And to keep the Democratic numbers in the House, let's support Jennifer McClellan in her bid for U.S. Rep in the Special Election to be held on February 21, 2023. Go, Jenn!
Jan 17, 2023·edited Jan 17, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
The position by republican congressman Rick Allen that people actually want to work longer (delaying Social Security benefits) is both elitist and uninformed. White-collar, professional, office, or service sector workers - especially younger ones - may say that. Politicians and others who have thankfully avoided the arduous labor of “hard-working American families” we hear so much about, may say that. But few who need that retirement most - and the attendant Medicare benefits - want their retirements delayed. By their 7th decade they are ready for it, they need it, they want it, they deserve it. Many have health issues related not only to age, but also the jobs they did for so long. If there is any “Contract with America” that supersedes all others, it is that when you’ve worked your life to create and maintain the “Great Society” you should get to enjoy the fruits of those labors. Ask the construction worker. Ask the food service worker. Ask the farm worker. Ask anyone who has worked with his hands or worked on her feet all day long. Don’t ask the politicians; they don’t know.
Journalists and Democrats, and anyone else who has a mouthpiece, needs to call out every stinking Republican who uses the word "entitlements" when referring to Social Security and Medicare. That money was paid into the system by every worker in America, and thanks to rising eligibility ages, too many never see a dime of it back. It's not an "entitlement" it's our money.
It occurs to me to point out that, while waiting impatiently for the (we hope) eventual indictments, we can bear in mind that the suspense must be a lot more punishing for Trump than it is for the onlookers (us). His REM sleep must be crowded with visions of orange jumpsuits, headlines with his name linked to the word "loser," and other unpleasant images. Toxic is as toxic does.
Social Security and Medicare are NOT ENTITLEMENTS! This is OUR money matched by our Employers. A number of years ago the government stopped printinting SOCIAL SECURITY on our checks and started printing ENTITILEMENT! I was outraged and wrote to my Congressman and Senator to no avail. Their response was “that's the way it is now”! My checks are direct deposit, however, it seems I read it in an article. ENTITLEMENT my ass! I started working at 16 and worked all through high school, College and grad school. Then I started a manufacturing business and worked until I was 60, employing over 200 people. When I did, I left Chicago for Florida (winter finally got me) I did volunteer work for the next 10 years. It has never failed to amaze me that the people in Washington, who believe we, who have worked all our lives, many at menial jobs, are not entitled to what we earned. They receive, I believe $176,000 per year plus benefits such as health care. If they serve only 1 term they receive that salary for the rest of their life. Of course, they are then able to go on to earn whatever they are able. Quite a double standard! No wonder they work so hard to get elected to Congress!
My dad died 40 years ago today. He was 68 when he died and passed away after spending more than 10 weeks in a “persistent vegetative state,” a coma from injuries sustained in a bad car accident.
The kicker? He was on his way to work. At 68. And he was still working because he had to. Despite working from the time he was a young child, he could not just lay down his burdens and enjoy some leisure. He never got to spend his days fishing and enjoying his grandchildren. My mom was left with horrific medical bills - a homemaker who had raised 4 kids. She actually thought about renewing her teaching license to try and return to work, work that she hadn’t done in 25 years by that point. Fortunately, we were able to find her some help via county social services. I wish I could say that their’s was a rare experience. But it isn’t. And sadly, it is more common among the working class Repugs who vote for the wing nuts in charge of the House! Why?
I’m now 68. I could fully retire if I wanted to but choose to make and sell beaded jewelry because I love what I do. It helps me stay healthy mentally (I’m widowed) and allows me more resources to donate to worthy causes and candidates. And help my kids occasionally, lol.
I’m hyper aware of how fortunate I am to be healthy enough to do this work, and also aware of what a privilege retirement is - I had a great 37 year career in fundraising and communications and was more than grateful to be able to just leave when my late husband was diagnosed with ALS. I wanted to be able to care for him and I could make that choice without losing our home or my future. I want at least a small cushion like that for everyone.
As others have noted, Social Security and Medicare are not entitlements. We’ve earned them. Grateful to have elected a President who does not negotiate with terrorists.
