Getbig.com: American Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure

Getbig Main Boards => Politics and Political Issues Board => Topic started by: Hugo Chavez on August 26, 2008, 11:35:26 AM

Title: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hugo Chavez on August 26, 2008, 11:35:26 AM
What would be the status today?  With the market the way it is?  Would love to hear especially from Neuro on this and others?

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: 240 is Back on August 26, 2008, 12:11:20 PM
What would be the status today?  With the market the way it is?  Would love to hear especially from Neuro on this and others?



oh, holy god...

tens of millions of people would have lost a big chunk of their retirement.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 12:29:15 PM
oh, holy god...

tens of millions of people would have lost a big chunk of their retirement.

Social Security was never intended to be relied upon for retirement.

The SS system today is just another example of the social redistribution of wealth.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: 240 is Back on August 26, 2008, 12:34:22 PM
Social Security was never intended to be relied upon for retirement.

Can you share more info on this?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hugo Chavez on August 26, 2008, 12:39:26 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_(United_States)
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: 240 is Back on August 26, 2008, 12:40:30 PM
Sweet! 

I don't get it... why are we REQUIRED to pay it?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hugo Chavez on August 26, 2008, 12:41:01 PM
oh, holy god...

tens of millions of people would have lost a big chunk of their retirement.
whatever we want to call it, not withstanding, it's fair to say in your opinion we would have lost a big chunk?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 12:45:14 PM
Sweet! 

I don't get it... why are we REQUIRED to pay it?

YES!!!

Participation should be voluntary.

But then, this government sponsored pyramid scheme would become a failure, because all those who were smart enough to financially plan for their own retirement would exit.

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 01:05:44 PM
Social Security was never intended to be relied upon for retirement.

The SS system today is just another example of the social redistribution of wealth.
Yes it was intended to be relied upon for retirement. http://www.ssa.gov/history/briefhistory3.html

It was intended to be supplemental and not the primary source of retirement income.  That's been lost over the years.

SS is a form of social insurance derived from payments made into the system funding the former generation's retirees.  It's an intergenerational promise of benefits paid to maintain a minimal lifestyle above the poverty threshold...It's social insurance.

And SS is the most wildly successful governmental program in history.  The efficiency of the SSA re administrative costs blows away any private insurer.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 26, 2008, 01:06:42 PM
I somewhat agree about voluntary participation.   If there isn't some sort of mandatory system in place the more people who end up on the street become a burden one way or another.

But i don't agree about privatization.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 01:07:55 PM
What would be the status today?  With the market the way it is?  Would love to hear especially from Neuro on this and others?


Since SS is not a wealth creating scheme--it's social insurance--I'm certain privatization would kill the program if implemented.

I mean we already have a system of private accounts for retirement--they're called IRAs.  

Privatization is a scam to plow billions in fees to Wall Street...another method to fleece the flock.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 01:12:06 PM
I somewhat agree about voluntary participation.   If there isn't some sort of mandatory system in place the more people who end up on the street become a burden one way or another.

But i don't agree about privatization.
You thought it through and recognized the flaw in the argument.  That's great.  I agree with you.  Here's a link that does a fairly good job of debunking the privatizers scam.

http://www.ctj.org/taxjusticedigest/federal-tax-issues/social-security/
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 01:14:52 PM
I somewhat agree about voluntary participation.   If there isn't some sort of mandatory system in place the more people who end up on the street become a burden one way or another.

But i don't agree about privatization.

If you can't plan ahead for your future....  Why do I have to be forced to do it for you via taxation?

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 26, 2008, 01:21:16 PM
If you can't plan ahead for your future....  Why do I have to be forced to do it for you via taxation?



I agree.  However, you'll be forced to do it one way or another when whole communities of people are affected by the increased burdens of homeless, hungry old folks.

The Soc Sec system in the USA, once abolished would send us right back to the depression style era of the early 30's in a generation or two. 

Some things in principle don't translate to well into the real world.

The same real world where you have to use facts to prove someone is a Muslim.   ;)

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Eyeball Chambers on August 26, 2008, 01:23:36 PM
If you can't plan ahead for your future....  Why do I have to be forced to do it for you via taxation?

