I agree completely agree with what Kristi says, especially the last couple of sentences discussing what the government shouldn’t pay for. I agree that something needs to be done regarding the economic issues and the governmental issue in which they have their hands in everything we do. Yes these people are not organized, and possibly if they were more people would take notice and they might be able to get more done. However they do have valid points and are standing up for what they believe and what many Americans are feeling but are afraid to say. I don’t believe the government should bail out everyone or everything because people have lived beyond their means and now are so far in debt they probably will never pay it off. I do think the government should take notice of some of the complaints of the American people and look into these issue and work together with the American population to get these issues resolved.
I agree with Kristi says as far as the U.S. Government. When the U.S. was formed was the government established to serve the people? Or did that change when I was not looking. When one looks at the debt that the ecomony has fallen into the only person to blame is oneself. If one does live beyond there means and they are well aware of it. They should suffer the consequences. Back on the government if the government wants the people on their side, hear them out. They may be unorganized, but will anyone be, if they are confused, lost, or seem backed into corner with no outlet. The government may appeal to the wealthy 1%, but what happen if the 99% rebelled or leave altogether? What will happen to U.S. then? Would it still prosper? Will it fall? Who knows. These protesters will play a large role in the upcoming elections. For, voting is another tool that could be used to voice their opinions.
This article is a pure example of capitalism. The middle-class enforced a huge protest movement aiming towards Washington. They want to be noticed and taken care of just like the upper-class is being taken care of. All the placards being aimed up towards the air differ from one calling for a student loan reform to another calling for a tax reform. The protesters are hoping the government hears them and does something about all the issues overwhelming them. According to the article the middle-class is the 99% of the population leaving only 1% out of this category. So realistically they believe their protest needs to not only be heard by Washington but also believe that Washington should act upon it. It is very sad to read the troubles people face by losing their houses, having thousand dollars worth of loans and living an unhappy life. But this is reality, in my opinion protesting these obvious reasons will not end up doing anything for these individuals but cause fights. Protesting is uncalled for in my mind. Everyone faces these economic problems and these problems are a part of life. Just think 99% of us are going through these problems as well. In hopes I hope Washington does something about these devastations but only time can tell.
I am both ways on this one. I agree with Kristi and U_S blogger how you should only blame yourself with this economy. Some people should manage their money better that way if they do lose their job they will not be stuck without any money. On the other hand I can see they other side also, from the students point of view. When the economy is this bad and when you are 30,000 dollars in debt with student loans and grants, how are you suppose to pay all that back when you have a minimum wage job? You have this nice degree but you can not find a job because this economy and you will not be able to pay the loans back because the interest will just make it keep going up and up.
Ok, Well I'm gonna have to say that it may not be on the same level's he predicted but here's another win for Mr. Marx... who is probably laughing in his grave. I feel that this movement is good for all angles of government no matter where you stand it is another prime example to measure in comparison to the civil rights movement. Just two day's ago in oakland the police department shot tear gas grenades into the OWS protestors wounding and harming certain bystanders. Another example of how the upper elite control their dogs to keep a watch from their ivory towers. I feel that the continuation of this protest is taking it's toll on the policy makers and political figures it is aimed towards it's sad that it takes the people to rise up for action to be taken and that greed gets the better of men who are suppose to be representing the people. In the end, one way or another those with the wrong intentions will have to HELL to pay in one way or another.
Can I get a hell yeah for “student loan forgiveness”? Obama scratched the idea. But, how great would it be if those of us that have racked up a considerable amount of student loans were forgiven and lifted that debt away? I will not complain about the degrees that go nowhere after graduation because one should research where they will be after they pursue the degree they desire. The government is not at fault because a bachelors of arts in underwater basket weaving will not take them far in life financially. The blame is high interest rates and tuitions. These immense numbers are dissolving our middle class. Unless a change is implemented, the deficit will continue growing and pull the spectrum farther between lower and the rich classes.
