To The Reader’s Forum:

I’m not the kind of person who usually writes opinion pieces, but I’ve had enough of the fear and noise coming from the left about Social Security and Medicare. I live here in Chautauqua County, and like a lot of folks around here, I’ve got family and friends who rely on those benefits. They worked hard, paid in, and earned that support. And now, every election cycle, we have to hear that Republicans are trying to take it all away? Give me a break.

The truth is, President Trump has made it clear–loud and clear–that Social Security and Medicare are staying put. He’s not touching what people have earned, and he’s not letting Washington bureaucrats play games with seniors’ benefits. That message has been consistent, and it’s a relief to finally have someone in office who doesn’t mince words when it comes to protecting what matters.

What’s frustrating is how desperate the left has gotten with the scare tactics. They keep pushing this idea that Republicans are coming for your check, hoping it’ll win them votes. It’s fear-mongering, plain and simple. They’re not interested in telling the truth–they’re interested in stirring panic, especially among older voters. It’s disgusting, and folks around here aren’t buying it.

We’re also lucky to have Congressman Nick Langworthy in our corner. He’s bringing some much-needed common sense back to Congress. Instead of playing political games, he’s focused on keeping these programs strong–not just for today’s seniors, but for our kids and grandkids, too. That means fighting waste, cutting red tape, and making sure our tax dollars are being used responsibly. That’s not threatening Social Security–that’s saving it.

And while the left’s busy scaring people, how come nobody’s talking about the good news, like President Trump’s plan to eliminate taxes on tips and Social Security? That would be a game-changer for hardworking folks and seniors alike. Imagine finally getting to keep what you earn without the government dipping into it again. That’s real relief–and it’s long overdue.

It’s refreshing to see Republicans like Langworthy standing up for working families, pushing back against the lies, and doing the real work it takes to keep these programs sustainable. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t always make headlines, but it’s the kind of leadership that matters.

So the next time you hear someone on cable news or social media spinning doomsday stories about Social Security being gutted–ask yourself who’s really telling the truth. Around here, we value honesty and hard work, not scare tactics. And right now, we’ve got leaders who are fighting to protect what we’ve earned, not take it away.

Lanette Odell

Lakewood