That's pretty much how I feel.

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 26, 2008, 01:26:02 PM
The problem with privatizing somethings like social security is that with out strong regulation, competition will produce a winner who will have indirect monopoly and in time abuse it.

It's happening right now with some services for military families and defendants.  I'm not too sure i can give concrete examples right now, but i was told a while ago, about financial hardships many military families are facing becuase of the increase cost of services that were privatized.

I'm not for socializing things.  But some things need to be.  And some things NOT to the extent they are now.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 01:30:25 PM
So then there will be large numbers of people who are poor.

So What?

I work hard, I take care of myself, my family and to a lesser extent my community. SS and all other implimentations of the Great American Welfare State are right out of the socialist textbook.

I see no reason why I should be forced to help support (via SS) old people who never thought to save the bare-bones amount of capital necessary to function after they left the labor force, or the non-contributors in society.

Maybe the average American should forget about the plasma, put the credit cards away, stay home on Saturday night and actually try to save a little of their money for their future instead of blowing their paychecks living hand-to-mouth every month.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 01:43:36 PM
If you can't plan ahead for your future....  Why do I have to be forced to do it for you via taxation?


B/c it is in the interest of the country to not have our streets cluttered with impoverished old people.

Not all people can save enough for retirement.  The world needs ditch diggers too.  Sometimes people are hit with bad luck as well.  Financial crises happen to people who cannot withstand them.  Try buying a new furnace for the house on $20k a year.  There's food, electricity, water, gas, insurance bills ....and on and on.

You are 'forced' to pay to help your fellow man stay out of abject poverty.  The imposition of a payroll tax to meet these demands is sensible.  And it is the human thing to do.

Everyone that pays into the system gets a benefit.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hugo Chavez on August 26, 2008, 01:48:23 PM
B/c it is in the interest of the country to not have our streets cluttered with impoverished old people.

Not all people can save enough for retirement.  The world needs ditch diggers too.  Sometimes people are hit with bad luck as well.  Financial crises happen to people who cannot withstand them.  Try buying a new furnace for the house on $20k a year.  There's food, electricity, water, gas, insurance bills ....and on and on.

You are 'forced' to pay to help your fellow man stay out of abject poverty.  The imposition of a payroll tax to meet these demands is sensible.  And it is the human thing to do.

Everyone that pays into the system gets a benefit.
good post.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 01:54:49 PM
B/c it is in the interest of the country to not have our streets cluttered with impoverished old people.

Not all people can save enough for retirement.  The world needs ditch diggers too.  Sometimes people are hit with bad luck as well.  Financial crises happen to people who cannot withstand them.  Try buying a new furnace for the house on $20k a year.  There's food, electricity, water, gas, insurance bills ....and on and on.

You are 'forced' to pay to help your fellow man stay out of abject poverty.  The imposition of a payroll tax to meet these demands is sensible.  And it is the human thing to do.

Everyone that pays into the system gets a benefit.

No way.
Not buying it.

Everybody can save money, no matter where you are or how much you make. Funny how all the low-enders that need all this help all the time can still somehow afford cigarettes and Bud Light, have a Dish-TV hooked up the the side of the trailer and fancy rims on the SUV...

Financial crisis happen.... yes. However YOU need to cover YOURSELF for when these happen.

Side note: I used to have a boss that drove a 140K motorhome, and joked about getting the SS check every month.... siad he deserved it for paying in all those years...

This is just another example of this sense of entitlement that prevades in this country. If you can't hold your own.... fall out. It is not my, nor anyone elses responsibility to make sure you are kept out of 'abject poverty'. Just because my 'fellow man' happens to exist within the same geo-political region as I do does not make him my responsiblity.


Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 26, 2008, 01:59:05 PM
So then there will be large numbers of people who are poor.

So What?

I work hard, I take care of myself, my family and to a lesser extent my community. SS and all other implimentations of the Great American Welfare State are right out of the socialist textbook.

I see no reason why I should be forced to help support (via SS) old people who never thought to save the bare-bones amount of capital necessary to function after they left the labor force, or the non-contributors in society.

