I want to thank all the taxpayers and FICA contributors

[bleedingheart]

Because of the GI BIll (Democratic initiative) my parents were able to buy their modest home.

And when my dad died of a massive heart attack ten years after they were married, the US Social Security system (Democratic Initiative under FDR) provided my mother with benefits to cover my brother, my mom and me.

I went to a fine public school and later I received both State and Federal loans to pay for my college education.

I am grateful and I thank all of you who participated because these programs are ones that we should all be proud of because they make life a bit easier in the face of adversity or hardship and over eighty years ago they didn't even exist.

Thank You!

Bleedingheart

[camero]

1. I do also

Voc Rehab gave me a hearing aid years ago. Another thing our tax dollars provides.

[camero]

5. I forgot

There is also a free insulin program in my county funded through property taxes that keeps me alive. Thanks for that.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

2. Pah! Stupid social programs! /sarcasm off.

You're welcome. It always amazed me when I hear conservatives deride the government without actually realizing how much those programs help them. Most of the time, they're not even aware of what kind of assistance it is.
Whenever someone tells me "we should just get rid of the government interference in our lives!" I always ask them: Okay, then who's going to pay to fix the highway? The roads? The water? The power?
Can you do it?
I also went to a fine public school and receieved Federal loans to help pay for my college education.

[central scrutinizer]

3. that brought tears to my eyes

Your story is almost exactly like mine: Father served in WWII, was able to go to school and buy a house because of the GI Bill, died of a heart attack when I was 6 and my sister was 2. Veterans survivors benefits and Social Security kept our family together. I still have the flag that covered his casket (48 stars) and carried it proudly in all of the anti-war marches prior to the Iraq invasion.

[bleedingheart]

8. I am glad that you too had benefitted from those programs!

I have to say that as much as I complain I do love this country and the things the Democratic party has done to make things better!

We must fight to never lose those privileges.

[trotsky]

4. The friendly face of "welfare."

THESE are the kinds of stories that typify most social spending. A helping hand to those who need it, and whose lives are better for it. My parents were not very well off, and I received some government aid for my college education. As a result, I am a well-educated professional who is earning more, and therefore PAYING more (I've long since repaid to the government in taxes what they gave me for college) into the system.

It's a win-win situation! Thanks for sharing your story.

[bleedingheart]

6. Your welcome and I have to add that my son will soon be receiving

Medicaid because he has been diagnosed with Asperger's which is a high functioning form of Autism.

Also like you I am a working professional who has more than paid back the system for what I received and I make a point of not griping about the social programs.

[John BigBootay]

7. You're WELCOME!

I can think of few (if any) better uses for that money.

[John BigBootay]

9. And also...

when my mom died when I was 16, I collected her SS $$ until I turned 18 and used the cash for college. That's also a good use.