Social Security is an unconstitutional Ponzi Scheme. The government has never had the right to implement it. Provide for the common defense, and promote the common welfare. That is the only two mandates government has. Their is a huge difference between provide and promote. One involves funding and the other involves encouraging.

A true hero. The embodiment of everything good in America. God bless Corporal Meyer.

Charles is right - SS is unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court ruled just that when the case was first brought before them in the 30's. They later reversed themselves when Rooselvelt (socialist thug that he was) was trying to circumevent them and the law by trying to stack SCOTUS with liberal judges by increasing the number of justices from 9 to 16. SCOTUS caved and allowed an unconstituional law to stand in order to save themselves.

Of course it's a ponzi scheme, anyone who thinks not is either uninformed, lame and on the take or just plain stupid. Unfortunately, we have far too many uninformed people in this country today who are totally turned off by politics because of the rhetoric and that is why we get these lame people in office and because there usually isn't anyone to vote for just against, but now that the Teaparty ha been born there are some choices, this is our chance to change things.

didn't comgressman ryan alrady offer a plan that would overhaul ss? no changes for people already receiving benefits... a window for those approaching eligibility and a new way to fund retirement.

Good show..............

Best for the future................

There are bigger fish to fry than social security right now. Like getting the federal government's boot OFF OF the neck of business by getting RID OF excessive regulations, lowing taxes and MOST IMPORTANTLY lifting the drilling moratorium so gas prices (which affect the price of everything else) can drop below $2 a gallon - where they were before the current regime took control.....

It absolutely is a Ponzi scheme. I'm 68 years old and fortunately, or unfortunately, still working...mostly out of necessity or at least for fear of outliving whatever savings I have accumulated. No plans to retire. Not what I had envisioned. The system IS broke and broken. The general populace is suffering from accute familiarity bias and refuses to admit that S.S. is in deep trouble. Politicians don't know how, or are in abject fear of instructing their constituents on the gravity of the situation and the absolute need to rebuild this sinking ship. Where's Ross Perot when you need him...dust off his charts. If nothing else it would be more entertaining than the current clap trap Obama / Boehner pablum.

Social Security was a viable program until LBJ rqaided ie to fund his Great Society. Look around us at what it has bought.

You stated:

Strictly speaking, Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme, in part because it's not against the law. Indeed, it is the law. (Try not paying payroll taxes -- i.e., "investing" in the system.) But it is structured exactly like a Ponzi scheme, and it will eventually fail for the same reasons.

So it IS a ponzi scheme..albeit a "legal" one.

It dows not matter what it is called. These are the facts.

1. Employees paid in to a fund called Social Security with the belief it would be there for them when they retired. It turns out the government robbed the so called trust fund and spent the money.

2. The money is gone and the promise has eroded and if not fixed the next generation will have none at all.

3. The system needs to be fixed and should not be a system for your total retirement.

4. Lessons learned: The government will lie to you.

The government will steal from trust funds and then lie.

5. The progressives lie and steal from the citizens.

6. Te conservatives will lie and steal also .

Answer: New congress and voted the SOCIALIST OBAMA OUT OF OFFICE. HAVE TERM LIMITS FOR ALL.

The ENTIRE problem rests with those individuals who are elected to government office, appointed to government office and hired by the government as employees. What is the problem, you ask. NONE OF THEM HAVE ANY FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, and they figure that your money is their money (as is evident of late)and they spend it. THEY DON'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT YOU THE INDIVIDUAL.

Of course it is a Ponzi scheme. Almost every large federal program, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid (the list goes on) makes promises to current recipients based on revenues expected in the future. Social Security promises a steady paycheck in retirement, not based on what was paid in and earnings invested by the individual, but an amount unrelated to investments and earnings. Health care programs promise medical care regardless of what the premiums are and regardless of the true costs. Of course the are Ponzi schemes.

Social Security is not an entitlement program and

regardless of what form it has taken millions of Americans have paid into this for sometimes 40+ years. There should be plenty of money except sometime in 60's or 70's the government decided there was TOO MUCH money in the Social Security account..and stole it to spend as they pleased. They also added benefits that covered people who

never paid into it..or whose spouses never paid into it. The government stole it...and now they are

trying to blame receipients because they expect to receive what they have paid for.

Social Security

Like Herman Cain, forget semantics, SS is broken (mainly because Congress has been robbing from it) and it needs to be fixed.

2nd Amendment

Judge Seibel is only repeating the false logic of Sarah Brady. Rather than causing blood to run in the streets, Concealed Carry has REDUCED violent crime. As with the whole of the Constitution, the Second Amendment must be taken literally - "... the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed."

