SSA COMMISSIONERS RESPOND TO NPR


In an unprecedented move, the eight former commissioners of Social Security have issued an open letter denouncing misinformation and "dangerous myths" contained in recent broadcasts on National Public Radio (NPR).

To my knowledge this is the first time in the history of the SSA that its former commissioners have reacted as a group to a media event.

The entire letter may be read on the NOSSCR website at the link provided below.  I have quoted a very small part of the letter below.

http://nosscr.org/open-letter-former-commissioners-social-security-administration

Here is a brief excerpt from the Commissioners' letter:

We are deeply concerned that the series “Unfit for Work” failed to tell the whole story and perpetuated dangerous myths about the Social Security disability programs and the people helped by this vital system. We fear that listeners may come away with an incorrect impression of the program— as opposed to an understanding of the program actually based on facts.
As former Commissioners of the agency, we could not sit on the sidelines and witness this one perspective on the disability programs threaten to pull the rug out from under millions of people with severe disabilities. Drastic changes to these programs would lead to drastic consequences for some of America's most vulnerable people. With the lives of so many vulnerable people at stake, it is vital that future reporting on the DI and SSI programs look at all parts of this important issue and take a balanced, careful look at how to preserve and strengthen these vital parts of our nation’s Social Security system.
Sincerely,
Kenneth S. Apfel
Michael J. Astrue
Jo Anne B. Barnhart
Shirley S. Chater
Herbert R. Doggette
Louis D. Enoff
Larry G. Massanari
Lawrence H. Thompson

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