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Caution! Rant Zone...

I just got my 2005 Social Security Statement (which is a joke in itself). Compared to my 2000 statement, my estimated retirement benefits have DECREASED by the following amounts:

Retirement age:
62 - down by 17%
67 - down by 19%
70 - down by 23%

Keep in mind I was earning more in 4 of the last 5 years than I ever have in my life and have been pumping $ out of my check into this "system." What a horrible investment strategy. Still, CERTAIN politicians insist there's no problem - that it works - but do not THEMSELVES participate. I F***ING wonder WHY they dont'!!!


HOWEVER:
My disability benefit (benefit if I become disabled RIGHT NOW)
UP by 22%
(which is 47% higher than my monthly retirement benefit at 62)

My survivors benefits (if I die THIS YEAR)
UP 17% for my children/spouse

I wonder what underlying brilliant strategy came up with this. Seems the incentive is becoming stronger to permanently leave the workforce now (please, by whatever means you can achieve) rather than be productive and contributing to the "system." Socialism doesn't work and this is a great example of the failure. The more I work, the more I take it up the a$$.

This is a political f@$# job. I don't really care to hear Bush rants on this. At least he's been soliciting input for improvements. There're about 600 other clucks sitting around "the Hill" with their thumbs up their bu77s who keep sticking it to us average schmucks while they work for us and should be making it better for US, not themselves. Vote all the SOB's out!

yes, it's a political #@$# job, supported by both side of the isle. get used to it. ss is just supposed to be supplimental income anyway........

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: garyb on 2005-08-22 10:17 ]</font>

Understood it's not intended as a full-blown retirement income - but with better management the possibility for it to become that exists (provided it's taken out of the hands of politicians).

In any case, the whole thing is obviously eroding quickly. My last 5 years comprised 30% of my total contributions - for which I'm offered a 17 to 23% decrease in services! Without even factoring in the effects of inflation on all prior years' contributions, the thing is an utter fraud.

Demand change and if it doesn't come, vote the bums out! They work for us - which they don't seem to remember.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: narly on 2005-08-22 11:43 ]</font>

For 'voting the bums out' to be effective, you need an alternative to vote for which will implement change. Good luck.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: darkrezin on 2005-08-22 13:13 ]</font>

A vote is useless, eh? Very positive, as always.

Well call me a cynic but I can't remember that many fulfilled promises of benevolent philanthropy from any politicians in my lifetime.

That may not be a positive view but well I didn't make this shit up.

On 2005-08-22 10:08, narly wrote:
... - that it works - but do not THEMSELVES participate. I F***ING wonder WHY they dont'!!! ...

welcome to the club...
I had that same thought > 25 years ago (though not exactly based on observing politicians) - and said to myself 'well, if humble me sees it this way, what will the real smart dudes do then... ?
I considered social security as a bad investment, as people became more and more self focussed

here it's called a solidarity contract between generations - there is no such thing as solidarity here anymore, there's not even a kind of social consciousness.
that model was due to fail and it was predictable

my personal consequences lack any moral or ethic base (I have to confess...), but I also admit that I've met a (not so small) number of persons that truely s*cked in my eyes.
That number grew and my motivation back into 'political correctness' or responsibility dropped accordingly

cheers, Tom