Maybe the average American should forget about the plasma, put the credit cards away, stay home on Saturday night and actually try to save a little of their money for their future instead of blowing their paychecks living hand-to-mouth every month.

If there are large numbers of people who are poor then our country will head towards the 3rd world.  I don't want that.  And i don't want to drive the street and see dozens of people pan handling on every street corner in America.  I don't want to see crime increase and the middle class decrease. 

You can still have financial freedom in America and make you dreams come true under the current system just fine.  The Taxes we pay don't prevent anyone from doing that. 

Granted our system is not perfect.  But it is not off base either.  It is NOT socialist.  We pay a reasonable amount of taxes for what we get and i believe we could get far more benefits for everyone and pay LESS taxes if things were ran properly.

These ideologies or systems in their extreme never work.  Pure democracies, pure communism, pure capitalism etc...   NEVER WORK OUT. 
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Slapper on August 26, 2008, 02:03:25 PM
Some Americans are selfish and greedy individuals. Period. They only understand why something exists until it happens to them or to a close one.

My concers is what is going to happen to all the money us the thirtysomethings have put in the money pit when SS is done away with. Are we going to get a refund? Are we going to get a (tax) break?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 02:05:34 PM
If there are large numbers of people who are poor then our country will head towards the 3rd world.  OR Perhaps the non-hackers would realize that the safety net is gone, and beging to take responsibility for their own destiny and well-being.

i don't want to drive the street and see dozens of people pan handling on every street corner in America.  Maybe they could get jobs and actually contribute?

I don't want to see crime increase How? You are arguing for appeasement of the lower classes?

and the middle class decrease.  Taking less or our earnings by force (and it is by force, try not paying and see what happens) would cause a decrease in the middle classes standard of living???
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hugo Chavez on August 26, 2008, 02:10:59 PM
So anyway, we have a few people that think the privatization of SS would have been bad with where we are at now?  And some who just want to argue against SS alltogether.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 26, 2008, 02:13:06 PM
If there are large numbers of people who are poor then our country will head towards the 3rd world.  OR Perhaps the non-hackers would realize that the safety net is gone, and beging to take responsibility for their own destiny and well-being.

i don't want to drive the street and see dozens of people pan handling on every street corner in America.  Maybe they could get jobs and actually contribute?

I don't want to see crime increase How? You are arguing for appeasement of the lower classes?

and the middle class decrease.  Taking less or our earnings by force (and it is by force, try not paying and see what happens) would cause a decrease in the middle classes standard of living???

I doubt the non-hackers will figure it out.

Maybe they could just get jobs?  if the ones who are panhandling now aren't, what makes you think more of them will?

Not arguing appeasement.  Just being realistic. More poor people in a country equate to more crime. 

What's taken out of money isn't enough to kill the average middle class person.  What's taken out is by democratic rule.  Is it not?

If you feel that strongly, start a campaign to get it changed.  If not enough people want it, then maybe you are in the wrong country of people.

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 02:21:24 PM
No way.
Not buying it.

Everybody can save money, no matter where you are or how much you make. Funny how all the low-enders that need all this help all the time can still somehow afford cigarettes and Bud Light, have a Dish-TV hooked up the the side of the trailer and fancy rims on the SUV...
While that may happen, your protests sound like Reagan's fictional welfare cadillac queen.  What if these low end earners are struck with a health problem?  What if there child gets sick and the insurance carries a high deductible (if they are insured at all) that makes the person choose btn food and health?  There are endless scenarios.

For some reason, you fixate on the worst possible example of free loaders living it up at your expense.  That's just not the case.

Quote
Financial crisis happen.... yes. However YOU need to cover YOURSELF for when these happen.
How?  By squirreling away a little more of the 20K paycheck...that's already going towards a cafeteria plan/sec 125 plan, 401k plan, health insurance premiums, life insurance premiums and all the other costs attendant to funding one's own way.

Quote
Side note: I used to have a boss that drove a 140K motorhome, and joked about getting the SS check every month.... siad he deserved it for paying in all those years...
He paid in and he got a benefit.  That's how it works.

