I did not state it wasn't one of the top concerns.

There are concerns that top it, like the concern people have for their home mortgages and whether or not they will have a house tommorrow.

I was just indicating that there are different ways to go about it, and I think a measured approach is best. I am skeptical of the ones who advocate extreme measures and suspect a lot of these people are closet racists but they'd never admit it.

The illegal immigrant population is largely underground, and saying just kick them all out oversimplifies the problem and it's just not realistic.

We have to find a way to allow these people to come forward while upholding the law of the land.

MNHiker:

What aggravates me the most is that people do not read my posts thoroughly.

I have stated that I used to work in immigration law. That is why I so vehemently speak out against the illegals. It is so unfair to the people who knock themselves out to come to the USA legally, that it reeks of .... I do not know what, there is no name for it.

The US government cannot be responsible for banks and lending institutions that have approved mortgages to people that are considered 'subprime', basically meaning they already maintain a credit rating that is not as qualified for a mortgage as it should be thus the ARM - Adjustable Rate Mortgages. That is one factor for the slowdown of the housing industry here in the USA. Additionally, the government is doing what they can to help the mortgage holders so they do not lose their homes, but they cannot BABYSIT these people to ensure that they maintain proper credit and live within their means.

How can you say that there are issues more important than homeland security and illegal aliens? Have you listened to any of the news coverage of the presidential campaigns? ILLEGAL ALIENS is one of the top concerns, mortgages are no where in the picture for America in general concerning the upcoming presidential election - I will be damned if I am going to forego my SECURITY to pamper individuals who live beyond their means.

Our government is working on ways to solve the problem of what to do with all the illegals, BUT first and foremost our borders need to be FIRMLY SECURED. Hillary Clinton's idea of giving illegals drivers licenses is the most insane thing she has come up with.

KNOCK OFF the racist categorizing! I am so SICK to the stomach over people screaming racisim because the American people want rid of the illegals. SHOW ME MNHIKER, where these illegals have respect for the USA? SHOW ME To begin with, they enter our country ILLEGALLY, already setting the path for which they are going to continue to take!!!!


I do not care if the illegal alien population is underground, inground, upside down, inside out or whatever! SEVERE MEASURES have to be taken to address the issue, not just say 'it is underground, so it can be overlooked.'

Doc:

Sorry, but you lost me. Would you explain what you mean? Serious, I could take it different ways.

Thanks.

Lindyy

do those two statements not contradict one another?. Since they are illegal then to uphold the law of the land they are required to be deported..

OK, Lindyy, you revealed your racism with the statement
'To begin with, they enter our country ILLEGALLY, already setting the path for which they are going to continue to take!!!!'

This is a generalization which is just not true.

You are assuming that because they came here illegally that all of them will continue to commit crimes.

The vast majority of them keep a low profile. Why would they want to get in trouble with the law and risk being deported?

That may be true for some of them, but not the majority.

Most of them just want to earn money and stay out of trouble.

But we can't deport them all because we can't find them all.

so you're willing to make illegal immigrants of whom you have no knowledge of legal with a stroke of a pen because you can't find them...hey how about taking a look at the FBI most wanted list...they can't find them either so lets just give up and let them off the hook..




immigrants legal or not is not a race...

mnhiker:

Your blurb:
"OK, Lindyy, you revealed your racism with the statement
'To begin with, they enter our country ILLEGALLY, already setting the path for which they are going to continue to take!!!!'

This is a generalization which is just not true.

You are assuming that because they came here illegally that all of them will continue to commit crimes.

The vast majority of them keep a low profile. Why would they want to get in trouble with the law and risk being deported?

That may be true for some of them, but not the majority.

Most of them just want to earn money and stay out of trouble."

TINKERBELL says to your above-referenced quote:
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

If you read my post I indicated that once they are identified, they would have to pay a fine and go back to their country of origin. If you want to call that amnesty, then fine.

You must realize that it is impossible to round up an estimated 12 million illegal aliens. It cannot be done.

So you have to have some kind of a grace period to allow them
to come forward and admit they are here illegally.

They pay a fine and have to go back to their own country.
Those who have committed serious crimes would not qualify to just pay a fine, they would have to go to jail. Those who want to come back to work must apply for a work visa. If they qualify, they would get a visa that is counterfeit-proof.

Harsh penalties would be levied on anyone employing an illegal alien without requiring identification.

Most illegal immigrants are of a different race and most certainly a different culture, though not all of them are Mexicans, some are Guatemalans, etc...

does anyone know what the feasibility of SS being non government run like the post office,would be?

Cute, considering the recent track record of this government, I would not think that would be a good idea. In theory though with a wise investor at the helm and trustworthy program, it could be done. I would hate to see them screw it up and the elderly who already have to darn near eat cat food to survive, really have nothing.

Now as for the illegal issue, yes, the pusher propagandists for the severe treatment of illegals are racists based. They have an agenda to perpetrate hatred against a certain "type" of people and they are running with it.

