I have paid into Social Security since 1959 and in my first job at the age of 16 in a Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, restaurant kitchen. Today it is my major source of income. To see these attacks of the program sometimes calling those of us who depend on it freeloaders is pretty scary. One result that seems to go unnoticed is that my payment has been slowly eroded over the past few years. Understand that Medicare is part of the program, but we pay for that. For several years now there has been no cost-of living increase in benefits while at the same time the cost for Medicare has creeped upward, not to mention increases in any supplemental health insurance we may carry. So what I have realized is a reduction in spendable income. Coupled with that is a cost-of-living calculation that discriminates against older people. A lot of weight in figuring the cost of living is based on the price of gasoline. That sounds OK until you understand that in my last job I commuted 80 miles a day. Now in my retirement I don't drive that much in a week. So, my cost of living is not affected much by gas price, yet as prices have dropped so has the cost-of-living allowance and that pretty much wipes out any increase that otherwise might apply. On top of that, the federal government lets us pay income tax on the payments we receive, probably at a higher rate than most one percenters. So, first of all it is not a free ride, AND it is slowly being whittled away from us.
Just for some perspective.
I didn't realize how big those sunflowers grew until my friend Gail stood next to them. Her feet are just about at the base of the roots.
Author W.P. Kinsella who wrote "Shoeless Joe," the book behind the movie "Field of Dreams" dies in Canada the age of 81. Kevin Costner made two of the best baseball movies ever. This one and Bull Durham, both standing the test of time as well.
It's all right to be an introvert as long as you keep it to yourself
There's a full playlist here.
Ah yes, and then there's social security. I've paid in for myself since 1964, and as an employer since 1984, I've paid in about $1.5 million with matching employee contributions. Yeah. I feel like a real freeloader. Many thanks to Ronnie Reagan who noticed that heap o' money that hadn't been raided yet. It used to be a "loan." What is it now? How can members of Congress see themselves as anything but pirates? Argh, matey, I'll take Johnny Depp over John Boehner any day!
ReplyDeleteSpot on article about introverts. If talking were not required, I would think they interviewed you!
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