Quote
This is just another example of this sense of entitlement that prevades in this country. If you can't hold your own.... fall out. It is not my, nor anyone elses responsibility to make sure you are kept out of 'abject poverty'. Just because my 'fellow man' happens to exist within the same geo-political region as I do does not make him my responsiblity.
No man is an island nor should he want to be. 

Your argument sounds strangely familiar:

We can't afford to make idle people wealthy. I have been forced to support them through taxation, and God knows they cost more than they're worth. Those who are badly off must have only themselves to blame.

What else can I say when I live in a world full of fools babbling "Free Pensions" at one another? What're handouts but an opportunity for a free ride at another's expense? There's nothing free in that to me. If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with "Free Pensions" on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a steak of holly through his heart. 

For these leeches on society, are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?
________________________ _____
That's a play on A Christmas Carol.

Why do you think that people needing help should be denied help and portrayed as freeloaders reveling in the free fruits of others?

Don't you think you're being a bit harsh?

Are you not your brother's keeper?

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 02:23:21 PM
I doubt the non-hackers will figure it out.  

Nor do I. But at the very least it would create a detriment to laziness, don't you agree?

Maybe they could just get jobs?  if the ones who are panhandling now aren't, what makes you think more of them will?

At least I have the option of saying 'no' to a panhandler.

Not arguing appeasement.  Just being realistic. More poor people in a country equate to more crime.  

Build more prisons then. It will create more jobs!   ;D

What's taken out of money isn't enough to kill the average middle class person.  What's taken out is by democratic rule.  Is it not?

I, at no time, have recalled voting on what they can tax and spend on and for in this country. Seriously... Put welfare programs up to a vote, and see what survives and gets voted in. Go and see just how many people really think supporting the low-end of society is a good value of their hard earned dollar...


If you feel that strongly, start a campaign to get it changed.  If not enough people want it, then maybe you are in the wrong country of people.

I am too bust actually working for a living. I do not have the time to do things like go to Denver and assault police officers and cry about how much I hate George Bush....
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 02:24:14 PM
So anyway, we have a few people that think the privatization of SS would have been bad with where we are at now?  And some who just want to argue against SS alltogether.
You've hit it on the head.  All politics is based on values.

People in the Hereford camp think they are being screwed by a system that benefits the entire society and not just them personally.

The law of the jungle belongs to the jungle.  We are civilized.  
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 02:26:15 PM

While that may happen, your protests sound like Reagan's fictional welfare cadillac queen.  What if these low end earners are struck with a health problem?  What if there child gets sick and the insurance carries a high deductible (if they are insured at all) that makes the person choose btn food and health?  There are endless scenarios.


Ummmm Don't have kids of you can't afford to properly take care of them?
 

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 02:32:37 PM

While that may happen, your protests sound like Reagan's fictional welfare cadillac queen.  What if these low end earners are struck with a health problem?  What if there child gets sick and the insurance carries a high deductible (if they are insured at all) that makes the person choose btn food and health?  There are endless scenarios.


Ummmm Don't have kids of you can't afford to properly take care of them?
 


Really?  That's such an arrogant and shortsighted statement I am certain you said it to show your tough libertarian streak.

So if mom or dad develops cancer and can't work anymore or has to go on reduced hours then its all his or her fault? 

Surely you can't mean what you type?

Are you omniscient?  No one knows what fortune/fate has in store for them. 

Your over-the-top sense of personal responsiblity is just cruelty dressed up as principle.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 02:33:46 PM
You've hit it on the head.  All politics is based on values.

People in the Hereford camp think they are being screwed by a system that benefits the entire society and not just them personally.

The law of the jungle belongs to the jungle.  We are civilized.  

I don't recall seeing the entire society going out and working their collective asses off to support my family. I saw only me out there doing it. I do not see the social dregs that you leftists coddle contributing much of anything, yet receiving benefit at the expense of hard-working Americans.

If you want to support and empower them, due to the fact you have some warped sense of nobility, then please, go right ahead. DO NOT, however do so at the detriment of those who work for what they want, and want to preserve what they have.