Vote blue and help get out the vote! Mantra for us all.
Todays Edition is an example of what is so wrong about media coverage of the Republican Party and their failure to be more aggressive about the truth. The domestic terrorists blackmailed McCarthy to use the rise of the debt ceiling as a weapon and he agreed. Warnings from Janet Yellen about the potential impact on our economy and credit rating were clearly spelled out and yet the Republicans continue the rhetoric across all media. I am sure those perpetrators never gave a second thought to the impact of the decision to hold the debt ceiling hostage would do to their constituents as well as the country. But here is my point why isn’t every journals asking Greene, Gaetz, Scalise and others the tough questions and putting them on the spot and demanding straight answers? These legislators need to be held accountable by the media instead of giving them a free pass. Put McCarthy on the hot seat and show the American people how reckless these folks are. And oh yes where is corporate America in all of this.?
Jan 17, 2023·edited Jan 17, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Linda’s comment, “it's been 740 days since January 6, 2021” could be useful. How about daily podcast, news outlets, democrat office websites, substack newsletters, personal yard signs, etc tell daily how many days it’s been since January 6, 2021.
I can hear it now, “welcome, this is ____ _____ coming to you on this ___ day since . . . .
Congressman Chip Roy is unfortunately my representative in Congress. He seems to be making a name for himself with Republicans and promoting the craziness. I wrote him yesterday on the debt ceiling: Dear Rep. Roy, Please STOP playing Russian Roulette with the debt ceiling and its potential to ruin our economy. Even the game of chicken could lead to higher interest from US creditors -- like China. So you'll be raising my taxes and costing me money just to live. So please BLINK and get the GOP back to sanity. Prioritizing what the US pays just hurts non-rich Americans -- no one else!!!!! The GOP has the majority in the House which sets the budget and spending for the US. You can fix the debt with managing the budget and not put the economy into a tailspin. You have the power -- USE IT in a sane steady way. I support the bill that gives the Treasurer of the United States the power to manage the debt ceiling! If you do not get your GOP Caucus to stop this I will never vote for any Republican ever again! Actually I've already made that vow because of the Dobbs decision which makes a few cells that may possibly become a man has more right to life than the mother, a woman who has no rights since the word woman is not in the Constitution. I believe the Ninth Amendment should acknowledge a woman's right to abortion in the first trimester as Roe did. Remember, God will take care of that soul no matter what happens. Please use your power in effective ways that won't be such high risk!! Sincerely, Catherine Learoyd -- one of your constituents you aren't listening to because only your donors have your ear and your vote.
My dad was a maintenance man and retired here in Florida at 76. Always frugal , he was able to live off his Social Security until he passed away at 97. Not the life he wanted for his kids…
Meanwhile the DeSantis administration is enabling the uber wealthy quietly passing legislation that weakens transparency around private family trusts.
“ But legislative, corporate and campaign-finance records suggest that DeSantis and the Legislature enacted the laws, at least in part, as a favor for the richest family in the world: The Waltons, the heirs to the Walmart empire.”
If I were president, I would tell these chain-yankers that the best way to reduce the budget would be for them to resign...no salaries, no perks, no retirement, no health insurance. This is in keeping with their philosophy for everyone else. I would point out the criminal activities of several of them, and require them to pay huge fines for same. Probably, it is a good thing I am not president.
Despite the danger and frustration of the whole MAL mess, it's sooooo pathetically laughable that tfg cannot keep his 🤬 mouth shut. He always has to comment at the injustice without taking into account the "injustice" he's doing to himself and his "friends" et al. AND how does he know that E Jean Carroll "enjoyed" her rape? Because ya were there ya dimwit; how else would ya know?!?! STUpid STUpid STUpid!
As for the R's idea of people "wanting" to work longer? That, too, is pathetically laughable, though equally dangerous and irresponsible. Seems like the only idea of work they have is the grift they do to try to keep themselves in office - and employed after leaving (being voted out of!!) office.