The Social Security plan as envisioned by FDR is not what we have today. What we have was not the idea in the beginning. The little old ladies who paid in all their adult, working lives and now expect that money plus interest to come back to them are living in cloud cuckoo land. There is no fund set aside as such and never has been. The Fed spends the money as fast as it can get its greedy hands on it. People were told what it was in the beginning, but all of that explanation was dropped later, and now the misconceptions abound. The Govt. needs to explain what SSI was and now is. If they did that, there would likely be a revolt, so they won't. BUT SOCIAL SECURITY, LIKE THE OLD GREY MARE, AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE AND...NEVER WAS.

The most cogent answer to the question of whether social secutity is a ponzi scheme is found in today's syndicated column by Charles Krauthhammer. Technically, it might not be a ponzi scheme, but as the saying goes, "if it quacks like a duck . . . "

Like many seniors, I rely a great deal on my social security check, but that doesn't mean I do not think the program must be reformed for the goos of future seniors.

That I could be so brave as he...the word thanks is

so inadequate.

Social Security and the Ponzi Scheme

http://www.thecloakroomblog.com/2011/09/social-security-and-the-ponzi-scheme/

16 September, 2011 (08:24) | Government | By: Robert Schwarzwalder | ShareThis

Social Security is in the news again, largely because of a phrase used by Texas Gov. Rick Perry to describe it: a “Ponzi scheme.”

Is the Governor right? Named after 1920s flim-flam man Charles Ponzi, the Securities and Exchange Commission defines a “Ponzi scheme” as “an investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns … With little or no legitimate earnings, the schemes require a consistent flow of money from new investors to continue. Ponzi schemes tend to collapse when it becomes difficult to recruit new investors or when a large number of investors ask to cash out.”

Social Security operates much this way: Money flows into it from employee paychecks, but immediately is withdrawn by the U.S. Treasury. In its place, Treasury issues intragovernmental bonds to the Social Security system (which cannot be purchased by any person or company), essentially promissory notes that assure Social Security that Uncle Sam will repay, with interest, the money it has taken out.

That money syphoned-out of Social Security is used to pay for the entire federal budget, which exists in a common account. From that account the monies owed to Social Security beneficiaries are paid and, currently, more money is coming in than is needed. So, no one is really the wiser.

In addition to being inflationary – just where does the federal government get all that money? – this is a sham: Within about 35 years, the number of American workers and their productivity will be insufficient to pay full benefits to their intended recipients. In sum, the Social Security “trust fund” is merely an accounting gimmick, not an interest-bearing account invested in profit-making enterprises. I’ve explained the way the system operates here.

Like the system developed by Charles Ponzi, Social Security earns no interest. It’s a money transfer contingent on the notion that more and more money will come in, masking the fact that the money paid-out never earns a cent.

Charles Ponzi would be proud. And Rick Perry is right.

You are correct. It is nothing more than a legal ponzi scheme that both sides of the isle have taken advantage of. By adding disability and suvivor benefits to Social Security, the politicans have all but guarenteed the failure of Social Security. The only way to save it (which nobody is talking about)is that all money collected for social security stays in social security and not general treasury.

GOD BLESS. I'VE NEVER MET YOU BUT YOU ARE MY BROTHER. ARMY, 296TH M.P.CO. 1966-1968

At the risk of over-using the word "Ponzi", I am old enough to remember FDR's great plan and implementation. We were lied to, always and until now. But what recourse did we have? I married, raised two sons [practically] alone with enough monetary support from their father to buy their cereal. I worked hard but it took all I had for 45 years to keep the wolf from the door. I had no savings or investments (other than SS and Medicare) so I could only hope that SS would carry me through. I worked two jobs most of that time and don't regret it but none of us had the foresight to know we were badly informed and tossing contributions to the winds. I am just plain lucky that at this point in life I can manage with SS but only along with contributions from my sons to add some gravy once in a while. We can't go back. We must salvage what we can but with stricter guidelines or the breadlines and soup kitchens will be overrun. I pray to God that we get through the next 14 months so we can make the needed changes.

First let's get Perry's quote right. I heard him say, 'Social Security is APPROACHING a Ponzi scheme'. That's different than "IS".

Regardless he is correct! Only the fact that is is legal keeps it from being one. The original Bill clearly states that Congress can do what they want with the money and they are not obligated to use for pension type benefits. It also clearly states that it is not a trust fund but rather money for the general budget. Go read the Bill!

