The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
Wisconsin GOP Senator Ron Johnson is running for reelection, after saying in 2016 that he would not run in 2022. Another broken promise. Now as his campaign commences, Johnson is telling big lies about Social Security. He is frightening seniors with demagogy and misinformation. Is he just nuts, calculating or both?
Former Wisconsin Democratic Senator Russ Feingold said: “Social Security is in many ways a Wisconsin idea and one of the best examples of the ‘Wisconsin Idea’ that emerged at the University of Wisconsin (UW-Madison) in the early part of the century.” Arthur Altmeyer, Edwin Witte and Wilbur Cohen, all UW-Madison scholars, were the architects of the Social Security Act and its implementation. Wisconsin depends heavily on Social Security and Medicare (added to the Social Security Act in 1965). Today, 18 percent of Wisconsin is 65 or older. 1,275,932 Wisconsinites receive Social Security retirement, disability and survivor benefits, and 1,200,527 Wisconsinites are enrolled in Medicare. These programs have greatly reduced poverty and resulted in economic security for many seniors and families.
Despite being the nation’s most effective and popular program, Social Security has always had detractors and implacable opponents. Florida GOP Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the richest…
