Yesterday I was in the Social Security office to get a work history print out

[ej510]

when I spoke with two gentlemen who were anti free trade. I told them about my cousin in germany and how the Government pays for her education and her apartment while she attends college. Well both of the gentlemen said they do not want that in this country, because it is socialism. By the way both of these gentlemen were signing up for their medicare and social security benefits. This is the type of idiocy; which resides in this nation. :banghead:

[Grey]

1. Gentle-men??? nt

[SlipperySlope]

2. I've heard more than one senior with a mistaken understanding of Social Security.

I've talked to more than one senior who believed that Social Security was operated like a government-managed private savings account. They wrongly believe that their money was taken over the years, invested in some way, and then is coming back to them with returns. They don't understand that social security is more of a rolling social program where current workers pay for current retirees.

Of course not everyone thinks like this, but I've been surprised at the number who do. But by this way of thinking Social Security is more of a savings account (non-socialistic) and less of an insurance program (socialistic).

:shrug:

[ej510]

3. The funny thing is they were in a socialist building.

Alot of old people are dumb.

[seattleblue]

8. A government owned building is not socialist.

Were the government buildings in WW II Germany "socialist"? You are quick to label people dumb but you need an education in what socialism is.

[polmaven]

18. A lot of young

and middle aged people are dumb too....Why the ageism?

[awoke_in_2003]

24. your post proves one thing...

stupidity knows no age boundaries.

[boppers]

10. The number of people who believe that Social Security is a savings plan is HUGE.

Between people who think they "paid in to the system" and "it's my money", a massive bamboozle has been perpetrated... and it wasn't helped any by a large number of folks thinking that their annual letters of "expected benefit" are any more accurate than Bernie Maddoff's "account statements".

[PufPuf23]

15. What sort of mis-info are you trying to convey this morning?

You should live with shame.

[boppers]

17. Can the government pay back every cent I paid in, *right now*, or not?

Can I cash out my "investment", or not....

Or was it never really an honest investment?

[boppers]

22. *crickets*

It's hard to realize that the money is gone. Denial is the first phase of grief.

[LiberalFighter]

4. I wonder if either of them had served in the military?

And received education benefits or special treatment because they had served in the military. If they received discounted bills at restaurants wouldn't that qualify as socialism?

[ej510]

5. Yes, but those fellas would call it something other than socialism.

[Alenne]

6. My husband was in the Air Force.

We had free housing, medical, gas and electric and education. Even the fitness center was free. The military is socialism.

[seattleblue]

9. I was in the Air Force also. It is not socialism.

Socialism is an economic system. That you would think our military is a socialist institution is utterly bizarre.

[ej510]

12. Tax payers pay for everything that's socialism.

[seattleblue]

13. I would would suggest you read and try and educate yourself on the topic

but I think it would be a hopeless effort.

[ej510]

19. Social Security is part of our political system and if you do

not believe it is then there is nothing I can do.

[seattleblue]

20. You can't even read your own posts.

Who is talking about Social Security? You said the Air Force is socialist. You are really embarrassing yourself if you stand by those type of posts. You are a prime example of the failure of American education.

[awoke_in_2003]

25. you need to educate yourself...

one semester of college economics will be enough. Any service provided by the government and paid for by the people is socialist in nature. This includes fire and police departments, education, military, and on and on. We, like most industrialized countries are a mixed capitalist/socialist economy. A purely capitalist society has never lasted long enough to make the history books.

on edit: socialism is not the big bad word most people are led to believe.

[seattleblue]

26. Socialist theorticians would fall over laughing at your post.

Were you home schooled? Did the parent even have a h.s. education? Quote me a socialist writer that would support your statement.

[PufPuf23]

16. The military is a socialist institution by definition.

You can imagine otherwise but that is the truth.

[seattleblue]

21. So every government since ancient times has been socialist.

Care to quote any socialist writers or theoreticians to back you up? Or is this a new version of the theory you are creating in your basement?

[txlibdem]

7. Remember last August and the health care debate

Hundreds of Medicare recipients carrying signs telling the Government to keep out of Medicare.

If it wasn't so pathetic of them it'd be downright funny.

[Yavin4]

11. That's The Core of Our Current Political Conflict

There are those that benefit from the status quo, and those that do not benefit. These two retirees are benefitting from government spending, but they don't want anyone else to receive that same benefit in any way shape or form, even if it means that the overall economy would be stronger.

[marlakay]

14. Sounds like my old boss

a total neo con but couldn't wait to turn 65 and get his medicare to save money on insurance. All they care about is money and greed.

[golfguru]

23. You are overlooking ONE BIG difference

The two older folks PAID their entire working life
into social security and many years into Medicare.
They signed up to get that money back.

The college student in Germany did not pay a single Mark
to the government in education taxes and gets to collect
from taxes paid by working folks for her college education.