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To: Wyätt Gwyön who wrote (88224)	10/30/2007 7:13:47 PM
From: benwood	Respond to of 110194

Great post. I too believe in some of the aspects of SS. I'd like to opt out of the part when I'd get a pension check, but I think there's a need and would gladly continue to pay into the part that does much socially as with your neighbor or my own parents, for those who can't manage their own pension or other circumstances, e.g. I remember when I was a college freshmen learning of my roommate getting a check for college from SS I believe -- his father was crippled in Vietnam. My best friend in college also received a check, and his father was killed in Vietnam. I doubt anybody would think they were lucky, and boo-hoo to them if they think they are getting something for nothing, for they paid a dear price. Those sorts of things, and early permanent disability, something my own brother might have to reckon with due to advancing Parkinson's.

To: Wyätt Gwyön who wrote (88224)	10/30/2007 7:15:16 PM
From: NOW	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110194

i remember when an acquaintance who was a "wealthy" industrialist from Sweden came for a prolonged visit to California 10 years ago: he complained bitterly about the taxation in Sweden...6 months into his stay he had changed his tune considerably when he saw the rampant homelessness, broken down social institutions like schools, pot-hole filled roads...he still wished his taxes were lower but he was honest enough to begin discussing how much he appreciated where Sweden was at...

To: Wyätt Gwyön who wrote (88224)	10/30/2007 7:43:20 PM
From: Gib Bogle	Respond to of 110194

A sensible post. It is no coincidence that countries with mixed economies (free enterprise tempered by some socialist redistribution) are far affluent and more civilized in a good sense than those that still permit unfettered rule by the strong.

To: Wyätt Gwyön who wrote (88224)	10/30/2007 11:30:35 PM
From: carranza2	Respond to of 110194

All true. But there are contradictions and anomalies galore in the present system, e.g., those who receive the most in SS payments are the ones who have contributed the most because they have the highest incomes. These folks are the ones who need SS the least because they've been in a position to save and invest. We will use it for beer money. The folks who need it the most contributed the least. They will get the minimum payments. These near-indigents will use SS for cat food, and not to feed cats.