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Oscar Winner Olympia Dukakis Makes Video Opposing
Social Security Private Accounts
May 2, 2005 - The Alliance for Retired Americans
today released a 12-minute educational video narrated by Oscar-winning
actress Olympia Dukakis that highlights the perils of Social Security
privatization. Urging seniors to fight privatization for the sake of
their children and grandchildren, the video "Saving Social Security" is
designed to counter President Bush's repeated claims that seniors will
not be affected by privatization and only private investment accounts
can save Social Security.
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The video is available on the web
http://www.retiredamericans.org
Dukakis said she readily agreed to be part of the
Alliance's anti-privatization video project because she saw it as an
opportune venue from which to speak out against the president's plan to
dismantle Social Security. A mother and grandmother, the 73-year-old
actress is featured in the video along with Alliance President George J.
Kourpias and other concerned senior citizens.
The Alliance, a nationwide advocacy organization
representing the interests of 3 million retired workers and seniors,
plans to distribute the video through its state and local chapters, as
well as with the help of community-based senior groups.
"For decades Social Security has helped millions
and millions of Americans escape poverty and provide the wherewithal to
make a go at life following a death or disabling accident," said
Dukakis.
"Instead of inciting angst and worry by falsely
proclaiming that Social Security is doomed to bankruptcy, the president
should be harnessing his efforts and the energies of the federal
government to shore up the program and make the kind of changes
necessary to ensure Social Security's full benefits are guaranteed for
generations to come."
The Alliance decided to produce a Social Security
video aimed at a senior audience because President Bush has been
claiming with alarming frequency that benefits for current retirees will
not be affected, said Alliance President Kourpias. But most importantly,
he said, "We need a 'call to arms' for older Americans everywhere.
Seniors must stand up and fight not just for the retirement income they
earned and deserve, but for the future generations of citizens who will
need the peace of mind and security synonymous with Social Security."
The video, which will be edited and used for radio
and television spots as well, not only highlights Social Security's
successful track record, but features seniors challenging claims by
proponents of privatization that the program is facing a crisis and
questioning the wisdom of assuming massive debt in order to finance
private accounts. Dukakis leads the charge that leaving such debt to
today's younger generation is irresponsible.
The video's release coincides with today's launch
of the second of four Social Security Petition Truth Truck Tours planned
by the Alliance. The five-state New England tour follows on the heels of
a 3,000 mile inaugural tour, which featured a flatbed truck hauling more
than one million petitions through six states during Congress's two-week
Easter Recess. The Truth Trucks are destined for the home districts of
lawmakers the Alliance believes can be instrumental is stopping the
president's plan to privatize Social Security. A total of 60
Congressional Districts will be visited by time the tour ends in mid
July.
"We have the power to make a difference," Kourpias
said. "Lawmakers listen when seniors make noise and so, too, better the
president. Much is at stake in this fight. Social Security has served us
well and deserves to be strengthened and made solvent. It should not be
caught in the crossfire of partisan politics.
"Our hope is that lawmakers take the time to make
the necessary changes to Social Security so that its full and guaranteed
benefits are there for my children and grandchildren. We can't afford to
let it go down in smoke simply because it's part of a political agenda.
Social Security should be above politics."
The Alliance for Retired Americans is a grassroots
organization representing more than 3 million retirees and seniors
nationwide. Learn more about the Alliance and its work at
http://www.retiredamericans.org. To request a packet of supplemental
materials that accompany "Saving Social Security", contact the Alliance
at 1-800-333-7212 or visit our website.
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