Tuesday, February 21, 2012
SSI'll see you later!!!
Soon...very soon...there will be a huge, HUGE decision to make...many of us (like those of us who live in the Soviet Republic of California) won't have much say in the decision. The "monumental" election will have long been decided before reaching our "true blue" state. But, not to worry...as MediaCopp will be spending the next 7-9 months researching the best ways to "improvise, adapt, and overcome," despite the outcome.
"What the hell?" What are you talking about?" Well, Jack...if you must know...our country believe it or not, is going through a transformation of sorts, a metamorphosis if you will. We HAVE truly become an entitlement society...and no, I'm not spouting the same old tired GOP talking points that 47% pay no federal income tax...forgetting that those same 47% need to vote for someone...and alienating them doesn't help. But what can WE (middle income taxpayers) do to make this "new" system work for us?
It's like my oldest child was telling me the other day..."we aren't the same as your generation," and to paraphrase, he continued adding that "we" don't want to work at jobs we hate for 20 or 30 years just to discover we have no money and our house is worth less than we paid for it." Very astute (not one of his strong points, by the way). Yet, I remember saying much the same thing at his age...I called it, "The Regular Syndrome." Yes, six simple phases...born, get educated, work 20 or 30 years, retire, play golf, and die.
According to the New York Post in a story dated Feb 18, 2012, "Jobless disability claims soar to record $200B as of January." One theory, re: increase, is that "standing too many months in the unemployment line is driving Americans crazy - literally." It was reported, as "their" 99 weeks of unemployment payments run out, many folks are now filing claims for mental illness and other disabilities with Social Security. Nice...
Granted, the recent surge reflected on 5.3% of those ages 25-64...only up from 4.5% a year earlier, but if you look at the numbers (and dollar signs), THAT is quite a lot. Plus, it's never mentioned, when the "falling" unemployment numbers are released. They simply say people stopped looking for work, or people are underemployed, or not collecting for the first time, blah, blah, blah. Never, NEVER do they mention those going on to some other form of government assistance, be it SSI, or Social Security Disability (there IS a difference), or state/local "relief," or student loans/grants, or those working "under the table." When there is a pervasive shift, like to an entitlement society, well, those numbers are often discounted...until it's too late.
That's why I'm here...I'll guide you through this maze, this liberal labyrinth if you will...many of us saw this coming...and have taken steps to ease the blow...to our undervalued homes, and our dwindling paychecks, and our increasing debt. True, much of it is timing...and luck...I myself have been very fortunate...I had the opportunity to retire...and start collecting "free" money (well, that's what the taxpayers of California call it)...and work "under the table" at charity bingo and for my daughter's school(s) athletic programs...all legal under IRS code 501c3. No matter what, though, I will NOT increase my taxable income...I mean, why?
So, in the coming weeks and months, I will attempt to assist each and every concerned (and exasperated) taxpayer, to reduce their "contributions" to (what many are calling) a society gone wrong AND at the same time, increase the opportunities for "rides on the gravy train." OWS (Occupy Wall Street...in case you've forgotten), talks about the 99%. Hell, I just want to be part of the 5.3 percent...now if I can just get the mental health diagnosis for my "Regular Syndrome," well, that SSI check will be in the mail...
"What the hell?" What are you talking about?" Well, Jack...if you must know...our country believe it or not, is going through a transformation of sorts, a metamorphosis if you will. We HAVE truly become an entitlement society...and no, I'm not spouting the same old tired GOP talking points that 47% pay no federal income tax...forgetting that those same 47% need to vote for someone...and alienating them doesn't help. But what can WE (middle income taxpayers) do to make this "new" system work for us?
It's like my oldest child was telling me the other day..."we aren't the same as your generation," and to paraphrase, he continued adding that "we" don't want to work at jobs we hate for 20 or 30 years just to discover we have no money and our house is worth less than we paid for it." Very astute (not one of his strong points, by the way). Yet, I remember saying much the same thing at his age...I called it, "The Regular Syndrome." Yes, six simple phases...born, get educated, work 20 or 30 years, retire, play golf, and die.
