SSI and racism

[Marta Russell]

Regarding the attack on SSI which resulted in numerous children being
cut off the rolls. . . . Given that the SSI outrage was driven by a
House of Reps led by white Southerners - Gingrich (GA), Army and
Gramm(Texas) and a Senate controlled by Trent Lott (Mississippi), I
think it is important to realize that a good part of the scapegoating
was directed at black children on SSI getting "craxy checks" as Gingrich
put it.  One only has to think of the country club southern elite who
got these men elected and their citizens council and racist attitudes to
see this connection.  White southerners resent the fact that blacks can
qualify and get government help.  Having grown up in the south, I know
this first hand.

Marta Russell