From: Randy S (cryofan@mylinuxisp.com)
Date: Thu Aug 14 2003 - 10:19:06 MDT
BillK <bill@wkidston.freeserve.co.uk> said:
> On Wed Aug 13, 2003 10:18 am Randy wrote:
> >
> > Excellent post! Right in line with my recent thoughts. This really
> > belies the growing neoconservative "arbeit mach frei" propaganda that
> > has helped lead to the increasing age at which one may draw SS
> > benefits (was 62, now 65, soon to be 67). We need to take a look at
> > what we are doing, and decrease the SS eligible age even if we have
> > greatly reduce benefits.
> >
>
> Sorry, but governments are not trying to increase the official
> retirement age because of neoconservative propaganda.
>
> The problem is that the money is running out.
Excellent point. But WHY is the money running out? You have bought into
another neoconservation progaganda point. Yes, the money is running, but not
because it has been given to the pensioners. There was always enough money to
support the retirement of the taxpayers who FUNDED the social safety
networks.
The problem is really that we have failed to maintain control of our
governments. They have gotten too distant from us, and now they see us as
their livestock, instead of their bosses.
Many of the govts of the western democracies have used the funds meant for
pensions to instead provide perks for 3rd world immigrants and other
noncitizens--in order to help attract them.
I live in a city full a million of such immigrants, most of whom buy their
food using in part an electronic card. I know. I wait in line behind them.
Who do you think pays for these cards? You and me through our Social Secuity
taxes. These govts are in collusion with other large and powerful entities
(business and media) that want ever more people crammed into the country. And
we pay for the enticements.
Also, much of the SS tax money goes to special educational programs, such as
bilingual education, and a veritable HOST of meaningless and worthless
education and welfare seminars etc etc etc. This stuff is bleeding our
pension funds dry. Our legion of govts from federal to local are out of
control.
Early retirement is an extremely extropian goal, as shown by this inescapable
evidence. But what a surprise--we still have to consider old fashioned
politics in order to consider attaining these goals. How mundane.....
-- -------------- -Randy
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