Hi William....There is an additional thing for the Alaskans...(I don't know how much Native they have to be however...) Every Alaskan gets about $1000 per year for the use of the land by the oil companies....Doesn't matter the age, or how many in a family. When we were there last year, some were talking about it, and it seems to be for all citizens....But I do know that the folks we were talking to were quite pleased with themselves for receiving the money. In fact, I believe the amount is sometimes more...Each person has received about $15,000 over the last 15 years. (insert Alaska oil money for citizens into google)
That should have helped the Alaskans a bit with the food budget!
I agree with your post entirely, including the money for the Native American descendants. Although, since the Casinos are booming in their areas, it should alleviate many of the problems! I do know personally that the Bureau of Indian Affairs should be investigated from top to bottom....several years ago, the budget went over 80% to the bureaucracy, and not to the Native Americans ...this was true in the late 70's-early 80's....a friend worked for a US Rep, and the Rep was really upset about it!
I also believe that MANY of our elderly citizens are in a terrible situation. When the folks who retired in the 1970's-1980's retired, most did not make much money as the salaries were no where near what they are today. A High School teacher with a Masters, plus more than enough credits for a PhD, and living in a small NE town, retired in 1975 making the grand total of $15,000 or so....(I know...she was related)....
There is NO way those folks who supported us through the depression, WWII, raising their families, putting them through college, etc could have saved enough to cope with todays costs, unless they were privately wealthy.
I frankly resent it when we allow illegal immigrants to stay in this country, and take from the older people who have paid more than enough ....
And to make matters worse, if a person (like the Haiti boat folks) claims refugee status, and it is granted...they immediately qualify for every single US Government handout there is...
As citizens, both my hubby and I have contributed to worthy causes for years....and will continue as long as we're able. But we no longer give money to panhandlers. There are entry level jobs that are going begging (yes, even now), but most of those folks make more money per hour begging than they do working--plus don't have to pay taxes, plus most are already on some form of government assistance.... |