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 02:43:02 PM
I don't recall seeing the entire society going out and working their collective asses off to support my family. I saw only me out there doing it. I do not see the social dregs that you leftists coddle contributing much of anything, yet receiving benefit at the expense of hard-working Americans.

If you want to support and empower them, due to the fact you have some warped sense of nobility, then please, go right ahead. DO NOT, however do so at the detriment of those who work for what they want, and want to preserve what they have.


SS supplements life, disability and retirement.  Only those paying into the system get something out.  Where is the free ride at your expense, matey?

Your superficial selfishness blinds you to the fact that there are societal needs and interests.  Your price of admission on for society's interest in pensions....social security. 

So pay up.  People need it.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 02:43:10 PM
Really?  That's such an arrogant and shortsighted statement I am certain you said it to show your tough libertarian streak.

So if mom or dad develops cancer and can't work anymore or has to go on reduced hours then its all his or her fault? 

Surely you can't mean what you type?

Are you omniscient?  No one knows what fortune/fate has in store for them. 

Your over-the-top sense of personal responsiblity is just cruelty dressed up as principle.

How is that arrogant? What is so F*ing shortsided about being expected to support your offspring?

"So if mom or dad develops cancer and can't work anymore or has to go on reduced hours then its all his or her fault?"

Not necessarily, but tell me... how is it mine?

"Are you omniscient?  No one knows what fortune/fate has in store for them."

Right, so plan ahead. Don't rely on your government forcing your neighbors to do it for you.

Actually Decker....

My truck is in the shop right now because I didn't bother to do basic maintenance.  Why don't you bring me your car so that I have something to drive to the beach and mall with? The fact you won't have a car is irrelivant because, well hey, we're all in this together, right?

Does that help?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 02:49:16 PM
SS supplements life, disability and retirement.  Only those paying into the system get something out.  Where is the free ride at your expense, matey?

Your superficial selfishness blinds you to the fact that there are societal needs and interests.  Your price of admission on for society's interest in pensions....social security. 

So pay up.  People need it.

WTF?!?!?  "Only those paying into the system get something out" Are you f*ing high???

Check again my friend. Just about every handicapped person (physical and mental) in this country is on full SSI.

"Where is the free ride at your expense, matey?" 

It takes the form of those line-item deductions that I see on every paystub that I have ever got.

Actually Decker... I want you to PERSONALLY gaurentee that when I get old, Social Security checks will show up in my mailbox. Of course, by then the eligible age will probably be... what.... 106???
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 02:56:35 PM
How is that arrogant? What is so F*ing shortsided about being expected to support your offspring?
No one's arguing that parents shouldn't care for their children.  The average household income in this country is in the $50k neighborhood.  Think about the multitudes of family beneath that average.  Bad luck happens.  Many families are one financial hazard away from the streets.

Quote
"So if mom or dad develops cancer and can't work anymore or has to go on reduced hours then its all his or her fault?"

Not necessarily, but tell me... how is it mine?
It's yours to the extent that you keep paying those FICA taxes funding the disability portion of Social Security.  I can't speak to your loathsome sense of humanity.

Quote
"Are you omniscient?  No one knows what fortune/fate has in store for them."

Right, so plan ahead. Don't rely on your government forcing your neighbors to do it for you.
Are there no societal interests?  Are we just an amalgam of individuals competing against each other for our daily bread?  Or are we more than that?
Quote
Actually Decker....

My truck is in the shop right now because I didn't bother to do basic maintenance.  Why don't you bring me your car so that I have something to drive to the beach and mall with? The fact you won't have a car is irrelivant because, well hey, we're all in this together, right?

Does that help?
No one makes 100% of his money by himself.  Even you.  Individuals depend on a wide array of government services to support the very free market in which they earn their money. Without these supports, there would be no free market in the first place. 

It looks like you are steering this discussion in the direction of Welfare.  Fine.  Comparing your laziness in maintaining your truck to the bare survival of low-end wage earners facing financial crisis just illustrates your over-the-top selfishness.

