There are ways to fix Social Security
To the Editor:
I read with interest the opinion piece in the LTE section on Sept. 2 regarding Social Security by Glenn Duerr.
Mr. Duerr is right that the trust fund isn’t on a permanently secure path under the current rules. Projections do show a shortfall "if nothing changes.” So calling attention to solvency isn’t wrong.
Time to fear for our country
To the Editor:
Charlie Kirk was another victim of gun violence in this country, just like Melissa and Mark Hortman, and just like the children at Annunciation Catholic School — 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Once again, thoughts and prayers are sent to the victims’ families, and once again politicians react to the tragedy with accusations and recriminations.
Don’t belittle real national heroes
To the Editor:
If a political rabble-rouser who has done nothing for our country is declared a national hero along with Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, our great nation is truly belittled and diminished.
Big ‘Bad’ Bill is gonna hurt
To the Editor:
The Congress has to finalize the Big “Bad” Bill (for most of us) by Oct. 1 or face a government shutdown. This means Congress still has the rest of September to “fix” the worst parts of this bill if they want to before the final vote by Oct. 1.
Preventive health measures important
To the Editor:
Thank you for including the article by SMN News Editor Kyle Perrotti, "COVID mounts late summer surge amid onset of flu season" in the Aug. 27 edition of The Smoky Mountain News. The article was-well written, factual, informative and encouraging.
Democrats need to stand proud
To the Editor:
Vice President J.D. Vance recently made a remark about protesters in Washington, D.C., calling them stupid white hippies who are in their nineties and need to go home and take a nap. In addition, he said they have never felt danger in their entire lives.
SMN provides a community service
To the Editor:
I have been a weekly reader of The Smoky Mountain News since its inception in 1999. I am proud of (Publisher/Editor) Scott McLeod. He welcomes dialogue. He presents opinions that most Americans can accept (most of the time).
Don’t disrespect the word ‘faith’
To the Editor:
It is not about policy. It is not about politics. It is not about being a Democrat, Republican or independent. It is not about being progressive, conservative or moderate. It is about faith.
Whatley doing nothing for WNC
To the Editor:
Michael Whatley was appointed by the President to lead WNC’s Helene recovery efforts, but as of Aug. 29 — as reported in an article in The Smoky Mountain News on Aug. 27 — he hasn’t been seen in WNC since January. He’s found time to attend just two meetings for his appointed role with FEMA.
We have to fix Social Security
To the Editor:
AARP recently sent out an email with this message:
“Social Security will continue to give people the full amount of money they’ve earned in the next several years. However, payments may be reduced by about 20% if Congress doesn’t act by 2034, according to the Social Security Board of Trustees’ latest report.