This issue is a delicate human issue and needs to be dealt with with humanity and respect for humans. The propagandists would have us believing they are no better than animals. Deserving of less respect than animals receive from the animals brutilizers. This should not ever be allowed.

Anyone who says they do not care about the illegals just because they are illegal is inhuman and hateful and does not represent American in a positive light.

Tinkerbell has been in deep thought and wants to pass along this "message from Paul Harvey"

Paul Harvey says:

I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin , but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.

So what' s the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.

But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.

Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?

If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.

If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.

If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.

And I wouldn't be offended.
It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome ...

But what about the atheists? Is another argument.

What about them?
Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!

Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep.

Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.

God, help us.
And if that last sentence offends you, well .. just sue me

The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right . But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back.
and we WILL WIN!

God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce Him , God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all.

God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.

2008 will be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions ... and our Military come home from all the wars.

Keep looking up.

'AND THAT'S THE REST OF THE STORY'


Thank you so very, very much, Mr. Paul Harvey!!

How funny the great christian persecution chant again.

Christians have had way too much control in this country, it is part of it's problem.

No one cares if you say a prayer to yourself before a game, noone cares if you say a prayer to yourself before you go to court, no one cares if you pray to yourself 24/7/365, no one cares if you start your kids day with a prayer before you all leave the house in the morning, no one cares if you pray to your christian god at any time you feel like it. It does not need to be a part of the government or put on the loud speaker at a game to be done. There are those who do not believe in the christian god and they should not have to hold him in reverence because christians want to. Period.

Christians do not have a monopoly on virtue, christians do not have a monopoly on American patriotism, christians do not have a monopoly on anything and they need to learn this truth.

Keep religion at home where it belongs and not in my government and we will have no problems.

Lindyy..... This is a good idea for a thread. Most of us, including myself, are probably not well informed about Social Security. Thanks.

bull, it has worked for over 200 years. now a vast minority want to change it screw them, i am 1 tired american of of this crap where the majority must bend to the minority. about 85% of america has no problem with prayer in schools or the pledge of alligence or in god we trust on our money, i am not even religious. i have not been to church in years, and it does not bother me or millions of others. so please just shut your mouth and leave the majority of america alone. you people are whats wrong with the usa. please take a long walk off a short pier, your all wet anyway

Lindyy says:

Tinkerbell had been in deep thought because the subject of Social Security got turned in a negative direction, one of hatred towards American citizens for their stance on illegal immigration. THEREFORE, Tinkerbell came up with the idea of posting the commentary by Paul Harvey in an effort to get this thread back to the topic of Social Security.

Tinkerbell says:

Paul Harvey is as AMERICAN as APPLE PIE He is well respected by the vast majority of the citizens of the United States of America, though some may not agree with his commentaries, Paul Harvey has always, to the best of my knowledge, displayed RESPECT.

And now from me, Lindyy:

Dragoness -
Do you have any POSITIVE opinion to offer on the Social Security Administration? After all, let me remind you that this is a thread on SOCIAL SECURITY. Started by me, Lindyy, to give viewers a chance to ask questions, post their concerns, offer positive information and experiences they have had with the Social Security program, positive or negative, and to offer someone any assistance they may have relating to the Social Security program.

This is NOT a thread to display hate toward anyone for any reason.

This is a thread for educational and informative purposes.

Thank you.

Lindyy

From THE WHITE HOUSE:

Strengthening Social Security for Future Generations

Presidential Action

* President Bush has discussed the importance of Social Security and the need to fix the Social Security system for future generations of Americans. The President has assured Americans that he will not change the Social Security system in any way for those born before 1950.

o Social Security was one of the great moral successes of the 20th century by providing a critical foundation of income for retired and disabled workers.

o For one-third of Americans over 65, Social Security benefits constitute 90% of their total income

Background on Presidential Action

* Social Security is sound for today’s seniors and for those nearing retirement, but it needs to be fixed for younger workers – our children and grandchildren. The government has made promises it cannot afford to pay for with the current pay-as-you-go system.

o In 1950, there were 16 workers to support every one beneficiary of Social Security.

o Today, there are only 3.3 workers supporting every Social Security beneficiary.

o In 2008 – just three short years from now – baby boomers will begin to retire. And over the next few decades, people will be living longer and benefits are scheduled to increase dramatically. By the time today’s youngest workers turn 65, there will only be 2 workers supporting each beneficiary.

+ Under the current system, today’s 30-year-old worker will face a 27% benefit cut when he or she reaches normal retirement age.


* If we do not act to fix Social Security now, the only solutions will be dramatically higher taxes, massive new borrowing or sudden and severe cuts in Social Security benefits or other government programs.

o Just 13 years from now, in 2017, the government will begin to pay out more in Social Security benefits than it collects in payroll taxes – and shortfalls then will grow larger with each passing year.

+ By the year 2027, the government will somehow have to come up with an extra $200 billion a year to keep the system afloat.
+ By 2033, the annual shortfall will be more than $300 billion a year.