Yes as I understand what "The Ponsi Scheme" is and how it works...

I think FDR and his advisiors put this together and then "sold" it to the poor working public...

AS I started to work I was told I had NO choice about Soc. Sec. I had to pay and those before were recieving This money and those coming after me would do the same for me, all well and good even if it was tecnatly illegal...

What happened we all know, LBJ took the money out of the Social Secerity Fund/Box and used it to pay for the war and Lady Birds beautify America programs, so now there is only IOU's and someting will have to change, I favore the investment in "safe" stocks, etc., or a tag along with what the Senators & Congressmen have for themselves...

Profiles of Valor: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Meyer

I pray the Lord will give me wisdom to raise my sons to be as selfless as this man!

Social Security is WORSE than a Ponzi scheme, so Gov. Perry has already "toned it down". It is a "Montrous Lie" and it is about time we stop fearing that the truth will hurt Conservative candidates (See Turner, NY9). Conservative candidates seem to always trounce "moderate" candidates if they say what they mean, mean what they say, and GO RIGHT AFTER liberals, head on. How will the "fearful" ever be educated about the true harm of these entitlements unless those in the spotlight provoke an exchange. Well done, Governor Perry!

God bless you and thank you from a fellow Kentuckian, US Army ret.

Bravery Loyalty and Intrepidity

We should all be very proud.

As the father of a Marine, I salute Cpl. Meyer for his selfless devotion to his fellow Marines and to his duty as a warrior. I mourn with him for the loss of his brothers in arms. May he find peace, secure in the knowledge that he did his very best.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Semper Fidelis.

Are guns themselves an endangerment to public safety?

No! U. S. District Court Judges are!

Re: the question,'Are guns inherently dangerous?' NO, they are, in fact less dangerous than automobiles and bathtubs, which are also inanimate object that are only dangerous with human interaction.

I responded to Attack Watch that I heard a rumor (one of the categories) that the president was being treated for narcissism.

Am I in trouble? :)

A fine American Marine earned that medal, presented by an illegal alien imposter criminal thug.

The honor is intact... the ceremony was dirtied.

SS was not 'raided from the start' as it did not generate much in the way of surpluses until the mid 80's. Before that it was mostly breakeven, the payroll tax was not that high. In 81 or 82 it even went into the red, paying out more than it took in. Masive tax increases fixed that and generated the so-called surplus, which Congress promptly spent. Last year and this year, SS is back into negative territory, paying out more than what comes in. With the partial cut in the worker portion of "FICA" (remember that?) the shortfall will only get worse. Meaning we will borrow or print more money than ever before. Chile fixed their retirement program many years ago, and now has about the best economy in South America. We should have done the same. Alas, I fear we are past the point of no return. The unfunded liability is staggering, perhaps 100 trillion $ for both medicare and SS. Sooner or later, the train comes off the track.

Cpl.Meyer`s story is exactly why I have a higher regard for the young people of the US military than I do for any other organization in the United States.All you have to do is go to the Fort Leonard Wood base near Waynesville,Missouri and watch the young men and women in the US uniform to have a feeling of security and pride.

Richard Ryan

Lamar,Missouri - Birthplace of Harry S Truman

Social Security cannot be fixed. Any program ran by government bureaucrats can never work the way it should work. There are many who still believe that the money they place into Social Security goes into a trust fund where it grows and will eventually allow them to collect in on retirement. Of course it is not as the payroll taxes they pay today are already spent to pay for those who retired years ago. Otherwise the government would not be $14 Trillion in debt. We talk about insolvency as if it were somewhere in the future. Insolvency occurred years ago and we keep borrowing the money to pay people back significantly more than they ever paid in. Should we actually attempt to fix the system by "investing" it in private enterprise we would end up "investing" it in companies based on political ideology rather than based on true economic opportunity. Can anyone say Solyndra?

no people are! a gun is useless until a person picks it up and uses it!

I can't summon the proper words to express my admiration for CPL Meyer and his fellows who go in harm's way. Wish he had stayed in the Corps as need people like him in our ARMED (not 'uniformed') services

SS problems:1. Originally 16:1, shortly 2:1 payer to recipient. Cannot be maintained, needs more payers, ie this is a ponzi scheme. 2. Funds removed from trust. This is illegal. I cannot remove my employees contributions from their pension fund, and replace it with an IOU.

3. Contributions are not voluntary, but mandated by government. This my have been declared to be constitutional in 1936. But it is currently wrong.

SS a ponzi scheme?