We can blame the people or blame the government or blame whoever we want for what's going on but frankly I’m beginning to find the blame game down right exhausting. Like we discussed in the Katrina debate, people who have been raised on Gov assistance and know nothing else are going to have a hard time being self-sufficient when they are pushed out into the world. In addition to that, people who accumulate debts and are forced to sell their homes or file bankruptcy are, to a degree, victims. the ever-pursuant credit agencies that fluff up the perks of credit to lure people in, then suddenly hound and threaten once people they get in over their heads don’t help the situation. Ask the average American what APR stands for and see if they can explain it in detail. While many of these protestors are holding signs for anarchy and reform, there are many who simply want to be heard on a higher level. People do need to be accountable for getting themselves in to compromising positions but the people of wall Street and this capitalist economy encourage and enable increased spending and higher debts amongst the middle class.
I agree with Elizabeth that this is a form of capitalism. Yes, it is understandable that the protesters were unorganized ranging from totally different topics each. They simply just want to be recognized and taken care of like the upper-class. Many say that the law and regulations are done to lean towards big corporations and the "rich". But you can make discussions to see that regulations and the laws aren't specified to allow corporations or wealthy people to benefit themselves at the expense of everyone else... Unless you know of one.?. But as far as the whole college loans go, yea students end up in such debt, but what can they do when even with a degree, it's very hard to find a job in such economic crisis, which hasn't gotten much better. So what now, is it best for us to just tax on the rich?????
this reminds me of a protest that happened when i was in high school. Mexicans were walking out of school yet not knowing why they were protesting only that they were mexican and had to support some mexican cause. It makes a protest weak if the protest has too many different causes. however, for "occupying wall street" the common goal is economy reform. People want jobs, money and homes things that are part of our " the right to pursue happiness." I understand the need to protest but does anyone have answers for their questions? for example, why is it that with some degrees you can graduate and there is no job market?
i think that these protests are good because they push our government to look for solutions to our recession and answer questions these protesters are asking. i also think there needs to be a central cause in order to have a more powerful effect and have more moral from the public as well as more supporters.
This story is the one that probably touched me the most. There are millions of people around the world suffering from job loss, unemployment, foreclosures on their homes, college debt, and so on. What I like is that the so called movement doesn’t seek to blame anyone for what is happening to them, as we have seen with movements in the past, but instead it offers an insight at to what they are going through. I like that movement doesn’t seem to have a sort of direction or platform that they are arguing on. Instead the movement provides testimonies of different people and from different levels and although they are not all focusing on the same issue, they have come together to bring attention to something that has been plaguing America ever since the recession hit. I hope that at the least their protest get Washington to pay attention
I am TOTALLY supportive of this protest. Even if they don't make an impact on Washington D.C., they are still making a stand. After seeing a few protesters in downtown Fort Worth, the overall message caught my attention. These people that are protesting are representing the issues many (well in fact 99%) of us are facing. Quite frankly, I find the blog addicting. No one should EVER EVER EVER EVER go broke from getting sick, be turned away from insurance companies, be drowning in student loans forever, or go hungry. I mean I catch myself using the phrase "starving college kid" every once in a while but how far should we take that? The stories of individuals who barely make enough money to pay for rent and for gas to get to school let alone buy groceries is extremely disheartening. My sympathy goes out to the hard working college kids who hold 1-2 jobs and go to school who are barely getting by. Trust me, I know a few of these students....and they are NOT living outside of their means. I hope this protest gets Washington to pay attention. If it doesn't gain Washington's attention, it certainly gained all of ours.
dam,..... this article just me think about my loans, and if i get my degree.... and i cant find a good job... but it is true who should pay for all that, i think that the is the crisis, and i don't think that is just happening in here, and basically this protest is pointless because, if they want to get more money for college and all that (FASFA) we would have to pay more taxes... maybe way higher than what are we paying right now in order to help all those students to pay for college... and of course this higher taxes will bring a lot more protest in this country and who knows maybe the crisis will increase and we let us in a worse situation.
I agree with a lot of people here in saying that, yeah it is unorganized, but I think that’s the point. There are so many different topics to be discussed and the same thing affects not everybody. We just know that we are not being taken care of like the 1% is and that’s what is driving this protest and uniting all these people together. I know people say that life isn’t fair, but I sincerely believe that government and capitalism should be. Occupy Wall Street doesn’t care about passing blame, what it cares about is how can we fix it. If you watch the un-aired interview by Fox News, the man being interviewed is there looking for solutions just like everyone else there is. This article hits home to all of us writing on this blog because we to are probably in debt with student loans and wondering if we are going to be able to get a job after graduation and the way its looking, can you blame us for doubting it?
