On Jan. 1, 2010, President Obama wants to give $250 each to the more than 50 million people on Social Security. He plans to fund this payout through borrowing, thereby adding approximately $14 billion to the nation's deficit.

He justifies the payment because Social Security recipients will not be receiving a cost of living adjustment (COLA) on Jan 1, 2010. I have three problems with this decision.

First, since the cost of living has decreased by almost 5 percent this past year, the average Social Security recipient will have about $725 more in purchasing power next year. Simply put, the argument that the lack of a COLA hurts recipients is bogus.

Second, Social Security is a so-called earned benefit program funded in part by a worker's own contribution. Obama's payment scheme decouples the contribution-benefit connection and results in nothing more than a welfare check.

Third, since Obama plans to borrow the money, our children and grandchildren will end up footing the bill. It is immoral to steal from future generations.

Cynics say Obama is simply pandering so seniors will support his health care plan. Maybe so. Whatever his motivation, my advice to seniors is to send the money directly to your descendants or significant younger other. It's only fair that the money be returned to its rightful owner.

Gordon L. Shadle, Albany