This letter writer apparently has bought into the myth

The Star letters column often repeats myths that have circulated for years.  On or about October 4, 2011 a writer has repeated one of those claims and accused former President George W. Bush as being responsible for "pillaging" the trust funds and making them "insolvent".  The following is my response to that letter.  Of course, the Star would not publish my rebuttal.

"I have never defended George W. Bush; he was a horrible President who left our country with two wars, job losses and a huge national debt, but  a letter writer wrote in today's Kansas City Star to make the claim that "…. during the Bush administration, those popular programs" (Social Security and Medicare) had their reserves pillaged and became insolvent."  I'm sorry, but that is just not true.  Neither program is insolvent and not a dime was stolen, "pillaged" from either program.  Social Security can pay full benefits for the next 26 years.  Medicare is not in good shape, but it is far from insolvent.  Bush did push for a flawed Medicare Rx plan that is very expensive but he did not demand more revenues to support the program.  It galls me to have to protect Bush; he started two wars, one unnecessary, and cut taxes that led to huge budget deficits.  He did many things very badly, but he does not deserve the criticism leveled at him by the letter writer."