Ignorance – noun – the state or fact of being ignorant; lack of knowledge, learning, information, etc.
Sociopath – noun Psychiatry – a person, as a psychopathic personality, whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.
After reading a comment posted by someone regarding a senior citizens right to social security payments, I am reeling in shock and disgust. I can’t figure out if it is ignorance or if this person is a sociopath. I’m leaning towards sociopath but I’d love to know what you think. Let me explain what I’m referring to.
Most everyone knows that as a result of the (1) Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 signed by President Bush, most Americans received a stimulus check/tax rebate in 2008. I wanted to know if the same amount would be coming back to us this year so I started researching this issue online. I read that the (2) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed by President Obama has taken away almost all stimulus checks/tax rebates and with the (3) trillions of taxpayer dollars being spent to buy stock in and/or save so many large companies, I thought this must be a mistake; so I went in search of more information.
I came across an (4) article regarding the 2008-2009 Stimulus Checks/Tax Rebates. In the article was an explanation that “Most U.S. citizens won’t get 2009 stimulus checks from Obama’s economic stimulus plan. There will be $250 payments for some individuals. Others may get a Recovery Rebate.” To be specific, the article states:
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to disabled individuals, retirees, and those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration. Railroad retirement beneficiaries and disabled veterans who receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will also get a check.”
This is the troubling part…I was skimming over some of the comments that people had posted in response to this article when I ran across this shameful comment:
“Why is it that the senior citizens are the only one to get extra money all the time. Is there going to be extra money for us when we get older (NO) because by the time I receive Social Security there probally won’t have anything else to give. I think instead of giving these people more money to do what ever they want with it (going to Florida etc.) they should put it away for the next generation so they have something to look forward to. Hard working person trying to make a living” Posted by “Guest” on May 14, 2009 3:40 PM
How is it possible that a person can live in this world and be so ignorant, selfish, cold, uncaring and ungrateful? Regardless of what I or anyone else thinks about Obama’s new policy, (and trust me, I have my own opinions lol), nobody should ever begrudge a senior citizen , disabled person, US Veteran, or any other social security recipient the benefits they have earned.
The fact is that most Americans receiving social security benefits are not living a life of luxury, “traveling to Florida and getting extra money all the time” as suggested by the author of this despicable comment. And even if they were, who are we to take their money away from them or to decide who is deserving and who isn’t?
According to a (5) report written by the National JOBS FOR ALL Coalition reported entitled “Facts About Social Security 2007-2008”, the average benefit amounts for social security recipients is as follows:
- Average benefit for retirees/and aged spouse – $1,079/$1,761 [12/07]
- Average benefit for disabled worker & spouse, children – $1,689
- Average benefit widowed parent and children – $2,221
- Maximum benefit aged 66 yrs [2008] – $2,185
For anyone to suggest that somehow today’s senior citizens did not work for or earn their social security benefits is simply a disgrace and disrespect to every person who has ever lived, worked and paid into social security before them. Today’s senior citizens gave more to this country than just money. We owe them a great deal of gratitude and respect because without them, the freedoms and rights we have today may not even exist. Our senior citizens should all live the remainder of their lives collecting the fruits of their labors and trust me, social security and medicare does not provide that.
Regarding the disabled – Social security benefits are NOT easy to get. There are so many Americans who are entitled to and should be receiving disability benefits and do not. In fact, disabled people are usually turned down at least once or twice and have to hire a lawyer to help them obtain their disability benefits. This process can take YEARS. This is not the way social security is supposed to work. It is definitely flawed and people suffer every day because of those flaws but it’s the best we’ve got to date and we need to think VERY carefully before making any hasty decisions that will affect each and every one of us.
References mentioned and/or used in this blog post include:
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – .pdf format
- US Treasury’s TARP Report dated 5/1/509 – http://bit.ly/WPCD4
- Article – 2009 Stimulus Checks/Tax Rebates – http://bit.ly/dqHLS
- Facts About Social Security 2007-2008 by National JOBS FOR ALL Coalition – http://bit.ly/3VNNO
Leave a Reply