And to keep the Democratic numbers in the House, let's support Jennifer McClellan in her bid for U.S. Rep in the Special Election to be held on February 21, 2023. Go, Jenn!
https://jennifermcclellan.com/about/
The position by republican congressman Rick Allen that people actually want to work longer (delaying Social Security benefits) is both elitist and uninformed. White-collar, professional, office, or service sector workers - especially younger ones - may say that. Politicians and others who have thankfully avoided the arduous labor of “hard-working American families” we hear so much about, may say that. But few who need that retirement most - and the attendant Medicare benefits - want their retirements delayed. By their 7th decade they are ready for it, they need it, they want it, they deserve it. Many have health issues related not only to age, but also the jobs they did for so long. If there is any “Contract with America” that supersedes all others, it is that when you’ve worked your life to create and maintain the “Great Society” you should get to enjoy the fruits of those labors. Ask the construction worker. Ask the food service worker. Ask the farm worker. Ask anyone who has worked with his hands or worked on her feet all day long. Don’t ask the politicians; they don’t know.
Journalists and Democrats, and anyone else who has a mouthpiece, needs to call out every stinking Republican who uses the word "entitlements" when referring to Social Security and Medicare. That money was paid into the system by every worker in America, and thanks to rising eligibility ages, too many never see a dime of it back. It's not an "entitlement" it's our money.
It occurs to me to point out that, while waiting impatiently for the (we hope) eventual indictments, we can bear in mind that the suspense must be a lot more punishing for Trump than it is for the onlookers (us). His REM sleep must be crowded with visions of orange jumpsuits, headlines with his name linked to the word "loser," and other unpleasant images. Toxic is as toxic does.
Does the GOP include congressional pensions in “entitlements?”
Social Security and Medicare are NOT ENTITLEMENTS! This is OUR money matched by our Employers. A number of years ago the government stopped printinting SOCIAL SECURITY on our checks and started printing ENTITILEMENT! I was outraged and wrote to my Congressman and Senator to no avail. Their response was “that's the way it is now”! My checks are direct deposit, however, it seems I read it in an article. ENTITLEMENT my ass! I started working at 16 and worked all through high school, College and grad school. Then I started a manufacturing business and worked until I was 60, employing over 200 people. When I did, I left Chicago for Florida (winter finally got me) I did volunteer work for the next 10 years. It has never failed to amaze me that the people in Washington, who believe we, who have worked all our lives, many at menial jobs, are not entitled to what we earned. They receive, I believe $176,000 per year plus benefits such as health care. If they serve only 1 term they receive that salary for the rest of their life. Of course, they are then able to go on to earn whatever they are able. Quite a double standard! No wonder they work so hard to get elected to Congress!
My dad died 40 years ago today. He was 68 when he died and passed away after spending more than 10 weeks in a “persistent vegetative state,” a coma from injuries sustained in a bad car accident.
The kicker? He was on his way to work. At 68. And he was still working because he had to. Despite working from the time he was a young child, he could not just lay down his burdens and enjoy some leisure. He never got to spend his days fishing and enjoying his grandchildren. My mom was left with horrific medical bills - a homemaker who had raised 4 kids. She actually thought about renewing her teaching license to try and return to work, work that she hadn’t done in 25 years by that point. Fortunately, we were able to find her some help via county social services. I wish I could say that their’s was a rare experience. But it isn’t. And sadly, it is more common among the working class Repugs who vote for the wing nuts in charge of the House! Why?
I’m now 68. I could fully retire if I wanted to but choose to make and sell beaded jewelry because I love what I do. It helps me stay healthy mentally (I’m widowed) and allows me more resources to donate to worthy causes and candidates. And help my kids occasionally, lol.
I’m hyper aware of how fortunate I am to be healthy enough to do this work, and also aware of what a privilege retirement is - I had a great 37 year career in fundraising and communications and was more than grateful to be able to just leave when my late husband was diagnosed with ALS. I wanted to be able to care for him and I could make that choice without losing our home or my future. I want at least a small cushion like that for everyone.
As others have noted, Social Security and Medicare are not entitlements. We’ve earned them. Grateful to have elected a President who does not negotiate with terrorists.