+ By 2041, when workers in their mid-20s begin to retire, the system will be bankrupt – unless we act now to save it.

* To keep the promise of Social Security alive for our children and grandchildren, we need to fix Social Security now once and for all. We can not pretend the problem doesn’t exist. The fact is Social Security will go broke when our young workers get ready to retire. Every year we wait the problem becomes worse for our children.

* President Bush has pledged to work with Congress to find the most effective combination of reforms. He will listen to any good idea that does not include raising payroll taxes.

o Fixing Social Security permanently requires a candid review of the options.
o Over the years, many people from both parties have offered suggestions such as limiting benefits for wealthy retirees, indexing benefits to prices, instead of wages; increasing the retirement age; or changing the benefit formula to create disincentives for early retirement. All of these options are on the table.

* As we fix Social Security, we must make it a better deal for our younger workers by allowing them to put part of their payroll taxes in personal retirement accounts.

o Personal accounts would be entirely voluntary.
o The money would go into a conservative mix of bond and stock funds that would have the opportunity to earn a higher rate of return than anything the current system could provide.
o A young person who earns an average of $35,000 a year over his or her career would have nearly a quarter million dollars saved in his or her own account upon retirement.
o That savings would provide a nest egg to supplement that worker’s traditional Social Security check, or to pass on to his or her children.
o Best of all, it would replace the empty promises of the current system with real assets of ownership.

* President Bush understands that reforming Social Security will not be easy. But he believes that if we approach this debate with courage and honesty, we will succeed. Our children’s retirement security is more important than partisan politics.

Lindyy says:

Unfortunately, democrats would not work with President Bush, thus once again, nothing has been done concerning keeping Social Security solvent.

Does anyone have any ideas of their own that they think may be of substantive value in ensuring Social Security benefits for future generations?

Remember, it is always valuable to keep your representatives apprised of your thoughts and concerns.

Lindyy

Lindyy is Pleased to Report:


RE: WOUNDED VETERANS ASSISTANCE

Social Security Improves Service and Expands Outreach to Wounded Veterans


Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today highlighted the agency’s efforts to improve service and reach out to wounded veterans. “On Sunday, we honor America’s veterans whose love of country, willingness to serve and sacrifice ensures the many freedoms we enjoy today,” Commissioner Astrue said. “While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifices, we can be sure we provide them with the quality of service and the respect they so richly deserve.”

Commissioner Astrue highlighted a number of activities Social Security has undertaken in the last several months to improve service and expand outreach to wounded veterans and their families. These include:

* Expedited processing of disability claims for men and women serving in the U.S. military who become disabled while on active duty. The expedited process is for military service members disabled on or after October 1, 2001, and is applicable regardless of where the disability occurs. Social Security also expedites survivors claims.

* Development of an easy-to-use website - www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors - that provides information about Social Security and military service. The website also includes a link to apply for disability benefits online.

* An agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the VA to electronically provide Social Security with the medical records of veterans applying for disability benefits. This agreement enables us to get medical records quicker and more efficiently and helps us expedite the disability determination.

* Assigning Social Security liaisons throughout the country to work closely with VA’s Transition Patient Advocates (TPAs). Social Security’s liaisons provide TPAs with Social Security information and ensure that the application for benefits is expedited.

* Instructions and extensive training for our disability examiners -- the people who make the medical decisions on our disability claims -- on how to properly identify and evaluate Traumatic Brain Injury, the signature injury of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

* A fact sheet that provides information about Social Security and military service and explains how to apply for Social Security benefits. The fact sheet has been distributed to all branches of the military service, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and other interested groups.

* An active presence at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, Evans Army Medical Center and numerous other treatment facilities throughout the U.S. For example, Social Security employees are onsite every week at Walter Reed, Bethesda, Brooke and other facilities to take disability applications and ensure expeditious handling of the case.

* Coordinated efforts with organizations such as the Severely Injured Marines and Sailors and Wounded Warriors Project to address concerns and facilitate open communications regarding the processing of Social Security claims.

“The Social Security Administration is proud to have within its ranks many people who have honorably served -- or are presently serving -- their country in uniform,” Commissioner Astrue said. “Let me assure veterans and their families that the dedicated men and women of Social Security stand ready to help them in any way they can, and that we will continue to look for ways to improve our service to those who have given so much in defense of our freedom.”

To learn more about Social Security benefits for wounded veterans go to www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. For general information about Social Security, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov.


SSA Press Office 440 Altmeyer Building 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973

Dragoness,

I don't think it's Christians in general. It's FUNDAMENTALIST Christians who controlled this government for the duration of the Bush Administration. I am referring to Pat Robertson, James Dobson and other evangelists who hold political power and influence within the Bush Administration.

It is extremely offensive to mainstream Christians like me when people like these browbeat, cajole and otherwise force their minority views on the population as a whole.

If Satan is the Prince of Lies, then the Bush Administration and those evangelists who have hitched their wagon to his star are his most ardent disciples.