Guys:
The way I see it, it's not government's job to take care of anyone, or to fund anyone's old age, disability, etc. SSB just creates more dependance on government.
I am smiling at what GWB is doing, but I bet you'd never guess why? It's because he's making people think! Think hard! Think about what? Think about the idea that "government ain't gonna take care of me anymore." Never before, that I can recall in my lifetime, has this happened to this extent. People are now wondering, "Gee, I could get old. I could get disabled." And, best of all, IT'S MY JOB TO WORRY ABOUT THAT! It's back to basics now. Start actually SAVING some money if you plan to retire one day.
And yes, people do want to live forever. They are afraid of death anymore. There are insects that only live one day. If I get 10, 20, or 50 years, I consider myself very fortunate indeed, but that's no reason to try and extend my life at the expense of everyone else. That's just plain old selfish thinking. Life and health are gifts from above, not entitlements. If I wasted my money all my life long, and didn't store up for the future, that's MY problem - not YOUR problem. If you decide to rescue me from being foolish all my life, then do it as an individual, not at the mandate of some government.
We've got people living today in this country who are so rich that they could practically bail out SSB by writing a single check, but they won't, while others are arguing and fighting over getting $1000 a month for twenty years. Don't be disallusioned. People in our society have been totally brainwashed to the point of now fighting for tiny scraps and it's all pointless to begin with. I find the idea of fighting over government compensation to be utterly degrading to one's sense of self worth and esteem. I find the idea of expecting other people's earnings to finance my life deplorable. People need to get back to basic common sense.
I can understand people wanting to get what they paid in. Very few people will actually accomplish that however. That is what the government was counting on when they created it. I can also understand how the government has "raised a lot of peoples expectations from the government."
People seem to lack individual responsibility thanks to this same government. My attitude today is, let the theives have mine. I don't want it, and I'll defintely never need it. The money was never actually mine to begin with. The second Uncle Sam got involved and took control, I lost it forever. As Christ himself said, "Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's, and give unto God what is God's. Someday, maybe, I could get old and disabled. When that happens, I hope someone just pulls my plug (if I can't do it myself) and helps me on my way to eternity - only better things await me there.
And what about the private sector anyway? What on earth did all these mentally challenged, disabled, etc people do before SSB? Somehow, without SSB we became a great nation and society for many years anyway. WE DON'T NEED IT, and we never did in the first place. Heck we had an industrial revolution without SSB. Thomas Edison wasn't on SSB - was he?
Let me tell you about a neighbor I had in Vancouver, WA one time. His name is Roger and he lives on NE 22nd street. He's 40 something. Roger hurt his back, and said he couldn't work anymore. Couldn't work my butt! He rakes his own yard, cleans his own house, and does all forms of routine stuff. Anybody who can do those things can earn some income. Heck, nowadays, you can earn an income sitting on your butt all day long playing on the computer.
Well one day, he decided to apply for SSB. It took him 3 years, and an attorney, but he finally got the money. They paid him LOTS of back SSB - in the 10s of thousands. So what does Roger do? He goes out and buys a new Cabin Cruiser, a new big screen TV, a new enterntainment center, and he goes fishing all the time. I PAID FOR ALL THAT CRAP - still am, and so are YOU! Gee, it's no wonder he never saved for his future - he spends his money like water, he can afford to - he's got his SSB. Is this illegal? Nope. He's got back pain and is limited in motion.
You know what? Compared to a lot of folks, I am as poor as dirt. I hurt my back also in the military. Did I ever ask for compensation. No! Did it stop me from working? Working hard? No. Let me say this again, "I" hurt my back. Not You! Not anyone else! Nowadays, I look at my back injury pain as giving more meaning to my service. I wear it with honor. The pain reminds me of how hard I gave of myself and it makes me proud of who I am.
Okay, now let me tell you about Brian, another 40 something guy, who lives in Pueblo, CO. He hurt his back in the Navy. When I am around him, which I am sometimes forced to be, he points his finger at his kids and wife to do everything involving bending over or lifting. He ain't polite about it neither. Did I mention he 5' 10" and weighs about 300 pounds? Depression ya know. Guess I didn't. Ah....but when he's home without them, he'll do whatever he has to do. Oh yes, I know he's in pain - but who isn't? If you ain't, then you're lucky - so far. Anyway, this week, he was talking with me, or trying to talk with me, about applying for SS disability. So here we go again folks. He's calling lawyers who advertise on television during the day so housewives with stretch marks and guys who are depressed can get government money.
You know what my riches in this life are:
1) Good kids who appreciate every little thing that is done for them.
2) A simple, uncomplicated life.
3) A desire to EARN everything I need or want.
4) A FAITH in God.
5) A constant awareness that I am here primarily to get my soul saved and to help others. (because nobody goes before their time is up).