To you, it seems, any tax dollar from your pocket seems to be a a dollar wasted.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 26, 2008, 03:00:26 PM
WTF?!?!?  "Only those paying into the system get something out" Are you f*ing high???

Check again my friend. Just about every handicapped person (physical and mental) in this country is on full SSI.

"Where is the free ride at your expense, matey?" 

It takes the form of those line-item deductions that I see on every paystub that I have ever got.

Actually Decker... I want you to PERSONALLY gaurentee that when I get old, Social Security checks will show up in my mailbox. Of course, by then the eligible age will probably be... what.... 106???
Check the meaning of the word "beneficiary" under SSA.

SS's pension is fine until 2041.  Reagan prefunded SS in the 1980s with the single largest tax increas in history.  Then he borrowed that money to fund all sorts of illegal and legal activities.  Then when the gov. recouped the monies after the Clinton years, Bush pissed it all away with an irresponsible tax cut. 

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Eyeball Chambers on August 26, 2008, 03:29:05 PM
B/c it is in the interest of the country to not have our streets cluttered with impoverished old people.

Not all people can save enough for retirement.  The world needs ditch diggers too.  Sometimes people are hit with bad luck as well.  Financial crises happen to people who cannot withstand them.  Try buying a new furnace for the house on $20k a year.  There's food, electricity, water, gas, insurance bills ....and on and on.

You are 'forced' to pay to help your fellow man stay out of abject poverty.  The imposition of a payroll tax to meet these demands is sensible.  And it is the human thing to do.

Everyone that pays into the system gets a benefit.

This also makes sense.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: w8tlftr on August 26, 2008, 04:07:53 PM
Sweet! 

I don't get it... why are we REQUIRED to pay it?

That's easy.

They have all the guns, 240.  :-\

Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: 240 is Back on August 26, 2008, 04:30:47 PM
B/c it is in the interest of the country to not have our streets cluttered with impoverished old people.

Not all people can save enough for retirement.  The world needs ditch diggers too.  Sometimes people are hit with bad luck as well.  Financial crises happen to people who cannot withstand them.  Try buying a new furnace for the house on $20k a year.  There's food, electricity, water, gas, insurance bills ....and on and on.

You are 'forced' to pay to help your fellow man stay out of abject poverty.  The imposition of a payroll tax to meet these demands is sensible.  And it is the human thing to do.

Everyone that pays into the system gets a benefit.

It's a fact many ppl overlook.

"Cut welfare and all public assistance tomorrow.  No more free hospital treatment!"

You do that and I guarantee a lot of people start sticking guns in your mouth on your front porch for money for food.  I guarantee public disease skyrockets.  I guarantee the value of your home goes down with children begging on every corner. 

Hereford... You have exposed yourself here.   Even most right-wing guys agree SOME public assistance is necessary for the survival of society.  "End all the handouts" is what a 10th grader without critical thinking skills says.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 04:47:56 PM
It's a fact many ppl overlook.

"Cut welfare and all public assistance tomorrow.  No more free hospital treatment!"

You do that and I guarantee a lot of people start sticking guns in your mouth on your front porch for money for food.  I guarantee public disease skyrockets.  I guarantee the value of your home goes down with children begging on every corner. 

Hereford... You have exposed yourself here.   Even most right-wing guys agree SOME public assistance is necessary for the survival of society.  "End all the handouts" is what a 10th grader without critical thinking skills says.

Aah yes. The old liberal mindset, "We don't want to regulate people"...

I would invite any of your liberal, low-class bretheren to try to stick a gun in my mouth on my front porch.

This is classical appeasement. "We need to keep the lowlifes happy so they don't run batshit".

How can you leftist socialists seriously believe this BS?

I think it gives you that feel good, fuzzy feeling down deep in your soul, but just so long as it's off the backs of decent Americans, eh?

"Comparing your laziness in maintaining your truck to the bare survival of low-end wage earners facing financial crisis just illustrates your over-the-top selfishness."