Wow...good article. It is very thought provoking to say the least. I come from a middle class family and am trying to go through college without taking out a student loan. This is very difficult these days. Thankfully my parents started setting aside money for my college years while I was quite young, but we still managed to fly through that money with just two years in a community college. Texas Wesleyan has definitely done a lot to help me out with my financing, but according to FAFSA my dad makes too much money for me to be able to get any of the government assistance with my education. Something is wrong with a system that does not take into consideration what amounts and types of expenses a household incurs when it computes whether or not you make too much money to get assistance. And then on top of it the same system does not take into much consideration the fact that you may be paying for your own education even though you are under the age of 25 and possibly still being claimed as a dependent by your parents. While being very thankful for my parents assistance and for the wonderful assistance of Texas Wesleyan, I still say that overall our education system here in the United States is screwed up and needs help. Too many of us are in that 99% that need help with something and can not get the help we need. I think, as other people have mentioned previously, that the real question here is what exactly do we need and want to see change in our society. 99% is a majority...if we will band together then we could get somewhere. But we must unite on some issues to be able to accomplish getting anywhere.
I completely understand why these people are upset. I'm the 99% also and it's unfair knowing that you are going to school and getting a degree to make more money but when you graduate that doesn’t always necessarily happen. Knowing that you are going to have thousands of dollars in loans makes me sick and depressed. I sometimes wonder if I can even pay it or if I’m going to get a good job where I am able to pay off my loans. It's good that people are coming together and taking a stand because something needs to be done. Will something be done? Most likely, No and if it does it won’t be until later on. It is sad to hear about the people who cant get health insurance and have gotten degrees but they are working at McDonalds or a minimum wage paying job. And they are most likely living check to check. I would love to not live that way. It's a terrible thing and we all pretty much make up the 99% :((
Just the idea of students loans and tuition costs are enough to protest and riot for me. the idea that the bench mark of a capable person in society is a piece of paper saying that you went to school is ridiculous to me. But, if this is going to continue to be this way, the constant raise of tuition, books, loan interests, housing, campus fees, and other outlandish fees is making it harder and harder for anyone to accomplish the goal of graduating. The old idea that college is only for the privileged is coming back to the forefront
Kristi, I agree with you that some protests are somewhat unorganized. Yet they express some valid points that a lot Americans cannot and will not express. They are taking a stance on issues that affect them and billions of others. Everyday choices that needs to be made by the not so elite.
As I was reading your post, I became “dizzy”, meaning at one point you are heading in on direction and as soon as that statement is finished, you move into the other direction contrary to your last statement. Example: “I do not want Medicare or Social Security, but then again, I do not want it taken away from my 65-year-old mother.” Either people in America want Medicare and Social Security for all or none, there is no two ways about it. I would like to include a couple of dialogues of a recent discussion on Social Security:
(My statement): “The second side to the sword is today’s younger generation mind-set is different. “Why should I pay for someone else to get benefits off my money when they can work themselves, I’m doing it” or “I can or I am putting away XXX amount of dollars to fund my own retirement so that I can live the way I want too, or have the amount of cash flow that I choose. Less government involvement…the more I can save and the earlier I can retire. All of the past quotes are statements I have heard from the younger generation and never saw the big picture of Social Security. I am seeing a “mine” attitude, not all of the younger generation feels that way just some.”
