Overwhelmingly, readers were not pleased with the proposed cuts. But Jack from Tahoe City, Calif., who admits he will probably do better under a Trump administration, thought some seniors who benefit from government aid should be put to work.

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“Assistance shouldn’t be free to anyone who can make a productive contribution in return for government assistance,” he wrote. “Have them pick up litter, sweep the streets, work in subsidized day care centers, prepare mailers, help in government offices, act as park and museum guides, something.”

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Jack believes more people could have and should have prepared for their senior years.

“Here’s the thing about seniors, especially those who are at or close to retirement like I am,” he wrote. “They’ve had decades to prepare for their ‘golden years.’ I heard all the warnings about Social Security when I was young and still in college and planned accordingly the moment I got a job. Savings, paying down loans and buying a first home were my priorities. I assumed I wouldn’t collect a cent from Social Security and that prediction four decades ago may still come to pass. Consequently I have somewhat limited sympathy for seniors who are having trouble making ends meet if I’ve done my part and am now being expected to pay for their lack of preparedness twice over. On the other hand, I’m not prepared to let them freeze or starve. As many articles have pointed out, the programs Trump wants to eliminate or pare back represent a small portion of the budget. Before cutting programs for the less well off I’d prefer to see General Mattis get the Pentagon’s house in order. Eliminating $25 billion in waste every year would largely make these other budget cuts unnecessary.”

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Many people thought the president’s budget would harm the most vulnerable seniors.

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R. of Kansas City, Mo., had a lot to say writing, “I find it distressing that the proposal is to spend so much on the military and cut out so many things that help the poor, elderly, and disadvantaged.”

The Kansas City voter offered these alternative budget cuts:

— “From what part of the budget does President Trump’s weekend excursions to Mar-a-Lago come? It needs to be cut by at least 90 percent.”

— “Any congressmen traveling to Mar-a-Lago to meet with president when they all could have stayed at the White House? They can use his greatly decreased Mar-a-Lago budget mentioned above.”

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— “Secret Service for the Trump boys: Cut. Their company can provide their protection at its own cost. The saving generated by these few cuts can then be applied to those in need.”

“I am 62 years old and still working,” wrote David Rice from Glasco, Kan. “I have two jobs, one full-time, one part-time. I live in a rural community of about 350. I have several friends and neighbors that use these programs and they would be devastated if these programs were cut or removed. It keeps getting harder for our seniors to get by. Meals on Wheels and the public transportation van are used by many people in these rural towns. I also know several people who have had their homes insulated and use the energy assistance program. Personally I think if Mr. Trump had to use these programs or visited these small communities he would see how important they are to the elderly. “

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Rick Robison, a retiree in Cape Coral, Fla., wrote: “I am lucky enough that I have saved during my life and we have decent savings. This means we have not had to utilize any of these functions. I do however know many people my age and older that rely on these programs to keep from freezing during the winter. The national debt is, in my estimation, the largest issue that must be addressed. We as a nation cannot continue to borrow uncontrolled.”

“The budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration are cruel to seniors,” wrote Gary Anderson of Las Vegas. “They are disrespectful to seniors. They will hurt the most vulnerable among us.”

Lova McMahon of Hutchinson, Kan., said, “The budget proposal is the most crass, self-serving waste of paper ever conceived. Those involved should be ashamed of themselves.”

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“I’m enraged that the Trump administration is trying to cut funding programs for the sick, elderly, disabled, poor and needy,” Donna Canorro of Buffalo, N.Y., said. “I’ve been blessed with good health and a profession where I can be independent. I have no problem being taxed to help the above mentioned people. That’s the way it should be. I don’t want to see my tax dollars spent over inflating the military so we can get involved in yet another needless, useless war. I don’t want to see my tax dollars spent building a wall to keep out hard-working Mexican people seeking a better life in the U.S. I don’t want to see my tax dollars spent paying for Trump’s security so he can flit back and forth to NY city or Mar-A-Largo on a whim. I don’t want to see my tax dollars spent to enrich the coffers of people who can never have enough money and who profit on the middle class and the poor.”

Janet Holsopple of Springfield, Ill., wrote, “The older generation have worked hard for all they have, and they deserve to be able to retire and get a little bit of help, to be able to rely on Social Security. I will have to work till I just fall over dead in my chair.”

I want to hear from you. This newsletter is your opportunity to ask questions or just talk about your retirement. It’s your chance to rant and rave (or both) about any retirement issue. Talk to me. Are you changing anything about your retirement or retirement planning based on recent events, especially the GOP effort to replace Obamacare?

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Send your comments to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name, city and state. In the subject line put “Retirement Rants & Raves.”

Live chat this week

Join me on Thursday, March 30, at noon (ET) for a live discussion about this month’s Color of Money Book club selection, is “The Tao of Charlie Munger: A Compilation of Quotes from Berkshire Hathaway’s Vice Chairman on Life, Business and the Pursuit of Wealth”

Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book: “Knowing what you don’t know is more useful than being brilliant.”

Read the review of the book: This is how the rich think

To participate in the discussion click this link.

Newsletter comments policy

Please note it is my personal policy to identify readers who respond to questions I ask in my newsletters. I find it encourages thoughtful and civil conversation. I want my newsletters to be a safe place to express your opinion. On sensitive matters or upon request, I’m happy to include a first name and last initial. But I prefer not to post anonymous comments (I do make exceptions when I’m asking questions that might reveal sensitive information or cause conflict.)

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