According to the New York Post in a story dated Feb 18, 2012, "Jobless disability claims soar to record $200B as of January." One theory, re: increase, is that "standing too many months in the unemployment line is driving Americans crazy - literally." It was reported, as "their" 99 weeks of unemployment payments run out, many folks are now filing claims for mental illness and other disabilities with Social Security. Nice...
Granted, the recent surge reflected on 5.3% of those ages 25-64...only up from 4.5% a year earlier, but if you look at the numbers (and dollar signs), THAT is quite a lot. Plus, it's never mentioned, when the "falling" unemployment numbers are released. They simply say people stopped looking for work, or people are underemployed, or not collecting for the first time, blah, blah, blah. Never, NEVER do they mention those going on to some other form of government assistance, be it SSI, or Social Security Disability (there IS a difference), or state/local "relief," or student loans/grants, or those working "under the table." When there is a pervasive shift, like to an entitlement society, well, those numbers are often discounted...until it's too late.
That's why I'm here...I'll guide you through this maze, this liberal labyrinth if you will...many of us saw this coming...and have taken steps to ease the blow...to our undervalued homes, and our dwindling paychecks, and our increasing debt. True, much of it is timing...and luck...I myself have been very fortunate...I had the opportunity to retire...and start collecting "free" money (well, that's what the taxpayers of California call it)...and work "under the table" at charity bingo and for my daughter's school(s) athletic programs...all legal under IRS code 501c3. No matter what, though, I will NOT increase my taxable income...I mean, why?
So, in the coming weeks and months, I will attempt to assist each and every concerned (and exasperated) taxpayer, to reduce their "contributions" to (what many are calling) a society gone wrong AND at the same time, increase the opportunities for "rides on the gravy train." OWS (Occupy Wall Street...in case you've forgotten), talks about the 99%. Hell, I just want to be part of the 5.3 percent...now if I can just get the mental health diagnosis for my "Regular Syndrome," well, that SSI check will be in the mail...
Saturday, February 11, 2012
It's MediaCopp, new and improved!!!
Well, it's almost time!!! Yes, time for MediaCopp to expand...we not only offer contemporary critique of today's media elite, but NOW we believe it is time to widen our scope of services, so to speak. Why the sudden urge to jump back into the fray?
Yes, I admit it...around January 2009, it appeared time to retire...with the direction the country looked to be headed...well, let's just say, it did not seem like the term "hard work is its own reward," would ever again be part of the common vernacular...and I appear thus far to be right!
No, no gloating here...I had hoped I was wrong...and I still hope I am. But looks to me like the writing is on the wall...I mean, with more than two years of unemployment compensation staring us all in the face...the expanded food stamp roles...easy (well, easier) access to SSI disability, not to mention the non-stop bail outs...
"Hey man, that's just for Wall Street man...the banks and mortgage companies are getting rich...not the folks who really need help." WRONG, O'Reilly breath...sure, many are "profiting," and needlessly so...the one TRUE factor in ALL OF THIS...is that irresponsible folks can find help EVERYWHERE, but the truly (and I mean, truly) responsible continue to take it in the shorts, even more so...
For instance, just the other day...another Obama administration victory and now the 5 largest banks will have to "return" $25 billion to distressed homeowners and ex-homeowners who were needlessly (well, unrighteous-ly) foreclosed upon...that's right, $25 BILLION!!! All you need is to have "suffered" a short sale...or a foreclosure...or be behind (delinquent) in your mortgage payments...and BINGO! You get relief! Geez, I hope they take care of Ron Artest (a NBA basketball player who walked out on his Sacramento County home after being traded to Los Angeles). I know he's suffering...but if you've been paying every month, on time...well, NOTHING FOR YOU!!!