(Response): “I agree with what you are saying about the younger generation. A family member close to me is married to someone with Parkinson's disease. While she does not have Parkinson's, he does, and medication along with treatment and care, has sucked their retirement pockets dry. The man with Parkinson's also use to be an architect, and had built up quite a bit of savings, but sometimes life throws us curve balls, and even though my family members had not planned for this, the wife has gone from part time to working full time, at an age that is close to retirement, because she knows that she will need additional money to help her retire. While she will still receive benefits, she knows that this alone is not enough, so it is scary to think of the situation that she would be in if there was no Social Security at all. But our younger generation, and I am included in this generation, typically do not think about the long term or future, and how today's decisions can impact tomorrow, when we reach the age of retiring”
(My response): “I am glad that you were able to receive the message that I was trying to portray. Some Americans want to and do save for their future retirements so they do not have to rely on the limited Social Security, and then here come the ball. So, I just wanted people to know that it is not always social or a poverty issue for a large number of people on Social Security that cannot or have not contributed whole heartedly”
You have the right not to want to indulge in using government Social Services but understand that a curve ball has no “name, race, gender or social status” attached to it; it can hit anyone at any given time from NOW until the future’s end. I must say that I have lost my original train of thought in trying to respond to this original topic post. My comments here are not personal towards you it is just merely a “WOW’ response to a comment that was read.
Paying for a degree now so you can maybe make more money later on. Its the only route there is in possibly becoming wealthy and any other alternative is a sure fire way of making low wages. Institutions are exploiting students with outrageous tuition costs and that is leading to debt. A debt of which will take most people fifteen years to pay off. Most students are beginning their lives with debt and many students are being ruined by debt. Educational institutions are supposed to enhance our future on hinder it or even ruin it.
I was all for the Occupy Wall St. movement at first. It was an idea born in the interwebz and meant to have a great purpose. In most countries it did. The problem here in America was that it became something the last 20 something of my generation could use to blame their crappy lives on. Most of the people in the movement needed to be there the people that couldn’t feed or help their children with medical care. All of this was over shadowed but dickheads with Mac books and Iphones . It became a status symbol to the “trendy” and thought the Guy Fawkes masks were neat. To make them think their generation stood up for something. Most were upset about not getting their dream job. Well boo hoo kid occupy a low paying job still the dream one comes long. The world owes us nothing, but the government owes us justice for the crimes corporation committed. Iceland did it right. They bailed out the people and jailed the banksters.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely agree with what Kristi says, especially the last couple of sentences discussing what the government shouldn’t pay for. I agree that something needs to be done regarding the economic issues and the governmental issue in which they have their hands in everything we do. Yes these people are not organized, and possibly if they were more people would take notice and they might be able to get more done. However they do have valid points and are standing up for what they believe and what many Americans are feeling but are afraid to say. I don’t believe the government should bail out everyone or everything because people have lived beyond their means and now are so far in debt they probably will never pay it off. I do think the government should take notice of some of the complaints of the American people and look into these issue and work together with the American population to get these issues resolved.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kristi says as far as the U.S. Government. When the U.S. was formed was the government established to serve the people? Or did that change when I was not looking. When one looks at the debt that the ecomony has fallen into the only person to blame is oneself. If one does live beyond there means and they are well aware of it. They should suffer the consequences. Back on the government if the government wants the people on their side, hear them out. They may be unorganized, but will anyone be, if they are confused, lost, or seem backed into corner with no outlet. The government may appeal to the wealthy 1%, but what happen if the 99% rebelled or leave altogether? What will happen to U.S. then? Would it still prosper? Will it fall? Who knows. These protesters will play a large role in the upcoming elections. For, voting is another tool that could be used to voice their opinions.
ReplyDeleteThis article is a pure example of capitalism. The middle-class enforced a huge protest movement aiming towards Washington. They want to be noticed and taken care of just like the upper-class is being taken care of. All the placards being aimed up towards the air differ from one calling for a student loan reform to another calling for a tax reform. The protesters are hoping the government hears them and does something about all the issues overwhelming them. According to the article the middle-class is the 99% of the population leaving only 1% out of this category. So realistically they believe their protest needs to not only be heard by Washington but also believe that Washington should act upon it. It is very sad to read the troubles people face by losing their houses, having thousand dollars worth of loans and living an unhappy life. But this is reality, in my opinion protesting these obvious reasons will not end up doing anything for these individuals but cause fights. Protesting is uncalled for in my mind. Everyone faces these economic problems and these problems are a part of life. Just think 99% of us are going through these problems as well. In hopes I hope Washington does something about these devastations but only time can tell.
