Our nation's priorities are questionable

Last week, social security recipients were told that they would have to make do with their current meager support. For the first time since 1974, retired, elderly, and disabled individuals dependent upon a fixed income will not receive a yearly cost of living adjustment.

Meanwhile, the government announced a 3.5% raise for members of the military.

Now, before you call me un-American, I'm not saying our soldiers don't deserve more for what they do. However, no one is forced into the armed forces these days. You know what the circumstances and pay are when you sign up. Voluntarily.

Those drawing on Social Security benefits do not have such a choice. I'm sure anyone, given the option, would much prefer to continue working, or be allowed to earn more money in addition to their monthly amount. Unfortunately, the eligibility rules for Social Security do not encourage recipients to work.To put it simply, if you make "too much," your benefit is reduced or eliminated.

The military is already burning too much of our tax dollars on pointless and unpopular warfare. In spite of campaign promises, it seems President Obama plans to extend these efforts into the unforeseeable future. All this in a time when financial woes in the US are second only to those suffered in The Great Depression.

There is enough of everything in this country, in this world, for everyone. If we'd only stop wasting it hastening to our deaths.

The priority of our government, as spelled out in the preamble to our constitution, is to "...provide for the common defense," and "promote the general welfare...." We could do both if we recalled all our military forces overseas and made it their mission to protect our borders. Offensive, imperialistic tactics lead to lose-lose situations for all entities affected.  Also, foreign aid should be a concern only after we make sure that every man, woman and child in our country has housing, sustenance, work, and health care.

Unfortunately, our government's motivations are political, and many of our politicians driven by greed. Corporations and individuals are getting rich off war.

Meanwhile, people who worked hard their whole lives are getting the shaft.

Here's your links!

Utah

Help lawyers help the homeless and the hungry by Peg McEntee Tribune columnist.[photo: Salt Lake Tribune]

St. George free medical clinic sees steep jump  Laid off workers flock to the facility for free medical care. by Mark Havnes Salt Lake Tribune

Chit for charity Public Forum Letter 

National  

'Running in the Shadows' Recession Drives Surge in Youth Runaways New York Times. (Clinton Anchors, 18, in Medford, Ore., has been on his own, living in the streets and camping in the woods since he was 12). [photo: Monica Almeida New York Times

 

Mich. Teen Guilty in Beating Death of Homeless Man

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Compassion Deficit

Editorial New York Times

World

Homeless man's room 'is castle'

BBC News "Omar Prince Thomas objected after his private bedroom in a south London hostel was entered and searched by police without his permission in 2007. "

Help for local [Essex] homeless teenagers  BBC News

 Personal Story of the Week

'Big City'

From No Home to Back Home on Broadway by Susan Dominus New York Times [photo: Piotr Redinski for New York Times]

"The stage veteran Terri White, who is back on Broadway a year after being homeless, sings a show-stopping number in 'Finian's Rainbow.'  
Watch the video

Until next week...

Stay strong, stay safe...

your Editor