Speaking of bingo, THAT'S what I've been doing since January '09...that, and working for 501 c3 (non-profit) organizations...well, "volunteering," actually, not working...doing this, and being "paid" through the non-profit is what a number of people do...even AFTER they are through actually participating (or like me, have a child participating) in the non-profit's activity...for instance local sports, churches, colleges, etc. who attain this (nonprofit) status...
Unfortunately, the incentive to "work," has eluded my grasp...but I won't continue doing bingo, etc, unless it's totally legal (I'm stupid that way); however, I'm afraid a significant number of others, don't share this view. Yep, between the unemployment, enhanced welfare benefits, easy access to disability, bankruptcy, home bail outs, et al, well, the "underground" economy appears to be flourishing. Being paid in cash or gratuities is fast becoming more the norm than the exception.
"Man, what is your problem? Can't you see people are suffering?" Yes I can...and no, I'm not (suffering, that is). But my ability to help others is greatly diminished by an overreaching federal government, determined to become "Mary Poppins to us all." Oh, my expanded service? I'll get to that next time...
Yes, I admit it...around January 2009, it appeared time to retire...with the direction the country looked to be headed...well, let's just say, it did not seem like the term "hard work is its own reward," would ever again be part of the common vernacular...and I appear thus far to be right!
No, no gloating here...I had hoped I was wrong...and I still hope I am. But looks to me like the writing is on the wall...I mean, with more than two years of unemployment compensation staring us all in the face...the expanded food stamp roles...easy (well, easier) access to SSI disability, not to mention the non-stop bail outs...
"Hey man, that's just for Wall Street man...the banks and mortgage companies are getting rich...not the folks who really need help." WRONG, O'Reilly breath...sure, many are "profiting," and needlessly so...the one TRUE factor in ALL OF THIS...is that irresponsible folks can find help EVERYWHERE, but the truly (and I mean, truly) responsible continue to take it in the shorts, even more so...
For instance, just the other day...another Obama administration victory and now the 5 largest banks will have to "return" $25 billion to distressed homeowners and ex-homeowners who were needlessly (well, unrighteous-ly) foreclosed upon...that's right, $25 BILLION!!! All you need is to have "suffered" a short sale...or a foreclosure...or be behind (delinquent) in your mortgage payments...and BINGO! You get relief! Geez, I hope they take care of Ron Artest (a NBA basketball player who walked out on his Sacramento County home after being traded to Los Angeles). I know he's suffering...but if you've been paying every month, on time...well, NOTHING FOR YOU!!!
Speaking of bingo, THAT'S what I've been doing since January '09...that, and working for 501 c3 (non-profit) organizations...well, "volunteering," actually, not working...doing this, and being "paid" through the non-profit is what a number of people do...even AFTER they are through actually participating (or like me, have a child participating) in the non-profit's activity...for instance local sports, churches, colleges, etc. who attain this (nonprofit) status...
Unfortunately, the incentive to "work," has eluded my grasp...but I won't continue doing bingo, etc, unless it's totally legal (I'm stupid that way); however, I'm afraid a significant number of others, don't share this view. Yep, between the unemployment, enhanced welfare benefits, easy access to disability, bankruptcy, home bail outs, et al, well, the "underground" economy appears to be flourishing. Being paid in cash or gratuities is fast becoming more the norm than the exception.
"Man, what is your problem? Can't you see people are suffering?" Yes I can...and no, I'm not (suffering, that is). But my ability to help others is greatly diminished by an overreaching federal government, determined to become "Mary Poppins to us all." Oh, my expanded service? I'll get to that next time...
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Almost there...
They say this is the most crucial (presidential) election in our lifetime. Well, who are "they?" Why do we care what "they" think? Are "they" going to see to it, no matter the outcome of the election, that our country changes...fundamentally? The media...I don't know...and I don't care...
"What the hell are you talking about this time! Can't you write a post without bringing me into this?" Oh, hi Jack...once again, my alter-ego Jack Armstrong joins us for the festivities. Well, Jack, don't you think this is a pivotal election? Oh, so now you're going silent on me? All right, let me continue...
