Entitlements

The June 29 article (“Social Security, Medicare clocks tick to depletion”) presents a scary scenario in which Social Security and Medicare will not be able to pay full benefits by 2033. Unfortunately, the editorial lacks any good solutions. It failed to mention the cap on Social Security income. At this time, taxpayers earning above the cap, $176,100 in 2025, will not pay taxes for earnings beyond that cap. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and their rich friends are saving a lot of money while social security funds are being depleted.

As the rich have become far richer in recent years, more of the nation’s total income has escaped the Social Security payroll tax. One plan introduced in Congress would eliminate the cap on earnings over $250,000 and also subject investment income to Social Security taxes. It’s estimated that this would extend the solvency of Social Security for 75 more years without raising taxes on 93% of American households. Yes, there are solutions to ensure we will receive what we are entitled to, but Congress would have to get involved. Good luck with that.

— Arlen Grossman, Del Rey Oaks

USAID

A recent study published in The Lancet, the medical journal, predicts that the closure of USAID could lead to 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million deaths of children under the age of 5. These deaths are projected to result from preventable diseases, particularly in low-income countries. The study highlights that USAID’s programs have saved millions of lives in the past two decades. Researchers used demographic, socioeconomic, and health care data to model the impact of USAID funding on mortality rates. The findings suggest a direct correlation between USAID funding and reduced mortality, particularly from infectious diseases.

It is important to note that these predicted deaths can be attributed to the conscious policy decisions implemented by the world’s wealthiest man (Elon Musk) and the world’s most powerful political leader (Donald Trump). For many of the 14 million who will suffer premature deaths, their deaths will be slow and torturous. Where are the news headlines reporting this horrific and intentional decision made in the name of the American people? Have these leaders no decency, compassion, or morality?

— State Sen. Bill Monning (retired), Carmel

National anthem

It’s easy to have a professional perform “The Star Spangled Banner” for us — it’s a tricky tune with that crazy high note near the end. But we each need to sing it and really pay attention to the words.

Our song is to an ideal: that all people are equal under the law.

Our forebears chose to be neither subjects nor to stop the song at “land of the free.” They were not picking the freedom of “get out of my way and let me do my own thing.” Instead, “Land of the free AND the home of the brave” means being brave enough to create — and maintain — a nation where everyone else is free as well.

Patriots of the past look down the years toward us, here and now, and wonder about the dream of equality represented by that flag, “Oh, say, does that star spangled banner yet wave?”

— Helen Spiess Shamble, East Garrison

Participation deserves better

At a recent Monterey city council meeting, a speaker accused longtime community volunteer Tom Rowley of “bullying” — not for attacking a private citizen, but for criticizing the mayor’s handling of NCIP appointments. Since when did disagreeing with elected officials become off-limits?

Ironically, while decrying incivility, the speaker used public comment to launch a personal attack against a fellow resident with decades of service. That’s not principled — it’s petty. And it sends a chilling message: speak up, and you might be publicly shamed.

Monterey doesn’t need more silence. It needs more voices — and more courage to tolerate disagreement. Holding power accountable, even forcefully, is not “bullying.” It’s democracy doing its job.

Tom Rowley has earned the right to be heard, whether you agree with him or not. So has every resident who steps up to speak.

Public meetings should welcome ideas, not punish them. If criticism of public officials is now taboo, we’ve lost the plot.

Let’s raise the bar on discourse — and stop mistaking disagreement for disrespect.

— Lori Mazzuca, Monterey