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It’s true that Congresspersons pay attention to the subjects of the mail they receive, but they pay no attention to the content. Write a letter about (say) gun control to any Congresspersonn and you’ll get the same content-free reply whether you’re fer it or agin it:
“Congressperson whatshisname shsres your oncerns in the matter of (whatever) and has it high on his or her list of priorities.
“Thank you for writing. You can send your donation to the re-election fund to . . .”
In the run-up to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (fondly called “Obamacare), I wrote to everyone involved trying to get someone to consider what I still think is a much better approach. I had a brief outline I offered to send to anyone who would read it. Not one response.
[quote=”kwhite1″] The sad part is that the system has become way to easy to work. I have had employees quit, file for un employment, we have a hearing, I submit a copy of thier resignation, and they still are able to claim un employment against me. The win everytime, I have a 0% win ratio for un employment claims when the person quits…amazing.
I am all for helping people that need it but the system is broken, my wife’s mother has MS, cannot get around without a walker, she was denied disability benefits, but go to any Wal Mart USA and take a poll, 2/3 of the people in there are on disability while shopping and getting around just dandy.[/quote]
My wife was denied by SS twice. SS is then required to set up a meeting with an administrative law judge.
She had her complete medical records with her at the meeting and the ALJ approved her SS.
I had the same thing happen to me when I was on SSD in the 1980’s. I had several surgeries for arthritis in my hands that lasted two years before I could get back to work. I was still in a cast from fingers to shoulder when I met the ALJ and he immediately approved me.
The SS is in the practice of denying benefits as long as they can. They do not want to see you and everything is done by telephone.
Fight for your mother-in-law. Get the ALJ involved and have her medical records for the meeting.
There’s a pretty good editorial today in the U-T San Diego paper that’s worth reading for those of you that can tie in to utsandiego.com/news/opinion
The lead off quote is from Margaret Thatcher:
“The trouble with socialism is eventually you run out of other people’s money to spend.”
Check it out, if you can.
[quote=”DavidCMurray”]It’s true that Congresspersons pay attention to the subjects of the mail they receive, but they pay no attention to the content. Write a letter about (say) gun control to any Congresspersonn and you’ll get the same content-free reply whether you’re fer it or agin it:
“Congressperson whatshisname shsres your oncerns in the matter of (whatever) and has it high on his or her list of priorities.
“Thank you for writing. You can send your donation to the re-election fund to . . .”
In the run-up to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (fondly called “Obamacare), I wrote to everyone involved trying to get someone to consider what I still think is a much better approach. I had a brief outline I offered to send to anyone who would read it. Not one response.[/quote]
http://news.yahoo.com/medicare-increase-could-ding-middle-class-141951719–politics.html
Here ya go, interesting read, the people that saved and were fiscally responsible get to pay more, just another example of rewarding bad behavior.
I wish I could understand the mindset of the law makers, it would make my life less complicated and my blood pressure would return to normal. I just don’t understand how one can be “punished” for being a good stewart of thier money?
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”kwhite1″] I just don’t understand how one can be “punished” for being a good steward of their money?[/quote]
Your error is in thinking of paying taxes as a form of punishment. It’s not. It’s the cost of government services that you benefit from, one way or another. You may as well complain that you are being punished for eating at a fancy restaurant because they presented you with a bill after you were done eating.[/quote]Terrible example, but I’ll play along…..same fancy restaurant, 2 people eating, one makes $100,000 a year, one makes $50,000, they order the same thing (cooked to perfection by the way), the bill comes, the one who makes $100,000 has a bill for more $53.00 more than the guy who makes $50,000. Same dinner, same sides, same drink, same service.
Explain how that is fair or right? Just because one person makes more than the other, why should he have to pay more for the same service? I think I know your answer, but humor me anyway.
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”kwhite1″]
Explain how that is fair or right? Just because one person makes more than the other, why should he have to pay more for the same service? I think I know your answer, but humor me anyway.[/quote]Because in this mythical restaurant we all got together and decided (through our elected representatives) how the bills would be apportioned. Some wanted to make everyone pay the same, but more people thought having bills calculated based on ability to pay was more fair. The former group had their chance to set the bills their way but they lost the argument. Fair and square.
So tell me, when you reach the age at which you are eligible for senior discounts on things will you refuse to take advantage of them because it isn’t fair to those who are younger? Just wondering.[/quote]
You confirmed to me your socialist agenda/beliefs.
