Democracy for America Launches Social Security Radio Ads

Released: Mar 24, 2005 3:07 PM

Feature Real Stories from Real Americans

BURLINGTON, VT – Democracy for America (DFA) launched two compelling radio ads today depicting how Social Security affects the lives of real people and their plea to protect it from privatization. To listen to the ads, visit:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/30_second_ad
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/60_second_ad

The true stories featured in the ads are just a few of the thousands that Democracy for America collected from activists across the country since February. The ads will run in the next few weeks on radio stations in key swing districts, Latino radio stations, and markets where the right-wing front group, USA Next airs television ads. They will be complemented by a grassroots action plan, among the hundreds of DFA Meetup groups across the country, to protect Social Security from the President's destructive plan to privatize the system.

"Barbara's Story" Script

(BACKGROUND MUSIC) BARBARA: My father died from cancer when I was only 5 years old - leaving behind my mother and four children. Through my mother's dedication to providing us a successful life and the survivor benefits we received from Social Security, mis hermanos and I were able to go to college. Today, I am a high school teacher with two graduate degrees, and I have Social Security to thank.

(MUSIC ENDS) ANNOUNCER: Tell your story and learn how to protect Social Security from privatization, visit: democracyforamerica.com.

"Gina and Josephine" Script

(BACKROUND MUSIC) GINA: Hi, I'm Gina. My father died tragically when I was only 7 years old - leaving my mother to raise me, my younger sister and brother on her own. If it weren't for our monthly Social Security checks for dependent care, my family would not have made it through. Because of Social Security, my sister and I have become productive members of society. I was even able to go to college.

JOSEPHINE: I am Josephine, one of thirteen siblings. My father was killed in a working accident when I was about eight. My mom died too when I was 12, so my older sister took care of us all. Growing up, the monthly Social Security checks helped keep our family together. We were poor, but I never knew it - we always had food on the table, shoes on our feet, and blankets to keep us warm during cold nights. Please don't let the elected Republicans take Social Security away from our children.

(MUSIC ENDS) ANNOUNCER: Tell your story and learn how to protect Social Security from privatization, visit: democracyforamerica.com.

Democracy for America, which was founded by Governor Howard Dean in March 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to building a grassroots network of socially progressive and fiscally responsible activists and candidates running for all levels of office. Through the use of grassroots tactics, coalition building strategies, activist trainings and on-line support, DFA is giving ordinary people the power to reform their own political system.