Congress is currently debating to make serious cuts in Social Security. Some analysts in Washington believe that the cuts are necessary to help the country out of its economic downturn.  However, any changes in the program will severely affect all recipients, particularly African-Americans.

At 84, billionaire Peter G. Peterson won’t be affected by any proposed changes to Social Security and, given his personal fortune (Forbes puts his net worth at $1.7 billion), it wouldn’t matter if he were. Nonetheless, Peterson is obsessed with fixing the entitlement program. He has spent the past 30 years warning that, unless we address the nation’s debt, deficits and entitlements programs, this country is headed for economic disaster.

Initially, when Mary Lou Blakeney began collecting her Social Security benefits 18 months ago, it meant extra money for dining out, concerts, plays and traveling.

That abruptly changed a few months ago when the retired nurse and her husband of 38 years separated, and decided to divorce. Now, the 67-year-old who lives in High Point, N.C., uses her social security money to pay for life’s basics such as food, utilities, medicine and trips to the doctor.