And to answer your question, I expect nothing, nada, zip, zero from the government other than the military protection I pay for in taxes. I was born poor white trash in a trailer, have worked hard my entire life, served in the military (did you?, if so, hoorah), took risk and started my own business, I live well off of the sweat, blood, sleepless nights, and tears. I still have not heard a good example or reason as to why the guy eating that makes more than the other guy should pay more? The reason there is not a good explanation is because there is not one!
Tell you what, why doesn’t everyone give all your money and possessions to the government, let them (the government) decide how to divide them amongst the populace. You first? Would you be willing to do that? If you do it I’ll do it. I mean ALL money and possessions, including your SS checks, your IRA, any real estate you own, your cars.
You forget that the ability to pay is based on ability to earn. Since there is NO FAIRNESS in the latter so why should you expect fairness in the former?
Or maybe you think that thieving elitists, banksters, politicians and those with connections have every right to steal as much as they can from the rest of society? I don’t.
All of you cry babies who complain about socialism are blind to the reality that it is NOT collectivists who are running the show right now. They are not using capitalism either. At this stage of their game, these tyrants are using fascism.
And when their game is over, (soon) you will have forgotten all the “isms” they invented to keep us at each others’ throats and to keep our focus diffused from their objective. You will be totally dominated and enslaved because you were too busy scrapping with each other over useless politics, racism, religion and false flag wars.
I don’t respect soldiers, religions, politicians, wealth hoarders, enabling bureaucrats, voters or anyone else who participates or believes in the above stupidities. The world richly deserves what is coming. I just hate being dragged along for the ride.
[quote=”kwhite1″]. . .I expect nothing, nada, zip, zero from the government other than the military protection I pay for in taxes.[/quote]
(Can’t let this one alone . . .) So, kw, can we safely assume that in retirement you won’t be driving on the public roads and bridges? You won’t expect the public safety agencies to come put out your house fire, resuscitate you, etc?
If you come to Costa Rica, just how will you accomplish that? Remember, no driving on the public roads. Won’t you need to fly from a publicly-funded airport, guided by governmentally-paid air traffic controllers, comfortably ensconced in a plane safety inspected by governmental regulators? Or will you travel from a publicly funded seaport?
And who do you suppose will have paid to educate the military folk who are protecting you? Who paid for them to learn to read and write?
I could go on . . .
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”kwhite1″]You confirmed to me your socialist agenda/beliefs.[/quote]
I don’t believe in socialism. I think capitalism is great. But I, as do almost the rest of the inhabitants of this world, believe that government should do more for its citizens than protect the borders. There isn’t a single government anywhere on earth that doesn’t have some social welfare programs in place. Not one. Doesn’t that tell you something? You benefit from many of them though you seem not to be aware of it. Do you deduct mortgage interest from your income taxes? Deductions for child dependents? Then you are also getting government benefits my friend.[quote=”kwhite1″]And to answer your question, I expect nothing, nada, zip, zero from the government…[/quote]
Who said anything about the government? I was asking ab out all those little perks that businesses give out – reduced movie theater tickets, admission to the zoo, etc. But since you insist on bringing the government into it, you’ll be declining your SS benefits then?
[quote=”kwhite1″]…have worked hard my entire life,[/quote]
As have I. As have almost all of the people who you disparage for taking advantage of government benefits, I might add.[quote=”kwhite1″]…served in the military (did you?,[/quote]
Nope, didn’t feel the call. But as a veteran I presume you are taking advantage of VA benefits? A VA loan maybe? VA healthcare?[quote=”kwhite1″]The reason there is not a good explanation is because there is not one![/quote]
Sure there is – because I think that’s more fair, and almost everyone else seems to agree.[quote=”kwhite1″]Tell you what, why doesn’t everyone give all your money and possessions to the government, let them (the government) decide how to divide them amongst the populace. You first? Would you be willing to do that?[/quote]
Of course not. I don’t gripe about paying my fair share. I vote, I have a say in how that tax bill is apportioned but once the arguments are over I – as a patriotic citizen – pay what I owe, not a dime more and not a dime less. And I don’t whine about it.[/quote]
If you have read my post, I agree that paying taxes is the necessity of the countries inhabitants. My issue is paying more based on your income. Still, again, there has not been a viable rational as to why one person pays a higher percentage of “taxes” or fee’s based on the income one makes. That is an essence of penalizing someone for being more successful. There is no other way to justify it, plan and simple, if you make more you get to pay more for the same service some that makes less pays. You can put as much lip stick on that pig as you want, but it’s still a pig!