Case in point...this morning in a teeny-tiny blurb under "Our Region" in the local daily here, the Sacramento Bee..."Sierra Snowpack's Water Level Low, But Not Dire." Well, that's nice to know. I mean, since water content is at 37% of normal...and it's rained, like, two days in the last two months...sure, no problem...
Seriously, I just HAVE to wonder what the same "headlines" would be if our state (California) and our country had predominantly "anti-media" people in control (i.e. Republicans). Heck, in California, we are controlled, I mean CONTROLLED by the Democrats, both in the legislative branch, as well as the executive branch, AND even judicially (although our State Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye is definitely NOT a liberal...thank God)...
I can see it now, especially nationally, if the tables were turned, so to speak. The headlines which in my opinion have been "desperately" attempting to highlight the positives, so to speak...what would they look like should a Romney/Gingrich/Santorum/enter your choice of right wing wacko here, be in the oval office? Do you think there would be, like today for instance, a picture of Ben Bernanke (the Chairman of the Federal Reserve) with a caption touting the need "to avoid cutting too much spending so as not to hinder (our) recovery?"
What? Can you imagine if a Republican was in charge? The media would be "hammering" Mr. Bernanke (as our President would also be...had he not RE-APPOINTED him) that he, along with Bush, Greenspan, etc. were the ones who "got us into this mess." Similarly, can you imagine what the headlines would be if there wasn't an outlet (the Republican controlled House of Representatives) on which to blame our country's woes? I shutter to think...
"What the hell are you talking about this time! Can't you write a post without bringing me into this?" Oh, hi Jack...once again, my alter-ego Jack Armstrong joins us for the festivities. Well, Jack, don't you think this is a pivotal election? Oh, so now you're going silent on me? All right, let me continue...
Case in point...this morning in a teeny-tiny blurb under "Our Region" in the local daily here, the Sacramento Bee..."Sierra Snowpack's Water Level Low, But Not Dire." Well, that's nice to know. I mean, since water content is at 37% of normal...and it's rained, like, two days in the last two months...sure, no problem...
Seriously, I just HAVE to wonder what the same "headlines" would be if our state (California) and our country had predominantly "anti-media" people in control (i.e. Republicans). Heck, in California, we are controlled, I mean CONTROLLED by the Democrats, both in the legislative branch, as well as the executive branch, AND even judicially (although our State Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye is definitely NOT a liberal...thank God)...
I can see it now, especially nationally, if the tables were turned, so to speak. The headlines which in my opinion have been "desperately" attempting to highlight the positives, so to speak...what would they look like should a Romney/Gingrich/Santorum/enter your choice of right wing wacko here, be in the oval office? Do you think there would be, like today for instance, a picture of Ben Bernanke (the Chairman of the Federal Reserve) with a caption touting the need "to avoid cutting too much spending so as not to hinder (our) recovery?"
What? Can you imagine if a Republican was in charge? The media would be "hammering" Mr. Bernanke (as our President would also be...had he not RE-APPOINTED him) that he, along with Bush, Greenspan, etc. were the ones who "got us into this mess." Similarly, can you imagine what the headlines would be if there wasn't an outlet (the Republican controlled House of Representatives) on which to blame our country's woes? I shutter to think...
"What the hell are you talking about now? You're not making any sense whatsoever!" Oh, Jack...you mean like every other media and political pundit in the country. Geez, you remind me of a college professor I had once...he gave me a "D" on a paper because my opinion was wrong. MY OPINION...which was, by the way, contrary to his opinion...however, my opinion was based on fact!!!
However, I DO know one thing for sure...this IS a critical election, November 2012...it WILL fundamentally change the entire direction the country is headed. The choices will be stark and abundantly clear...it's NOT a simple choice...but don't worry, we're almost there...
However, I DO know one thing for sure...this IS a critical election, November 2012...it WILL fundamentally change the entire direction the country is headed. The choices will be stark and abundantly clear...it's NOT a simple choice...but don't worry, we're almost there...
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