Yea, I'm selfish because I want to keep what I earn, and not have it going to social paracytes...  ::)
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: 240 is Back on August 26, 2008, 04:52:06 PM
Aah yes. The old liberal mindset, "We don't want to regulate people"...
I would invite any of your liberal, low-class bretheren to try to stick a gun in my mouth on my front porch.
This is classical appeasement. "We need to keep the lowlifes happy so they don't run batshit".
How can you leftist socialists seriously believe this BS?
I think it gives you that feel good, fuzzy feeling down deep in your soul, but just so long as it's off the backs of decent Americans, eh?
"Comparing your laziness in maintaining your truck to the bare survival of low-end wage earners facing inancial crisis just illustrates your over-the-top selfishness."
Yea, I'm selfish because I want to keep what I earn, and not have it going to social paracytes...  ::)

I don't like paying for it either.


Are you saying that if we cut all support to millions of elderly (social security) and weak (welfare), we wouldn't have all sorts of social problems/crime?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 04:58:33 PM
I don't like paying for it either.


Are you saying that if we cut all support to millions of elderly (social security) and weak (welfare), we wouldn't have all sorts of social problems/crime?

I don't think the elderly are going to start rioting if they get cut off. Unless it's like that Southpark episode....

Welfare does not = weak.    Welfare = Lazy and/or irresponsible 9 times out of 10.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: 240 is Back on August 26, 2008, 05:02:58 PM
I don't think the elderly are going to start rioting if they get cut off. Unless it's like that Southpark episode....

What do you think they'll do? 

Do you believe there will suddenly become 50+ million available jobs for people who are frail and slow?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 05:08:19 PM
What do you think they'll do? 

Do you believe there will suddenly become 50+ million available jobs for people who are frail and slow?


Assuming that we are talking only about old people...

No, I think that ...

1. The 50+ million that follow them might plan a little better.
2. 40+ million might be forced to adjust their lifestyles to better match their financial capabilities.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: 240 is Back on August 26, 2008, 05:09:50 PM
Assuming that we are talking only about old people...
No, I think that ...
1. The 50+ million that follow them might plan a little better.
2. 40+ million might be forced to adjust their lifestyles to better match their financial capabilities.

Forced to adapt from 1000 a month to 0 a month?

You don't see any societal ripples?

You think tens of millions of old weak peoeple will just invent jobs?

I can't argue this anymore.  This is high school shit.  Go eat a banana dude.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hugo Chavez on August 26, 2008, 05:11:14 PM
  Go eat a banana dude.
LOL
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 26, 2008, 05:23:39 PM
Forced to adapt from 1000 a month to 0 a month?

You don't see any societal ripples?

You think tens of millions of old weak peoeple will just invent jobs?

I can't argue this anymore.  This is high school shit.  Go eat a banana dude.

Hey, go write them a personal check then stud.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 26, 2008, 05:30:28 PM
I bet you think all people who don't share your views are poor huh?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 27, 2008, 06:14:04 AM
WTF?!?!?  "Only those paying into the system get something out" Are you f*ing high???

Check again my friend. Just about every handicapped person (physical and mental) in this country is on full SSI.

....
The eligibility requirements for disability under SS are consistent:

The Social Security disability insurance program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm

I don't bring this up to rub it in your face that you were wrong.  I bring this up b/c SS is not a welfare program.  Anyone working and paying into the system will see a benefit.  You don't work...you don't get a benefit.  It's a social insurance program.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: shootfighter1 on August 27, 2008, 07:28:00 AM
I understand both arguments but if we are paying taxes to support others, there should be regulations on what they can use the $ for (ie...house, food, utilities, basic needs).  There's just too much abuse in the social welfare programs, I think thats why there's so much resentment.
Who hasn't seen the welfare family that buys their kids expensive clothes and nice cars...thats just not what welfare is suppose to be and it happens all the time because many people on social programs make bad decisions.  It all goes back to that sense of entitlement.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: shootfighter1 on August 27, 2008, 07:38:16 AM
I believe social handout programs should be geared toward the sick and elderly...I do believe these are necessary.  These are the people that you are talking about decker. 
I do not believe all people are entitled to the same quality of life...hard work must be rewarded.

