More Than 40 Percent of Americans Are on Some Government Program

[Warhorse]

haven't heard any complaints from bob dole...

Please don't go there. I am an old fart but the mental image of someone on Bob Dole is....well sickening frankly.

[Huskers57]

Please don't go there. I am an old fart but the mental image of someone on Bob Dole is....well sickening frankly.

sorry

[Nishioka]

Please don't go there. I am an old fart but the mental image of someone on Bob Dole is....well sickening frankly.

And a testament to the power of the little blue pill.

[Huskerwirejay]

Would anyone here support means testing for SS and medicare. That could greatly reduce the %.

Further are we including Pell Grants and FHA home loans?

[Squatchsker]

I support means testing. Right up until the day I get my first check.

[CombatTargeteer]

Would anyone here support means testing for SS and medicare. That could greatly reduce the %.

Further are we including Pell Grants and FHA home loans?

For every dollar they tax me less they can have in social security matching funds or medicare funds.

[Squatchsker]

but only if they take if off of the taxes that they pull off of SS right?

[Red Reign]

Thanks for that Chi.....I just learned something....

Oh and don't forget the disabled vets and military retiree's like myself....and wives of military individuals who get killed in combat or retiree's who pass on and their wives get half of thier retirement....I could go on...and on....I guess I never considered myself on the dole....for something I earned....

Oh and the fed. student loans that help me get my BA & MA....without that I probably would have ended up on the dole....

So yeah for the most part not a bad thing....

That number doesn't particularly surprise me. There are dozens of different programs that people can avail themselves of. As a parent of a special needs child, I have taken advantage of a number of such programs (respite care, early intervention education). We have recently applied for a Medicaid waiver that will open up access to a number of additional programs.

None of that changes the fact that the benefit we receive from these various programs is worth a small fraction of the amount of taxes we pay, or that we go out of pocket for many thousands of dollars a year in special-needs expenses.

But when you look at all the different ways that people can utilize government programs or services, it does not suprise me that 41% of the population can take advantage of one or more of them.

[Huskerwirejay]

For every dollar they tax me less they can have in social security matching funds or medicare funds.

So, the suggestion is that too many in this nation are receiving government aid. I agree.

Who is getting aid now that shouldn't is the question.

I believe we should start with the people who have other means. Anyone agree or disagree with this?

[CombatTargeteer]

I would say that is an interpretation but that's just me.

[HuZkurZ]

So, the suggestion is that too many in this nation are receiving government aid. I agree.

Who is getting aid now that shouldn't is the question.

I believe we should start with the people who have other means. Anyone agree or disagree with this?

I would support means testing for SS and MC with conditions, ie balanced budget amendment, planned budget reduction measures.