Mr. President: Cutting Social Security Will Hurt Our Community

Recent reports revealed that President Obama is considering cuts on
Social Security and Medicare, as bargaining pieces in negotiations to
reach an agreement with Republicans on raising the country’s debt
ceiling.

In what seems to be a race to find the best means to an end on a
drawn-out battle between Democrats and Republicans, debt-ceiling
negotiations must come to a consensus before the government is forced
to default its loans in August.

But if Obama cuts spending on Social Security, what kind of lasting
affect would it have on African-Americans?

Though the Social Security program benefits many Americans,
African-American beneficiaries will suffer the most if the program is
reduced, considering they face the highest poverty rate in the
country.

Dr. Fredrick Harris, Professor of Political Science at Columbia
University says such spending cuts could dramatically impact
African-Americans.

“[Social Security cuts] would have a devastating impact on Black
communities since the Black elderly disproportionately depend on
Social Security more than other communities,” Harris said.

“The so-called ‘new austerity’ will have long-term consequences for
the poor and, in turn, the most vulnerable in Black communities.”

Elderly African-Americans rely on Social Security for more than 90
percent of their income—not to mention disabled persons and children
of the deceased, who also significantly rely on Social Security
funding.

Harris believes such a political move could also have lasting affects
on the Black community’s backing of the president.

“While [he] has become a symbol of pride in Black communities, these
cut backs in Social Security and other programs to address inequality
raises questions about whether his presidency is becoming a ‘hollow
prize’ for the Black community.”

Obama may want to shop his options before conceding to Republicans on
the battle for Social Security and Medicare.

It appears the president is acting out of mere desperation rather than
keen executive authority. While the Republicans are wayward on their
stance on the economy, Democrats, and the president especially, must
retreat from walking on eggshells and assume a more take-no-nonsense
role in government.

Will Obama show the Republicans who’s boss? Or will we see yet another
strain tear down the African-American community, while the rich get
richer and the poor get radically poorer?

Only time will tell.

Isa 30:2                That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my
mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to
trust in the shadow of Egypt!

Isa 30:3                Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame,
and the trust in the shadow of Egypt [your] confusion.

Isa 30:5                They were all ashamed of a people [that] could not profit
them, nor be an help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach.

Isa 30:7                For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose:
therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit
still.