The welfare system needs to continue to be changed as to prevent the massive historical abuses. 
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Decker on August 27, 2008, 08:02:48 AM
I believe social handout programs should be geared toward the sick and elderly...I do believe these are necessary.  These are the people that you are talking about decker. 
I do not believe all people are entitled to the same quality of life...hard work must be rewarded.

The welfare system needs to continue to be changed as to prevent the massive historical abuses. 
Yeah, there is a problem of abuse.

Welfare failures (on the dole for 2 years) (SS is not welfare) are applicable about 30+% of the total participants.  I think that number is still right.  To me, that 30+% requires a quick facts and circumstances look.  If the situation merits extended aid, then it does.  If it doesn't, then what do we do with the deadbeats?  Cut them off I guess.  That's what Welfare Reform did from the Clinton administration.

Most welfare recipients are young, white, single mothers (something like 35-40% of the total).  I don't want them on the street.

Most welfare recipients are on the dole for less than two years.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: shootfighter1 on August 27, 2008, 08:17:42 AM
On a quick search, this is what I came up with:

Race
--------------
White    38.8%
Black    37.2
Hispanic 17.8
Asian     2.8
Other     3.4

Time on AFDC
---------------------------
Less than 7 months     19.0%
7 to 12 months         15.2
One to two years       19.3
Two to five years      26.9
Over five years        19.6
-----------------------------

So, IMO, there are too many people using welfare for too long.  I think that we should be able to regulate spending practices for people who receive welfare.  That may be difficult, but necessary IMO, to make sure these monies are used for home, utilities, education and basic needs.  Not playstations, needless material items, high priced foods & clothing, expensive cars, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. 
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 27, 2008, 08:23:48 AM
On a quick search, this is what I came up with:

Race
--------------
White    38.8%
Black    37.2
Hispanic 17.8
Asian     2.8
Other     3.4

Time on AFDC
---------------------------
Less than 7 months     19.0%
7 to 12 months         15.2
One to two years       19.3
Two to five years      26.9
Over five years        19.6
-----------------------------

So, IMO, there are too many people using welfare for too long.  I think that we should be able to regulate spending practices for people who receive welfare.  That may be difficult, but necessary IMO, to make sure these monies are used for home, utilities, education and basic needs.  Not playstations, needless material items, high priced foods & clothing, expensive cars, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. 


Interesting.

Shouldn't the percentages of black people on welfare be the same ratio as there is white to black people in America?
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 27, 2008, 08:39:45 AM
Interesting.

Shouldn't the percentages of black people on welfare be the same ratio as there is white to black people in America?

Blacks account for something like 13% of the population, yet have 37.2% of the welfare recipients. Wow.



Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 27, 2008, 08:42:17 AM
Blacks account for something like 13% of the population, yet have 37.2% of the welfare recipients. Wow.





Yes, not a good thing.

I'm sure there are many reasons that people will point to and argue as to which is the real reason.

But, I'm inclined to think, anyone can make it in America if they are willing to do what's needed and take FULL responsibility for their lives.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 27, 2008, 08:54:21 AM
Yes, not a good thing.

I'm sure there are many reasons that people will point to and argue as to which is the real reason.

But, I'm inclined to think, anyone can make it in America if they are willing to do what's needed and take FULL responsibility for their lives.

 :o  You're fuucking with me.... is that it???   :o

 OMG

:D

hehehe
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: OzmO on August 27, 2008, 09:11:01 AM
:o  You're fuucking with me.... is that it???   :o

 OMG

:D

hehehe

??

In realty the majority of people don't gravitate to the extreme ends of the spectrum as you make them out to be.

"All or nothing"  "black or white"  "lib or neocon" approaches rarely work in the real world.

So for me to say that, is perfectly reasonable as it coincides with my views.
Title: Re: If Bush would have had his way and Social Security privatized.
Post by: Hereford on August 27, 2008, 09:14:01 AM
??

In realty the majority of people don't gravitate to the extreme ends of the spectrum as you make them out to be.

"All or nothing"  "black or white"  "lib or neocon" approaches rarely work in the real world.

So for me to say that, is perfectly reasonable as it coincides with my views.

Yes, I know.

It's all good OzmO.   ;)