[BlueStreak]

I don't know what to tell you, Painter. And, I'd be willing to bet the "fixed income" most of those folks are on is, at least in part----Social Security. But, these same people are saying we need to balance the budget and stop "People who just sit around and get a check from the government from stealing anymore money from our grandchildren.". Right? And, who would that be? Elderly people on a "fixed income", perhaps?

I like the "generational theft" spin. That truly is top notch propaganda right there, I gotta hand it to them. It's usually accompanied by images of babies. Someone who has worked hard all of their lives and put money into SS for 40-50 years, is-----Stealing food out of the mouths of babies. You heard me right, that is the inference,..... OMG, THEY'RE STEALING FROM BABIES!!!! Oh, the horror of it!

Here's my take.

My taxes helped pay for the Medicare that funded my mothers care right up to the last minute of her life. And, I don't care that the same is being done for others. (After the private insurance system dumped her, because she was cutting into their profits.) My taxes also paid her SS. She, as many women in her generation, was a traditional housewife. She had seven children and stayed home to raise us. And, I don't care that my taxes are also going to other elderly women in the same situation.

My father didn't have to use Medicare (AFAIK), because of a contractual agreement between his union and his employer. He had BC/BS, up to the day he died. He collected SS, but then he also contributed into it for over fifty years.

Were my parents "thieves", Painter?

Are you?

Am I?

I work, always have, and will as long as I still can. When the day comes that must stop working, will I be a "thief" for expecting to collect my SS, even if it costs the working generation as my parents generation cost me?

Nope. I think my parents earned it. I think you probably earned it. And I believe I will have earned it, when the time comes.

I also believe there is something other than a concern over "generational theft" at play here. Something that stinks.

Dave