Dear Mark,

If the only reason for why you said social security is not a ponzi scheme, is that it is not illegal, then I think that's an insufficient reason. "The law is an ass", as the saying goes, but regardless of that reference, the law is simply a prescription, written by men, to determine allowable or not allowable actions. This can be based on morality, or based on whim, or based on complete subjectivity. You inferred that there might be other reasons. What are they?

Nevertheless, I would say that if S.S. functions as a ponzi scheme, legal or not, we can and should consider it so; and Perry has a point.

Thanks you, Sir for your selfless act. And I mourn with you for the loss of your friends.

In spirit, if not in the letter of the law. It may be legal but that does not mean the way it is being done is right.

Social Security is definitely a scheme, call it after Ponzi or FDR, it is the same. It is relied upon by too many (USA citizens and foreignors) people and it has gained too many add-on programs.

The Disability Trust Fund will be empty in 2018.

The Old Age Trust Fund may last longer under another scheme - the money paid in no longer exists, only IOUs that cannot be paid back. So it is anybody's guess how the Federal Government can pay monthly payments without borrowing more money.

Any scheme backed by another scheme like these two programs is not exactly an honest proposition and it should not be depended upon as a retirement plan.

The Solyndra affair is only the tip of the Obama iceberg.The Kenyan-born,communist thug should have impeachment proceedings launched against him immediately!

Richard Ryan

Lamar,Missouri - Birthplace of Harry S Truman

My brother- it's an honor to support you and your fellow Marines, and to recognize your heroism. I appreciate your modesty, but you, sir, are truly a hero and great American. We are the greatest nation on earth with the greatest military ever assembled precisely because America's sons and daughters consent, like you did, to wear the uniform and defend all that we hold dear. God bless you and thank you for your service!

If the 2 trillion dollars were to be put back into the fund and that in itself invested in good dividend stocks it would do all that is necessary. Medicare also would not suffer as there would be enough funds for it too. Medicaid is a different animal and is a state wide function not Federal. You can't tie them together at all. So put the money back in the box so can be invested in trusts paying dividends.

Am so tired of hearing how the reforming of social security will make the problems go away. Only way is to get it solvent by getting the funds that belong there in the first place.

There also was an article on the united states budget and 170 to 200 million dollars come into the treasury including the social taxes. After all bills are paid which also includes social security and medicare also the troops too, a balance of 40 million is left over. But that doesn't get used for repayment of our bills but ends up in the pockets of lobbyists.

Do what is actually morally right for the country and everybody will have a happy ending.

yes! and is it not the same unconstitutional argument as the individual mandate and forced union dues being that they are all the government forcing we the people to pay for a service? none of which most of us don't want!

Let's get a forensic accountant to take a look at the executives bank accounts.

impeach the white house

Guns of themselves are not the problem; it's unstable people with guns or those with nefarious intentions who have guns who are the problem. Guns, don't, of themselves, kill people; it's the afore mentioned people with guns who kill other people. I bet that if the lady judge who castigated the Second Amendment were in a tight and facing some clown with a gun under duress, would feel differently.

Of course SS is a "Ponzi Scheme". As pointed out, it is a legal one at that! However, as a court decision in 1960 put it, the government considers our SS contributions as a "tax" and the court agreed. Politicians don't have to pay us anything. They can just continue to spend the money to buy votes as the "payers" dwindle from 45-1, to 3-1, and eventually, 1-1. Many people consider Chile to be a third world country. However, 30 years ago they privatized their SS program and today, they are in a much better financial situation than the U.S. Now who's a third world country?

God Bless You Cpl. Meyer and the comrades you lost that fatefull day. It was the worst day of your life but you found the strength to overcome and prevail; no man or woman can do more. My family and I thank you for your service and wish you a long life filled with peace and happiness.

My 40-year-old son has no health insurance because he can't afford it. He's a hotel desk clerk. When he had an attack of kidney stones which cost him over $5,000, he appealed to the hospital for clemency, a reduced fee or a payment schedule he could handle. The hospital wrote off his entire bill. Other patient's bills were inflated to cover his. I had knee replacement surgery this year. Medicare and my private health insurance covered all my expenses. I can afford health insurance.

It's worse than a Ponzi scheme. In a Ponzi scheme you can take your losses, lick your wounds and move on to smarter investments.

I have NO CHOICE with SSN! I HAVE to pay into this scheme regardless of the investment return or model and there's NO WAY OUT!!!

I'm in my early forties. I want OUT! Keep everything i've put in ... but LET ME OUT! It's a BAD investment!

