By admin 
Social Security anxiety
“Where Social Security cuts could have the greatest economic impact,” (sacbee.com, July 21)
Read more Ag industry sounds off on California packaging law changes. Who really benefits?
With all the talk lately in Congress, and with Republicans threatening to cut Social Security, I am extremely concerned.
For the last 56 years and counting, I have continually paid into the program, as have my employers. I did not have a choice in this. I am now drawing benefits and by my calculations I will never receive what I paid in — let alone a dime of interest for those 56 years.
Had I deposited that money into any investment account, I would have retired many years ago. Instead, with looming cuts, I will have to continue working until I die. Also, the wealthiest 1% of Americans got a $4 trillion tax cut and the budget deficit is higher than it has ever been.
Can some explain to me how this is fair? How can the Republican Party call themselves conservative?
Randy Sack
Coarsegold
Canadian calls out Thompson
“California asks Quebec to return US wine to shelves amid wine industry struggles,”
Rep. Mike Thompson has been “begging” the Province of Quebec to allow the importation of California wines.
Thompson appears clueless to the vicious and illegal trade war President Donald Trump is prosecuting against Canada. Thousands of Canadians have lost jobs, inflation is up and the cost of necessities is skyrocketing. We are suffering.
Read more Ag industry sounds off on California packaging law changes. Who really benefits?
The moment the tariffs are removed and sanity returns to America, we will enjoy the world’s best wine once again.
Marty Cutler
Toronto, Ontario
Getting involved in democracy
“California Primary 2026: How was voter turnout going after a sluggish start?” (sacbee.com, June 3)
At a time when civic participation feels more important than ever, we each have a role to play in strengthening our democracy. Voting is one of the most direct and powerful ways individuals can make their voices heard, yet many eligible voters remain disengaged or unsure how to participate.
Ron Sadler
Fresno
Critique of AB 2564
“Businesses claim a California bill is a threat to discount programs. Is it?” (sacbee.com, July 10)
Although Assembly Bill 2564 would permit many publicly disclosed discounts, it would prohibit personalized discounts — like coupons for items left in online shopping carts and offers for prior customers.
Those personalized discounts help Californians save money. They are also critical for small businesses like mine, helping us attract customers, build loyalty and compete with bigger rivals. However, it wouldn’t make sense to publicly disclose them. We wouldn’t want to advertise, for instance, that we offer coupons to customers who abandon their shopping carts.
AB 2564’s restrictions on personalized discounts would make it harder for California small businesses to connect with customers, grow and succeed — and would eliminate many discounts that help Californians cut costs.
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Michelle Mak
South San Francisco