ReplyDeleteI am both ways on this one. I agree with Kristi and U_S blogger how you should only blame yourself with this economy. Some people should manage their money better that way if they do lose their job they will not be stuck without any money. On the other hand I can see they other side also, from the students point of view. When the economy is this bad and when you are 30,000 dollars in debt with student loans and grants, how are you suppose to pay all that back when you have a minimum wage job? You have this nice degree but you can not find a job because this economy and you will not be able to pay the loans back because the interest will just make it keep going up and up.
ReplyDeleteOk, Well I'm gonna have to say that it may not be on the same level's he predicted but here's another win for Mr. Marx... who is probably laughing in his grave. I feel that this movement is good for all angles of government no matter where you stand it is another prime example to measure in comparison to the civil rights movement. Just two day's ago in oakland the police department shot tear gas grenades into the OWS protestors wounding and harming certain bystanders. Another example of how the upper elite control their dogs to keep a watch from their ivory towers. I feel that the continuation of this protest is taking it's toll on the policy makers and political figures it is aimed towards it's sad that it takes the people to rise up for action to be taken and that greed gets the better of men who are suppose to be representing the people. In the end, one way or another those with the wrong intentions will have to HELL to pay in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteCan I get a hell yeah for “student loan forgiveness”? Obama scratched the idea. But, how great would it be if those of us that have racked up a considerable amount of student loans were forgiven and lifted that debt away? I will not complain about the degrees that go nowhere after graduation because one should research where they will be after they pursue the degree they desire. The government is not at fault because a bachelors of arts in underwater basket weaving will not take them far in life financially. The blame is high interest rates and tuitions. These immense numbers are dissolving our middle class. Unless a change is implemented, the deficit will continue growing and pull the spectrum farther between lower and the rich classes.
ReplyDeleteWe can blame the people or blame the government or blame whoever we want for what's going on but frankly I’m beginning to find the blame game down right exhausting. Like we discussed in the Katrina debate, people who have been raised on Gov assistance and know nothing else are going to have a hard time being self-sufficient when they are pushed out into the world. In addition to that, people who accumulate debts and are forced to sell their homes or file bankruptcy are, to a degree, victims. the ever-pursuant credit agencies that fluff up the perks of credit to lure people in, then suddenly hound and threaten once people they get in over their heads don’t help the situation. Ask the average American what APR stands for and see if they can explain it in detail. While many of these protestors are holding signs for anarchy and reform, there are many who simply want to be heard on a higher level. People do need to be accountable for getting themselves in to compromising positions but the people of wall Street and this capitalist economy encourage and enable increased spending and higher debts amongst the middle class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Elizabeth that this is a form of capitalism. Yes, it is understandable that the protesters were unorganized ranging from totally different topics each. They simply just want to be recognized and taken care of like the upper-class. Many say that the law and regulations are done to lean towards big corporations and the "rich". But you can make discussions to see that regulations and the laws aren't specified to allow corporations or wealthy people to benefit themselves at the expense of everyone else... Unless you know of one.?. But as far as the whole college loans go, yea students end up in such debt, but what can they do when even with a degree, it's very hard to find a job in such economic crisis, which hasn't gotten much better. So what now, is it best for us to just tax on the rich?????
ReplyDeletethis reminds me of a protest that happened when i was in high school. Mexicans were walking out of school yet not knowing why they were protesting only that they were mexican and had to support some mexican cause. It makes a protest weak if the protest has too many different causes. however, for "occupying wall street" the common goal is economy reform. People want jobs, money and homes things that are part of our " the right to pursue happiness." I understand the need to protest but does anyone have answers for their questions? for example, why is it that with some degrees you can graduate and there is no job market?
ReplyDeletei think that these protests are good because they push our government to look for solutions to our recession and answer questions these protesters are asking. i also think there needs to be a central cause in order to have a more powerful effect and have more moral from the public as well as more supporters.