Vote blue and help get out the vote! Mantra for us all.
Todays Edition is an example of what is so wrong about media coverage of the Republican Party and their failure to be more aggressive about the truth. The domestic terrorists blackmailed McCarthy to use the rise of the debt ceiling as a weapon and he agreed. Warnings from Janet Yellen about the potential impact on our economy and credit rating were clearly spelled out and yet the Republicans continue the rhetoric across all media. I am sure those perpetrators never gave a second thought to the impact of the decision to hold the debt ceiling hostage would do to their constituents as well as the country. But here is my point why isn’t every journals asking Greene, Gaetz, Scalise and others the tough questions and putting them on the spot and demanding straight answers? These legislators need to be held accountable by the media instead of giving them a free pass. Put McCarthy on the hot seat and show the American people how reckless these folks are. And oh yes where is corporate America in all of this.?
You are so good for my health!
Linda’s comment, “it's been 740 days since January 6, 2021” could be useful. How about daily podcast, news outlets, democrat office websites, substack newsletters, personal yard signs, etc tell daily how many days it’s been since January 6, 2021.
I can hear it now, “welcome, this is ____ _____ coming to you on this ___ day since . . . .
Stollen!?
Congressman Chip Roy is unfortunately my representative in Congress. He seems to be making a name for himself with Republicans and promoting the craziness. I wrote him yesterday on the debt ceiling: Dear Rep. Roy, Please STOP playing Russian Roulette with the debt ceiling and its potential to ruin our economy. Even the game of chicken could lead to higher interest from US creditors -- like China. So you'll be raising my taxes and costing me money just to live. So please BLINK and get the GOP back to sanity. Prioritizing what the US pays just hurts non-rich Americans -- no one else!!!!! The GOP has the majority in the House which sets the budget and spending for the US. You can fix the debt with managing the budget and not put the economy into a tailspin. You have the power -- USE IT in a sane steady way. I support the bill that gives the Treasurer of the United States the power to manage the debt ceiling! If you do not get your GOP Caucus to stop this I will never vote for any Republican ever again! Actually I've already made that vow because of the Dobbs decision which makes a few cells that may possibly become a man has more right to life than the mother, a woman who has no rights since the word woman is not in the Constitution. I believe the Ninth Amendment should acknowledge a woman's right to abortion in the first trimester as Roe did. Remember, God will take care of that soul no matter what happens. Please use your power in effective ways that won't be such high risk!! Sincerely, Catherine Learoyd -- one of your constituents you aren't listening to because only your donors have your ear and your vote.
My dad was a maintenance man and retired here in Florida at 76. Always frugal , he was able to live off his Social Security until he passed away at 97. Not the life he wanted for his kids…
Meanwhile the DeSantis administration is enabling the uber wealthy quietly passing legislation that weakens transparency around private family trusts.
“ But legislative, corporate and campaign-finance records suggest that DeSantis and the Legislature enacted the laws, at least in part, as a favor for the richest family in the world: The Waltons, the heirs to the Walmart empire.”
https://jasongarcia.substack.com/p/after-taking-money-from-walmart-heirs
Not to mention that the Cheeto can’t spell. “Stollen” is a German pastry. 🤣
If I were president, I would tell these chain-yankers that the best way to reduce the budget would be for them to resign...no salaries, no perks, no retirement, no health insurance. This is in keeping with their philosophy for everyone else. I would point out the criminal activities of several of them, and require them to pay huge fines for same. Probably, it is a good thing I am not president.
Despite the danger and frustration of the whole MAL mess, it's sooooo pathetically laughable that tfg cannot keep his 🤬 mouth shut. He always has to comment at the injustice without taking into account the "injustice" he's doing to himself and his "friends" et al. AND how does he know that E Jean Carroll "enjoyed" her rape? Because ya were there ya dimwit; how else would ya know?!?! STUpid STUpid STUpid!
As for the R's idea of people "wanting" to work longer? That, too, is pathetically laughable, though equally dangerous and irresponsible. Seems like the only idea of work they have is the grift they do to try to keep themselves in office - and employed after leaving (being voted out of!!) office.