As for any VA benefits, I do not part take, I felt it was my duty as a citizen to volunteer for the military. I leave any benefits that I may be entitled to for others to use, if I have the means to make it without any assistance I prefer that route.
Why do you think the government should do more? Is that not creating a society of dependent people? As I have stated many times before here, if you need help, I am the 1st one to extend a hand to help you, until you are able to do for yourself. And as some of the posters here know, I support an orphanage in Belize, those kids cannot go out and get a job, they certainly need a hand, and I am more than happy to give them one.
It’s obvious that we differ on our view point of fairness, but at the end of the day, I feel good about me and you feel good about you. End of story.
[quote=”DavidCMurray”][quote=”kwhite1″]. . .I expect nothing, nada, zip, zero from the government other than the military protection I pay for in taxes.[/quote]
(Can’t let this one alone . . .) So, kw, can we safely assume that in retirement you won’t be driving on the public roads and bridges? You won’t expect the public safety agencies to come put out your house fire, resuscitate you, etc?
If you come to Costa Rica, just how will you accomplish that? Remember, no driving on the public roads. Won’t you need to fly from a publicly-funded airport, guided by governmentally-paid air traffic controllers, comfortably ensconced in a plane safety inspected by governmental regulators? Or will you travel from a publicly funded seaport?
And who do you suppose will have paid to educate the military folk who are protecting you? Who paid for them to learn to read and write?
I could go on . . .
[/quote]David, we have already had this conversation my friend. I have been paying for the roads (in the US mind you), I pay property taxes that pay for the fire department, I pay taxes for the public schools of which I don’t utilize. Shall I go on…..?
Let me be CLEAR…..I do not have a problem paying taxes, I have said many times, it is a necessity, my issue is paying a higher percentage than someone else based on the amount of money one makes. We all use the same roads, we all have access to the fire department, we all have access to the “publicly funded” ports, we all have access to all services that our taxes pay for. Again, why do I pay a higher percentage to use the same road as someone who pays a lower percentage? Should they be pro rated and can only use the roads equal to what they pay? No they should not, the fair way to do it is to pay the same RATE across the board, no the same $ amount, but the same RATE.
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[/list][/size][/size][/size][/i]Newsflash folks….. The Social Security Trust fund and Uncle Sam are one in the same. And since as we know Uncle Sam is broke so is the “Trust” fund!
People keep throwing out numbers telling us how long the trust fund is secure for and able to continue making it’s promised payments to those that paid in. But keep in mind that’s ONLY if Uncle Sam can make good on the IOUs the fund is full of. Currently, and for the foreseeable future according to the GOA, the fund is taking in less each month than it pays out. So the positive cash flow Uncle Sam enjoyed, borrowed, and spent all these years is now a monthly bill he gets and has to pay to the SSA to make it’s payments. So the next question is where is he getting it….. answer…. he borrows it!
Social security payments have become nothing more than a general monthly debt of Uncle Sam. For those that remember the battle over the debt ceiling a year and a half ago…. the President told us that if the ceiling wasn’t lifted that the government wouldn’t be able to make next month’s Social Security payments. That should clear things up. The Trust fund is nothing but a bunch of debt that was created by the same entity that we now hope pays us back what was borrowed and spent. Your 6.2% and your employers 6.2% was borrowed by the administrator of your retirement account without your knowledge or permission.
If this was your 401k plan and you put in your 8% and your employers matched it and sent it off to Fidelity Investments and they borrowed and spent it and now couldn’t come up with the cash, or wanted to change your payout, you’d be screaming bloodly murder. So how is what Uncle Sam pulled any different?
[quote=”imxploring”]Newsflash folks….. The Social Security Trust fund and Uncle Sam are one in the same. And since as we know Uncle Sam is broke so is the “Trust” fund!
People keep throwing out numbers telling us how long the trust fund is secure for and able to continue making it’s promised payments to those that paid in. But keep in mind that’s ONLY if Uncle Sam can make good on the IOUs the fund is full of. Currently, and for the foreseeable future according to the GOA, the fund is taking in less each month than it pays out. So the positive cash flow Uncle Sam enjoyed, borrowed, and spent all these years is now a monthly bill he gets and has to pay to the SSA to make it’s payments. So the next question is where is he getting it….. answer…. he borrows it!
