12 Feb 10
2 edits
Originally posted by no1marauderactually, there are almost NO malcontents picking on the Social Security program. I've really been the only one (along with Spruce) doing it on this thread and it's mainly been because I'm fed up with the malcontents who pick on government as a whole and offer ZERO suggestions about how they would make it work better. I give whodey a lot of credit because he does bring some ideas to the table. He's much better than anyone in Washington (or even leading the Tea Party) right now.
It's rather pathetic that a few malcontents keep complaining about such a successful program. SS has overwhelming public support.
I personally don't mind at all paying a portion of my income to a program that gives retirement benefits to the elderly knowing that when I become elderly I am promised a benefit commensurate with my contributions. It's an eminently fair system.
The critics of Big Gummint have to realize that at the federal level, about 80% of Big Gummint = Social Security + Medicare + Medicaid + National Defense + Interest on the Debt. If they really want Big Gummint to be a lot smaller, they have to propose significant cuts to these programs. And I happen to agree that there are probably a lot of really good ways to cut these programs without undermining their goals.
What frustrates me is that I never hear many ideas. You have a Status Quo Party (democrats) and a Whining Party (republicans) and surprise surprise, we end up electing a lot of people who like to whine or defend the status quo.
12 Feb 10
Originally posted by MelanerpesNow the Democrats are the status quo party?
What frustrates me is that I never hear many ideas. You have a Status Quo Party (democrats) and a Whining Party (republicans) and surprise surprise, we end up electing a lot of people who like to whine or defend the status quo.
Oh, the irony.
😉
12 Feb 10
Originally posted by Melanerpes😀
[b]actually, there are almost NO malcontents picking on the Social Security program. I've really been the only one (along with Spruce) doing it on this thread and it's mainly been because I'm fed up with the malcontents who pick on government as a whole and offer ZERO suggestions about how they would make it work better. I give whodey a lot of credit because ...[text shortened]... the table. He's much better than anyone in Washington (or even leading the Tea Party) right now.
12 Feb 10
Originally posted by MelanerpesBingo!
Wouldn't it be better if the middle class just kept that money, and we could at least save on the administrative costs of running those funds to and from Washington?
You are hereby formally awarded the Milton Friedman "Hey, You Socialist Nit-Wits!" certificate.
Your secret decoder ring will be coming by mail.
12 Feb 10
Originally posted by no1marauderWe write big checks NOW so we can GET larger small checks LATER.
People who don't "need" it (as defined by they aren't devoid of assets or income) are getting cut "big" checks, but only because they paid into the system sufficient monies to entitle them to those "big" checks under the rules of the system. I don't see anything terribly objectionable about this;
See? See?
😕
12 Feb 10
Originally posted by no1marauderwhat did this go for?:
The middle class is being "bribed" with their own money. I don't even see why there are any complaints about the size of SS; up to now it's been funded out of the levies specifically earmarked for the program. Nothing extra has been spent at all; in fact an additional $2.3 trillion has been raised which has been used to fund other activities.
Bitching about SS as increasing the size of government makes no sense.
"Nothing extra has been spent at all; in fact an additional $2.3 trillion has been raised which has been used to fund other activities. "
12 Feb 10
Originally posted by sh76Does it occur to you that you can go into your world, and with a very minimal effort -- you can find a needy person or family -- to whom you can give two thousand dollars?
First, I didn't become KN all of a sudden. I'm not start going to demand 70% tax rates, or whatever KN is up to these days. 😉
That having been said, I spent a lot of the day yesterday preparing my 2009 income tax return. I'm not done yet, but I've covered enough ground to know that federal income tax is a joke. Yes, payroll tax is a beeeotch, but, at least ...[text shortened]...
* "Big Federal Deficit (reducer)" Get your minds out of the gutter, people! ðŸ˜
Why do you imply that only government can spread wealth? If you have extra wealth, don't waste it on cubicle dwelling 80 grand per year bureaucrats. Have a ball. Give to a needy person directly.
I do this quite often. It is good for the soul.
12 Feb 10
Originally posted by sh76it's true though.
Now the Democrats are the status quo party?
Oh, the irony.
😉
pretty much every idea the Dems have proposed are at least 20 years old if not older -- stimulus plan, healthcare reform, cap and trade, etc.
although almost all of the GOP whining is also at least 20 years old as well.
it's 2010. It's time for both sides to finally put the 1960's, 70's, and 80's behind us and come up with modern ideas.
13 Feb 10
Originally posted by Melanerpestheir goal in life is to be reelected. that is the primary goal. why should they change pattern if it doesn't help the goal?
it's true though.
pretty much every idea the Dems have proposed are at least 20 years old if not older -- stimulus plan, healthcare reform, cap and trade, etc.
although almost all of the GOP whining is also at least 20 years old as well.
it's 2010. It's time for both sides to finally put the 1960's, 70's, and 80's behind us and come up with modern ideas.
those for who reelection is NOT the primary goal are not reelected, are they?