Quote Originally Posted by pomtzu View Post
Yes, you're right Brian, something DOES have to change. But to make changes at the expense of those who need every penny that they get, then yes, that is wrong.

The folks like me who worked all their lives with the knowledge/expectation/promise??? that retirement would be something to look forward to, were certainly duped - be it intentionally or by "unforeseen" circumstance. We seniors cannot afford cuts to our benefits that we worked all of our lives to earn, now only to find that these golden years are very tarnished. Some have nice nest eggs to fall back on or draw from, others aren't that fortunate. I don't see what I receive from the government as a handout (and I'm not implying that you said that) - I worked hard all my life - thinking that I would be able to have a reasonably comfortable retirement. And when I say that I worked - I worked - from the time I was 18 until I had to retire at 62, with time out only to have a couple of kids. I never received any assistance for anything at any time, and only ever collected unemployment for a total of one whole week in all that time. I never wanted anyone to give me anything that I didn't work for, but I worked for the "benefits" I now receive, and now the government wants to cut them and increase what we pay for Medicare too. I might just as well drop dead now, because Uncle Sam sure is trying to dig my grave deeper at every curve in the road.
The SS I receive helps pay for my not so free medicare, drugs, & back up insurance. I just received a notice from my back up insurance, a rise in the premium already.

I work part time & am paying into medicare, SS, Fed, & the State. The newest prediction is those of us that can work will be working into our 80's. That looks like I better go take my aspirins, vitamins, & calcium so I can stay in shape to keep ahead of Uncle Sam with his shovel.