This story is the one that probably touched me the most. There are millions of people around the world suffering from job loss, unemployment, foreclosures on their homes, college debt, and so on. What I like is that the so called movement doesn’t seek to blame anyone for what is happening to them, as we have seen with movements in the past, but instead it offers an insight at to what they are going through. I like that movement doesn’t seem to have a sort of direction or platform that they are arguing on. Instead the movement provides testimonies of different people and from different levels and although they are not all focusing on the same issue, they have come together to bring attention to something that has been plaguing America ever since the recession hit. I hope that at the least their protest get Washington to pay attention
ReplyDeleteI am TOTALLY supportive of this protest. Even if they don't make an impact on Washington D.C., they are still making a stand. After seeing a few protesters in downtown Fort Worth, the overall message caught my attention. These people that are protesting are representing the issues many (well in fact 99%) of us are facing. Quite frankly, I find the blog addicting. No one should EVER EVER EVER EVER go broke from getting sick, be turned away from insurance companies, be drowning in student loans forever, or go hungry. I mean I catch myself using the phrase "starving college kid" every once in a while but how far should we take that? The stories of individuals who barely make enough money to pay for rent and for gas to get to school let alone buy groceries is extremely disheartening. My sympathy goes out to the hard working college kids who hold 1-2 jobs and go to school who are barely getting by. Trust me, I know a few of these students....and they are NOT living outside of their means. I hope this protest gets Washington to pay attention. If it doesn't gain Washington's attention, it certainly gained all of ours.
ReplyDeletedam,..... this article just me think about my loans, and if i get my degree.... and i cant find a good job... but it is true who should pay for all that, i think that the is the crisis, and i don't think that is just happening in here, and basically this protest is pointless because, if they want to get more money for college and all that (FASFA) we would have to pay more taxes... maybe way higher than what are we paying right now in order to help all those students to pay for college... and of course this higher taxes will bring a lot more protest in this country and who knows maybe the crisis will increase and we let us in a worse situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of people here in saying that, yeah it is unorganized, but I think that’s the point. There are so many different topics to be discussed and the same thing affects not everybody. We just know that we are not being taken care of like the 1% is and that’s what is driving this protest and uniting all these people together. I know people say that life isn’t fair, but I sincerely believe that government and capitalism should be. Occupy Wall Street doesn’t care about passing blame, what it cares about is how can we fix it. If you watch the un-aired interview by Fox News, the man being interviewed is there looking for solutions just like everyone else there is. This article hits home to all of us writing on this blog because we to are probably in debt with student loans and wondering if we are going to be able to get a job after graduation and the way its looking, can you blame us for doubting it?
ReplyDeleteWow...good article. It is very thought provoking to say the least. I come from a middle class family and am trying to go through college without taking out a student loan. This is very difficult these days. Thankfully my parents started setting aside money for my college years while I was quite young, but we still managed to fly through that money with just two years in a community college. Texas Wesleyan has definitely done a lot to help me out with my financing, but according to FAFSA my dad makes too much money for me to be able to get any of the government assistance with my education. Something is wrong with a system that does not take into consideration what amounts and types of expenses a household incurs when it computes whether or not you make too much money to get assistance. And then on top of it the same system does not take into much consideration the fact that you may be paying for your own education even though you are under the age of 25 and possibly still being claimed as a dependent by your parents.
ReplyDeleteWhile being very thankful for my parents assistance and for the wonderful assistance of Texas Wesleyan, I still say that overall our education system here in the United States is screwed up and needs help. Too many of us are in that 99% that need help with something and can not get the help we need. I think, as other people have mentioned previously, that the real question here is what exactly do we need and want to see change in our society. 99% is a majority...if we will band together then we could get somewhere. But we must unite on some issues to be able to accomplish getting anywhere.
