Our Entitlement Paralysis

Washington Post ^ | December 28, 2005 | By Robert Samuelson

[.cnI redruM]

And like Emporer Nero, we will fiddle while we watch Rome burn. We cannot aford our current entitlement programs and it's time for everyone 60 years old or younger to accept this fact, do their patriotic duty, and give them up.

[thoughtomator]

It's either that or a frog march to the euthanasia chambers once the money runs out.

If history is any guide, the chambers will be it.

[tom paine 2]

The first thing we should do is means test all handout programs. The second is to stop paying for cosmetic surgery and drugs like Viagra. Limit healthcare spending to disease prevention and necessary surgery.

[Racehorse]

Speaking for past administrations and part Congresses, the first thing the present government needs to do is confess.

There is a problem because Congress embezzled and misappropriated the money. Confess it loud and clear.

Then, the Boomers need to go to the polls and send forth a mighty wave of new politicians charged with redeeming and investing those IOUs.

[neutrino]

(Chuckle) That is so not gonna happen.

Boomers vote. Boomers will not vote to cut their own financial throats.

[rbg81]

I don't see this happening anytime soon. The Dems will demagogue this issue till the last dog dies. And, thanks to the RINOs, the GOP doesn't have the support to change things. The "fix" will only come when the US Gov hits a wall of some kind--like no one will lend it $$ to finance the deficit anymore.

Our leaders also have this insane fantasy that immigrants to take menial jobs will finance the boomer's retirement. In reality, they cost us more than they will provide. [Actually, I don't think our leaders really buy this either. It's just the spin they put out to "explain" wy their not taking action.] Until there is some imminent disaster, we will just spend and immigrate our way to third world status.

[Citizen Tom Paine]

Speaking as an old geezer who is there, what they never discuss with the aging problem is the medical problems that one accumulates then (even if you ate well, and exercised). The medical profession is more that willing to help out (at great cost) and you may be sure that several high cost prescriptions will be fosted on you that you probably will have to take for the rest of your life.

Just keeping track of the pills and if you took them becomes a problem. I know some of you are smiling as you read this, but if something untoward happens - like the power going off in the winter one doesn't necessarily think of pills first when the water lines may freeze. Uncle (or you) will have a large expense for the remainder of your life. Consider getting your prescription filled if you are an vacation and lost your luggage.

As one grows older one notices that there are a lot of women and not too many men. The grim reaper appears to have need of male helpers. Consequently, your property will most likely be disposed of by your wife for better or for worse. I knew of an overhauled Taylor-craft engine that was sold for scrap at about 20 cents per pound. It was worth thousands of dollars.

[Shanty Shaker]

The way I see it ... Politicians use the the fear of you losing your retirement to gain power. It is nothing more than a variation of the theme used to scam senior citizens to vote democrat in every election. Except now they get you before you are a senior citizen.



The issue of a 60 year old thinking they are immortal is another thing entirely.

[Wolfie]

We should ask ourselves: Why?

What benefit is there for any politician getting out in front of this? None. Its a one-way ticket back to the private sector. The plan for our Congresscritters is to be safely retired on a fat pension with full benefits by the time it hits the fan.

[ladyjane]

frog march to the euthanasia chambers

You *know* the medical/long-term-care insurance companies are already greasing the wheels of the guerneys.

Look at how they are influencing legislation. Look at what is already happening in the hospices.

It's big money. Can't have all those old folks soaking it up in the nursing homes.

[.cnI redruM]

That, I like. I detested the Prescription Drug Panderation Act before they started handing out the boner pills.

[.cnI redruM]

Or 3, we go fascist and militaristic in a big way. Ask John Dillinger why he robbed banks, and he'd reply. "That's where the money is."

We may end up plundering others to gorge our own disgusting boomer generation.

[thoughtomator]

I used to be horrified by the thought of euthanasia. Now that I've been watching the baby boomers' perfect willingness to beggar their children and childrens' children in order to stretch 82 years into 85, it strikes me as a perfectly defensible idea. Mandatory euthanasia for everyone at 85 if you accept government handouts to survive.

Live by the government, die by the government... and us decent people can stay the hell away from that mess.

[kaylar]

Anyone who thinks money can't buy happiness or love forgot all about little puppies.

[kaylar]

Darn it! I meant to post the reply above to a different thread-please delete.

[napscoordinator]

No. That is awful. My grandmother is 91 in January. She is collecting SS (is this considered government handout) and is doing pretty well. She is getting sillier in her old age (a little dementia), but other than that having her die at 85 when so far she has had six additional years is nuts. Although, I am 36, 37 in May, it is still nice to have a Grandmother. Plus how do you think my father would feel if his mother was "killed" by the government at 85. He is 59 will be 60 next year and I don't want to have to "put him to sleep" at 85 either. Yuk!!! I agree with alot on this site, but not that. Maybe 100. LOL.

[thoughtomator]

I have no problem with people living out the time that God gives them.

The time that the government (read: taxpayers) gives them is fair game.

[BureaucratusMaximus]

Mandatory euthanasia for everyone at 85 if you accept government handouts to survive.

Live by the government, die by the government... and us decent people can stay the hell away from that mess.

Yeah, lets add the mentally ill, retarded and handicapped to that too. I mean, look at all the costs they add to society and how they feed off of government troughs. /sarcasm

Cmon...thats just silly. I hope you are not being series.

[thoughtomator]

No, I'm not being totally serious. I'm just adopting a hard line as a starting point for negotiation, which is appropriately measured to the hard line taken by the geezers who would rather bankrupt the nation than accept any limitation to handouts.