Why won’t government bail out Social Security?
Reading George Will’s column (Jan. 1), the same question comes to mind that occurs to me every time I read in the paper or hear on TV that Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid is going broke.
Why does the United States bail out financial institutions and car companies, send aid to foreign countries to help with their disasters and yet continue to whine about the money it costs to keep U.S. citizens from being hungry, homeless or sick?
With an equal amount of money to match the recent bailout, the United States could assure that its citizens, young and old alike, are sheltered, fed and receive medical treatment for many years.
I understand that the government raided the Social Security fund and used the money for purposes other than for which it was intended. If the money was repaid, Social Security would be solvent.
My suggestion: Working people can continue to pay into Social Security and Medicare as they do now, and if and when the funds run short, the government can kick in with a bailout. I don’t see any difference between that and the bailout to car companies and financial institutions.
Judy Barham
Kernersville
Comments (9)
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It's worth pointing to people who think that the government should "kick in with a bailout of everything" that they money they're kicking with used to belong to people. Just a reminder.
Posted on January 3, 2009 3:30 AM
" ... the government raided ... and used .. "
Except it should be present tense: " ... the government contines to raid ... and use .. "
I'm sure there's a goos reason - but I don't see why the admistration didn't (and doesn't) just purchase stock of these companies. Apparently they could have recently purchased GM - the entire company - for a total of $2 Billion. Then they just sit on it like most shareholders do, that is to say interfere with operation of the company with the possible exception of voting "NO" when the proxy vote is mail to them asking for a raise for upper anagement (and they always do - have "you" everyone read one?).
The "company" gets cash to keep investing in the business and we the people make a good return on OUR investment.
Posted on January 3, 2009 6:45 AM
"With an equal amount of money to match the recent bailout, the United States could assure that its citizens, young and old alike, are sheltered, fed and receive medical treatment for many years."
The great experiment in democracy and capitalism is over. More and more citizens are looking to the federal government to feed and provide for them.
I had at least hoped it would end with a bang by the communists 'prying our guns from our cold dead hands', instead it appears it will end with the blessing of the majority.
Thanks FDR. (honorable mention to LBJ...Of Course!)
Posted on January 3, 2009 8:10 AM
"Thanks FDR. (honorable mention to LBJ...Of Course!)"
I rest my case.
Posted on January 3, 2009 8:28 AM
not necessarily a "bail out" just repay the money they have taken from hard working people that have paid in for years and when they try to get their money back (through disabilty claims etc. ) they have to go through more red tape than any other branch of government that provides assistance. I personally have worked for over 40 years paying in with every paycheck.
I filed for disability almost 3 years ago and am still waiting. I was told last month that I am now on the road to a hearing after 2 denials, and many months of living in poverty while waiting, what do they expect people to do , if you can't work because you are disabled? I suspect they are hoping that the poor persons will pass away while waiting so they won't have to pay out benefits.
Posted on January 3, 2009 8:36 AM
Idealism of govt. taking care if it's citizens:
"...the United States could assure that its citizens, young and old alike, are sheltered, fed and receive medical treatment for many years."
versus reality of govt. taking care of it's citizens:
"I filed for disability almost 3 years ago and am still waiting."
Posted on January 3, 2009 9:42 AM
"more and more citizens are looking to the federal government to feed and provide for them" alot of these so called "citizens" are here illegally and getting assistance!! If the feds did more to keep the illegals out there would be more for the LEGAL citizens.
Posted on January 3, 2009 10:12 AM
Societal breakdown will happen the month the government checks bounce. We're closer to it than ever before.
Posted on January 3, 2009 11:27 AM
There would be no roi on a SS bailout. Folks on SS and SS disability put little or nothing back into the system. It will always be the last priority of a confiscatory government to support the end user.
Likewise, all of you who are hoping NC will simply stop requiring automobile safety and emissions testing because some panel says it is not working nor worth the money, need to consider that NC would have to give up millions in confiscatory income, as well as the more nefarious ability to register you and your vehicle (as well as miles driven per year- a tax soon to come.)
Posted on January 3, 2009 12:17 PM