Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Social Security is a benefit, not a right

To clear up any Social Security issues, there was a case in 1960 of Flemming v. Nestor where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that workers have no legally binding contractual rights to their Social Security benefits, and that those benefits can be cut or even eliminated at any time.

Social Security is simply a payroll tax that the government collects and returns to you in the form of welfare. The president and Congress can do whatever they want with the money. Google the court case. Cato Institute explains it along with another link titled, “Congress can stop your Social Security whenever they want.” Interesting read.

Phil Emerson, Mariposa

This story was originally published March 23, 2017 at 12:48 PM with the headline "Social Security is a benefit, not a right."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER