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Got my yearly reminder from the VA today.
I know that when I talk about this, it kind of rubs some the wrong way; however, it's important to share. Relatively short
I know that when I talk about this, it kind of rubs some the wrong way; however, it's important to share. Relatively short
I got paid rather handsomely to do a job for 20 years that I mostly enjoyed. There was a lot that I didn't; but, comme ci comme ça. At the end of those 20 years, I qualified for a pension that pays 1/2 of my base pay (1/3 of my total pay) every month until I die. 1/
I also qualified for health insurance for my family that has a yearly catastrophic-cap of $1000, and very minor co-pays. All for $606 a YEAR. In addition, I have a modest life-insurance policy that can never be revoked and I qualified for despite pre-existing conditions. 2/
In addition to my pension, I receive monthly monetary compensation for injuries I suffered while I was working. The amount I get in compensation (and it is compensation) is proportional to the chronic injuries that I suffered. I get this for life. 3/
College? Free*. Retraining because I can't work in my trade anymore? Free. Job-placement? Free. Professional Certifications? Mostly Free.
(*I paid $1800, 22 years ago for $60K in benefits; but, a more-generous program came along. I now get extra money for housing, too.) 4/
(*I paid $1800, 22 years ago for $60K in benefits; but, a more-generous program came along. I now get extra money for housing, too.) 4/
There's a whole host of other stuff; but, this sounds like a really progressive, almost Socialist-agenda, right? I should also note that if (many of) you and I apply for a Federal or State job, guess who cuts in line, even if they're less-qualified? That's right, me. 5/
All of this because I have "retired" in front of veteran. The vast majority of veterans don't get all of this (and more!). Civilians certainly get very little, if any, of this... and, the ones that do get some are called "welfare queens." 6/
This isn't the cause of, but a "load-bearing wall" in, the caste system we have in America. Robert Heinlein is popping a Freedom Boner is his grave.
(For some reason both of these statements are usually the controversial ones... take it to DMs if you want a slapdown) 7/
(For some reason both of these statements are usually the controversial ones... take it to DMs if you want a slapdown) 7/
One of the reasons that the Republicans wave the "socialism" flag at anyone who dares suggest that civilians should get this treatment, is that they know that they're already providing it to the military-veterans. 8/
If "you" get what they have for years provided to "me;" then, I'm not the special-snowflake that exists in an elevated-caste. And, that is a concept that recruiters spoon-free kids regardless of branch; and, many without even knowing that they're doing it. 9/
It is disgusting to me, revolting, that Americans are turning to online-panhandling to pay their bills, to eat, to pay their rent. That's what it is and we should call it that. The sign has been replaced with a "Tweet" and the cup with a GoFundMe account. 10/
And, if that last Tweet makes you angry at me; take a hot second and think about why you're angry. Someone asking their neighbors online for money so that they can survive is no different than standing on a street corner. Panhandlers on the streets have CashApp now. 11/
You might think, "well these are 'good' people who just fell on hard times." I agree. The guy or woman on the corner probably was, too. If you don't see the parallels, then you're probably thinking in terms of the caste-system we live under. 12/
There is one reason it has to be this way; and, only one reason: to benefit the obscenely-rich caste. How many GoFundMe's do you think they donate to? How many dollars do you think they give the downtrodden living on the streets? They don't. 13/
No, they leave that to us who might be a little better off to take care of each other. It shouldn't be this way; and, it doesn't have to be.
I've got no bones to pick with the people asking for money. I totally get it. That's how I grew up before my mom married "up." 14/
I've got no bones to pick with the people asking for money. I totally get it. That's how I grew up before my mom married "up." 14/
If you need help and think I can, reach out. Do it privately if you prefer (I prefer that).
Put the blame on this situation where it belongs, though: The people who have reduced the wealthiest nation on the planet to panhandling. 15/15
Put the blame on this situation where it belongs, though: The people who have reduced the wealthiest nation on the planet to panhandling. 15/15
I had this pinned; should have kept it pinned. I've been ruminating on this for awhile.
A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog. -Jack London
A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog. -Jack London
