 25 or older, gives an estimate of retirement, disability and survivors benefits that could be paid, as well as other important information. All 3 programs use the same benefit formula so changes in one affect them all. As of December 2004, 69% of all Social Security beneficiaries were retired workers, 17% were disabled workers, and 14% were survivors of deceased workers. Since January of 2004, an additional two million more have filed claims, which are still pending for Social Security Disability benefits. VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER: Disease, tragedy and death do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, educational background or political party. They can strike at anytime throughout your life without warning, and you may need to file claims for any of these essential Social Security insurance benefits. I am living proof of that.
To President Bush:
Dear Mr President,
I have been trying for over 2 years to get to Washington to speak to you and members of Congress on Social Security issues but have been unable to do so, due to very poor health and financial constraints. On May 19th I read in the morning newspaper that you were coming here to Rochester NY on May 24th to speak about Social Security, and it seemed only natural, that it would be possible for me to finally meet with you to discuss this very important topic. Immediately I contacted the Republican headquarters here, the Congressman's office and the church group which is helping to bring you to town. Much to my dismay, I have as of now, been unable to get anyone to respond to my requests to even hear you speak, much less meet with you. I am not satisfied with the sound bites of your speeches that I see and hear and thought it best to hear about your plan for Social Security directly from you. I have heard often that in these town hall meetings, that you have been holding across the country, that your audience has been hand picked. Time is running out, as there is only one day till you arrive, and so far I am not among the chosen few.
As a person with life threatening health conditions, time is very precious to me as I am sure it is to you. From one president to another, I ask that you please spend a few moments of your precious time to meet with me when you come here to Rochester tomorrow. I know how much you value volunteer service to this country, so I am requesting that you set up a volunteer non-partisan citizens task force made up of people such as myself who are currently receiving all forms of Social Security benefits, and also include those of the generations to come, who will one day be eligible for the program. Allow us to have major input on any legislation or changes regarding the Social Security program. No one knows more about the value of Social Security than those of us who rely on it. I want to be the first to volunteer, to be a part of it.
So please I ask that you meet with me tomorrow, or schedule a time to come back here to Rochester in the very near future, so we can discuss this plan further. A great president once said "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." I do not ask what I can do for my country - I know what I MUST do for my country! I am going to devote what is left of my life to protect and preserve Social Security for the American people, for all the next generations to come. Mr President I ask that you please join me in this quest. Millions of lives depend on it, including my own. I anxiously await your response. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Linda Fullerton
President/Co-Founder - Social Security Disability Coalition
585-225-3019
PO Box 26378
Rochester NY 14626Social Security Disability Coalition - offering FREE knowledge and support with a focus on SSD reform.
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