I completely understand why these people are upset. I'm the 99% also and it's unfair knowing that you are going to school and getting a degree to make more money but when you graduate that doesn’t always necessarily happen. Knowing that you are going to have thousands of dollars in loans makes me sick and depressed. I sometimes wonder if I can even pay it or if I’m going to get a good job where I am able to pay off my loans. It's good that people are coming together and taking a stand because something needs to be done. Will something be done? Most likely, No and if it does it won’t be until later on. It is sad to hear about the people who cant get health insurance and have gotten degrees but they are working at McDonalds or a minimum wage paying job. And they are most likely living check to check. I would love to not live that way. It's a terrible thing and we all pretty much make up the 99% :((
ReplyDeleteJust the idea of students loans and tuition costs are enough to protest and riot for me. the idea that the bench mark of a capable person in society is a piece of paper saying that you went to school is ridiculous to me. But, if this is going to continue to be this way, the constant raise of tuition, books, loan interests, housing, campus fees, and other outlandish fees is making it harder and harder for anyone to accomplish the goal of graduating. The old idea that college is only for the privileged is coming back to the forefront
ReplyDeleteKristi, I agree with you that some protests are somewhat unorganized. Yet they express some valid points that a lot Americans cannot and will not express. They are taking a stance on issues that affect them and billions of others. Everyday choices that needs to be made by the not so elite.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your post, I became “dizzy”, meaning at one point you are heading in on direction and as soon as that statement is finished, you move into the other direction contrary to your last statement. Example: “I do not want Medicare or Social Security, but then again, I do not want it taken away from my 65-year-old mother.” Either people in America want Medicare and Social Security for all or none, there is no two ways about it. I would like to include a couple of dialogues of a recent discussion on Social Security:
(My statement): “The second side to the sword is today’s younger generation mind-set is different. “Why should I pay for someone else to get benefits off my money when they can work themselves, I’m doing it” or “I can or I am putting away XXX amount of dollars to fund my own retirement so that I can live the way I want too, or have the amount of cash flow that I choose. Less government involvement…the more I can save and the earlier I can retire. All of the past quotes are statements I have heard from the younger generation and never saw the big picture of Social Security. I am seeing a “mine” attitude, not all of the younger generation feels that way just some.”
(Response): “I agree with what you are saying about the younger generation. A family member close to me is married to someone with Parkinson's disease. While she does not have Parkinson's, he does, and medication along with treatment and care, has sucked their retirement pockets dry. The man with Parkinson's also use to be an architect, and had built up quite a bit of savings, but sometimes life throws us curve balls, and even though my family members had not planned for this, the wife has gone from part time to working full time, at an age that is close to retirement, because she knows that she will need additional money to help her retire. While she will still receive benefits, she knows that this alone is not enough, so it is scary to think of the situation that she would be in if there was no Social Security at all. But our younger generation, and I am included in this generation, typically do not think about the long term or future, and how today's decisions can impact tomorrow, when we reach the age of retiring”
(My response): “I am glad that you were able to receive the message that I was trying to portray. Some Americans want to and do save for their future retirements so they do not have to rely on the limited Social Security, and then here come the ball. So, I just wanted people to know that it is not always social or a poverty issue for a large number of people on Social Security that cannot or have not contributed whole heartedly”
You have the right not to want to indulge in using government Social Services but understand that a curve ball has no “name, race, gender or social status” attached to it; it can hit anyone at any given time from NOW until the future’s end. I must say that I have lost my original train of thought in trying to respond to this original topic post. My comments here are not personal towards you it is just merely a “WOW’ response to a comment that was read.
Paying for a degree now so you can maybe make more money later on. Its the only route there is in possibly becoming wealthy and any other alternative is a sure fire way of making low wages. Institutions are exploiting students with outrageous tuition costs and that is leading to debt. A debt of which will take most people fifteen years to pay off. Most students are beginning their lives with debt and many students are being ruined by debt. Educational institutions are supposed to enhance our future on hinder it or even ruin it.
ReplyDeleteI was all for the Occupy Wall St. movement at first. It was an idea born in the interwebz and meant to have a great purpose. In most countries it did. The problem here in America was that it became something the last 20 something of my generation could use to blame their crappy lives on. Most of the people in the movement needed to be there the people that couldn’t feed or help their children with medical care. All of this was over shadowed but dickheads with Mac books and Iphones . It became a status symbol to the “trendy” and thought the Guy Fawkes masks were neat. To make them think their generation stood up for something. Most were upset about not getting their dream job. Well boo hoo kid occupy a low paying job still the dream one comes long. The world owes us nothing, but the government owes us justice for the crimes corporation committed. Iceland did it right. They bailed out the people and jailed the banksters.
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