Marc Goldwein’s Aug. 20 online op-ed, “The best way toward a Social Security fix? This one is tried and true.,” which called for a fast-tracked Social Security commission, gets one thing right: AARP is strongly opposed to cutting the Social Security Americans have earned over a lifetime of hard work. And more than 80 percent of people across the country agree that Social Security should not be cut to “save” it, according to a survey AARP conducted.
The group calling for a commission has also released multiple recent proposals that would cut Social Security benefits. A fast-tracked commission would likely make irresponsible and devastating cuts to Social Security that the public would never approve.
There are many ways Congress can shore up Social Security without cutting the payments Americans have earned. These are the options that the vast majority of people support. Congress should listen to the voters, the hardworking people who built this country, and vote out in the open on a proposal that they and future generations can be proud of.
Nancy LeaMond, Washington
The writer is the executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer at AARP.
Protect AI whistleblowers
The Aug. 11 front-page article “Businesses scramble to contain hacks by AI” discussed recent examples of artificial intelligence companies losing control of their systems. Those AI systems secretly engaged in destructive behavior without human instruction or authorization.
Before these disclosures, few understood how close tech companies appear to be to creating uncontrollable autonomous AI systems. Now officials are scrambling to understand the risks and are looking for ways to hold these companies accountable. The article listed some of the actions being proposed, including congressional investigations or lawsuits by state attorneys general, but it omitted one of the most powerful tools we have to bring this information to light: whistleblowers working inside AI companies.
Two years before the present disclosures, whistleblowers from OpenAI published a letter warning of the safety risks of AI and asked for protections for employees who disclose critical information about developing threats. Those protections, unfortunately, are still missing, making it perilous for more whistleblowers to come forward. Both the House and Senate took the first step of introducing bipartisan legislation called the AI Whistleblower Protection Act, but it remains in committee.
It has been two years since the OpenAI whistleblowers came forward. In terms of AI evolution, two years is an eternity, and we cannot afford to wait longer to fully mobilize every tool we have to understand AI threats. Established programs and statutory protections have shown for years that whistleblowers are critical for ensuring transparency. Congress should pass the AI Whistleblower Protection Act to allow whistleblowers to speak up without fear of retaliation.
Sam Brown, Frederick
The secret to longevity
The Aug. 22 Metro article “For two 109-year-olds, a friendship for the ages” said that when Velma Long and Dorothy Boggess were asked about the secret to their longevity, they replied that it was “being social.” But there is ample evidence suggesting that the secret to making it to 100 is just having good genes. Why can’t people who are blessed to reach that age admit their good fortune? I would rather hear that acknowledgment than hear them attribute their extreme longevity to virtues, when many people who don’t get anywhere near 100 are no less virtuous — just less lucky.
Felicia Nimue Ackerman, Providence, Rhode Island
Aging has its perks
Richard Sima’s Aug. 3 column, “This skill can help protect your brain against aging,” missed the real perks of being old. He should have asked me — a nonagenarian.
I don’t need a 10-year warranty for anything. I don’t have to worry about the tire around my middle. I have earned that extra piece of chocolate cake. I don’t worry about being in an accident, as I know I will have to die of something. I don’t worry about having an accident, as I know to look for the restroom in any place I go. I can put my wooden spoons and sharp knives in the dishwasher without fear of them wearing out before I do. I don’t have to wash my clothes as often because I can’t see the ketchup on my shirt, and neither can my friends. If I don’t like what I’m hearing, I can put my hearing aids on mute. And I no longer feel the need to defend myself, because I know exactly who I am.
Janet Clement, Fairfax
How to dine with kids
The Aug. 19 Food article, “The definitive rules of dining out with kids,” had some good suggestions, but I think more attention should have been given to parental behavior. In a restaurant, parents’ behavior matters just as much as children’s.
Parents should set the example of “no phones at the table” by keeping theirs out of sight and shut off, as they would while attending a live performance. Use the outing as a time to connect with your kids. One fun activity I recommend is drawing a funny face on a piece of paper (while shielding your work from curious eyes), folding the paper at the neck and asking the child to draw the body, or vice versa. And if the food order is delayed, tour the restaurant with the young one while describing the artwork and other objects.
The main point is to make sure children know they have your attention — so they don’t have to act up to get it.
Robert F. Benson, Silver Spring
Letter submissions
Send letters to [email protected].
Submissions must be exclusive to The Post and should include the writer’s address and day and evening telephone numbers. Letters are subject to editing and abridgment. Please do not send letters as attachments. Because of the volume of material we receive, we are unable to acknowledge submissions; writers whose letters are under consideration for publication will be contacted.
The post The best way toward a Social Security fix isn’t benefit cuts appeared first on Washington Post.
