My parents...unfortunately, a lot of their issue is rooted well before any of the administrations mentioned in this thread. They were in a great position, even though poor, until my father had his heart attack. And, that was AFTER the new drug plan for seniors was implemented. Now, you could say they should have planned better for such an emergency. But at 75, with no significant health issues until last year, and the expectation that insurance would cover at least a portion of a medicine the doctor presribed, I can't imagine many people in their situation who could have adequately prepared for that. But, to the issue and the basic answer....No, they're not better off. They live on Soc Sec and a small pension. Neither have increased, and obviously, basic living costs have risen dramatically.

 

I'm pretty sure there have been cost of living increases in Social Security the last 8 years. While they do not match the inflation rate, neither have most cost of living raises in the private sector.

 

I know older folks struggle. My wife and I are blessed to still have 3 grandmothers (all in their upper 80's) living, and we help all 3 out financially. They could all 3 could make it on their income, but it would be very difficult and they would have nothing extra.

 

My point was, to say Social Security has not increased is innaccurate.

Any benefit I may have recieved b/c of reduced federal taxes are gone b/c of the higher prices of necessities and increased local taxes to handle the cost of educating the local population.

 

I am also concerned about how much it is going to cost me to send my son and daughter off to college.

 

If you're that worried don't send them to college, the world need ditch diggers to.

 

College is not a right.

I'm pretty sure there have been cost of living increases in Social Security the last 8 years. While they do not match the inflation rate, neither have most cost of living raises in the private sector.

 

I know older folks struggle. My wife and I are blessed to still have 3 grandmothers (all in their upper 80's) living, and we help all 3 out financially. They could all 3 could make it on their income, but it would be very difficult and they would have nothing extra.

 

My point was, to say Social Security has not increased is innaccurate.

 

You're correct. I didn't type my post correctly.

 

In either case, seniors are having a rough time, even seniors that used to be lower-middle class. The decline of the economy is hitting them hard.

If you're that worried don't send them to college, the world need ditch diggers to.

 

College is not a right.

 

 

And then we'll read in a thread that if ditch diggers want to improve their lot, they should go to college. :creepy:

If you're that worried don't send them to college, the world need ditch diggers to.

 

College is not a right.

 

Absolutely!

And then we'll read in a thread that if ditch diggers want to improve their lot, they should go to college. :creepy:

 

Which is also correct. Depends on the hole they're digging.

Yes!!!

To say Bush gave us tax cuts only means that we are paying more in other areas.

 

 

 

Yeah, like the extra $30,000 in National Debt for every man, woman, and child in the U.S. tacked on during GWB's watch.

If you're that worried don't send them to college, the world need ditch diggers to.

 

College is not a right.

 

 

Judge Schmells, is that you ????? :lol:

 

"I"ve sent younger boys than you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it. Felt I owed it to them."

 

 

(You have to be a Caddy Shack fan to get the above.)

Yes!!!!

Trick question for me at least!

 

I am better off simply because I graduated college got my masters, and Rank I. All paid for by me, or student loans.

 

Did GWB do that for me?

 

Did Clinton?

 

Or did I do it myself (with 99.9999999999% of it coming from my Creator who gave me such gifts to do such things. The .000000001 comes from the free will decision)