Social security payments have become nothing more than a general monthly debt of Uncle Sam. For those that remember the battle over the debt ceiling a year and a half ago…. the President told us that if the ceiling wasn’t lifted that the government wouldn’t be able to make next month’s Social Security payments. That should clear things up. The Trust fund is nothing but a bunch of debt that was created by the same entity that we now hope pays us back what was borrowed and spent. Your 6.2% and your employers 6.2% was borrowed by the administrator of your retirement account without your knowledge or permission.
If this was your 401k plan and you put in your 8% and your employers matched it and sent it off to Fidelity Investments and they borrowed and spent it and now couldn’t come up with the cash, or wanted to change your payout, you’d be screaming bloodly murder. So how is what Uncle Sam pulled any different?
[/quote]
Bravo!!!!!!! If there was a like button I would have worn it out. Very well thought out and presented in a perfect manner.
What is the cost for a US citizen? Fire,police, medical education, roads, etc. Should we not expect each of us to make our own way. If you have children should you not pay their way. Sure there are individuals with special needs and I support their keep but is the government the answer to those that have given up or are lazy or feel they should be supported by government purely because they exist. The expression “life is hard” and we need to encourage people to be self-reliant. Life is not fair or easy but show some intestinal fortitude. I do support the help to individuals with special needs and would spread the cost across the populous
[quote=”imxploring”]Newsflash folks….. The Social Security Trust fund and Uncle Sam are one in the same. And since as we know Uncle Sam is broke so is the “Trust” fund!
People keep throwing out numbers telling us how long the trust fund is secure for and able to continue making it’s promised payments to those that paid in. But keep in mind that’s ONLY if Uncle Sam can make good on the IOUs the fund is full of. Currently, and for the foreseeable future according to the GOA, the fund is taking in less each month than it pays out. So the positive cash flow Uncle Sam enjoyed, borrowed, and spent all these years is now a monthly bill he gets and has to pay to the SSA to make it’s payments. So the next question is where is he getting it….. answer…. he borrows it!
Social security payments have become nothing more than a general monthly debt of Uncle Sam. For those that remember the battle over the debt ceiling a year and a half ago…. the President told us that if the ceiling wasn’t lifted that the government wouldn’t be able to make next month’s Social Security payments. That should clear things up. The Trust fund is nothing but a bunch of debt that was created by the same entity that we now hope pays us back what was borrowed and spent. Your 6.2% and your employers 6.2% was borrowed by the administrator of your retirement account without your knowledge or permission.
If this was your 401k plan and you put in your 8% and your employers matched it and sent it off to Fidelity Investments and they borrowed and spent it and now couldn’t come up with the cash, or wanted to change your payout, you’d be screaming bloodly murder. So how is what Uncle Sam pulled any different?
[/quote]
Just one other thought on the topic. Besides borrowing to now pay back what he (Uncle Sam) took from us and used for God knows what…. there’s two other options. The first is he just “creates” money as the Fed has been doing…. and devalues your currency. Or increases taxes to pay back the IOUs he stuffed the Social Security fund with. So think about it folks. Your wages and your employer contributions (6.2% from each) were sent to Uncle Sam. He used it. Gave your retirement account an IOU and now when he has to pay you back he raises your taxes to pay you back!
If that isn’t the grandest of Ponzi schemes I don’t know what is!!!!
[quote=”kwhite1″]
http://news.yahoo.com/medicare-increase-could-ding-middle-class-141951719–politics.htmlHere ya go, interesting read, the people that saved and were fiscally responsible get to pay more, just another example of rewarding bad behavior.
I wish I could understand the mindset of the law makers, it would make my life less complicated and my blood pressure would return to normal. I just don’t understand how one can be “punished” for being a good stewart of thier money?[/quote]
I agree with you. Obama is being pushed further and further to the right in order to get his deal done.
The key paragraph in your article is:
“Obama administration officials say Obama’s proposal will help improve the financial stability of Medicare by reducing taxpayer subsidies for retirees who can afford to pay a bigger share of costs. [b]Congressional Republicans agree with the president on this one, making it highly likely the idea will become law if there’s a budget deal this year.[/b]”Republicans get what they want at the tapayers expense and Obama gets the blame. 🙄
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