Way to go young man, I am proud of you and what you have done. Be blest and know that God loves you and he loves those men who gave their upmost to protect a people who don't know freedom as we do.

JohnC

U.S.N.

Viet Nam VET.

Hell yes it is! It wouldn't have become that if the government had done as they advertised and kept the funds separate and sacrosanct. Making benefits available to those who never contributed was clearly a mistake that one would have thought those elected to public office could have figured out for themselves.

Guns are just as dangerous by themselves as dinner knives on the table and the car in my garage. It's the people who handle the objects inappropriately who cause the trouble.

No, but Congress is operating it like it is because they steel our tax money to pay for their pet projects and special interests. If they would

have left it alone and kept their fingers out of it we would be getting more than double the amount each month. Just maybe the people need to not keep electing these career politicians and eliminate their lifetime retirement and health care. I'm fed up with these thieves and they should be held accountable for their criminal actions.Just maybe what Thomas Jefferson said should happen: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." (Thomas Jefferson) " Guess which one they are.

May the Living Merciful God grant this young man grace to deal with the loss of his friends and heal the wounds of body, mind, and spirit that come from such losses. My this young man know peace having now known battle for me.

All Americans should take heart in his actions. That we have living among us heros of such caliber make me want to fight even harder to preserve and defend the Nation this young Marine serves.

Finally....Semper Fi, in the finest tradition and honor of the Corps.

Way to go, jarhead

My father was a young man in his 20's when social security was sold to the American people. He relayed to me that it was to have but one purpose and that purpose was to insure that everyone had a supplemental income upon the age of retirement. A small amount of 3 1/2% for 30 years would create a trust that would perpetuate itself and future generations would draw upon the interest without having to contribute.

The American people hadn't a clue as to Congresses capibilities and today over 23 programs are funded by SS. Congress is responsible for the mess we are in today. Take the career out of politics and we are on our way to solving the vast majority of the problems facing this country.

Congratulations, Devil Dog! Your actions exemplify the valor and selfless dedication that makes the Corps great. You've done your nation proud.

Rob S.

Desert Storm Vet

Social Security is indeed a Ponzi scheme, but none dare call it so.

My opinion is, in order to be constitutionally legal, Social Security would have to be 1) volunary and 2) contain private accounts for each individual in which they can manage their own investment options, with the money untouchable by the government. I'm a current recipient and understand that it would take years, maybe decades to transition it but my opinion is that's how it should be changed.

If it isn't a ponzi scheme, it is so close a person can't tell the difference. If Washington had had the integrity to invest the money wisely for future recipients, it might have worked, as socialistic as it is. But the Greed Merchants put it to use as general fund money and from that point on it was doomed.

I think Perry is right on S.S.

There is no money in the pot.

Words fail to express my admiration for a humble man ... I pray the horrors of that day will not dominate your young life.

I don’t know if there is actual research to verify this but I believe liberal, activist judges have killed far more people than firearms have. Perhaps we need to ban them?

What else can you call it? Those who came in early will get their money back and with our longer lifespans in many cases more than they paid in. But with the government diverting Social Security funds to the General Fund, and people living longer, there won't be much left for my children and grandchildren.That fits the definition of a Ponzi Scheme- give money to the first people and then have little or nothing left for those who came later.

Yes SS is a "Ponzi" scheme, and even more dirty because you are required by law to pay the SS taxes. If a private company used the same approach to fund pensions, owners would be sentenced to jail.

It is a typical socialist travesty using their obscene redistribution approach to force current workers to pay for someone else's retirement. It should have been set up with individual accounts like an annuity and fully funded for soon-to-be-retired people when it was created.

Semper Fi - from an Army vet.

I also hope I get reported to Obama for speaking my mind.I never miss a chance to refer to him as a Kenyan-born,communist thug. As far as I know I still have freedom of speech and the constitutional right to call them as I see them.I realize the Obama regime is working tirelessly to cancel that God-given right,but I will fight that action with my last dying breath!

Richard Ryan

Lamar,Missouri - Birthplace of Harry S Truman

I am 73 years old and have never understood my fellow Seniors and their opposition to any body

that even mentions fixing SS I truly believe they

would let it go broke rather than using their intelligence and working toward fixing the system.

Many of these Seniors have listened to AARP garbage

too many years.

Perry is spot on. We have known for years that, without major changes this whole scheme could not survive. Finally, someone told the truth. It should not be scraped, but it must be fixed and young workers should be allowed to opt out.

Before Perry or Romney thought of social security as a ponzi scheme, I was. Although technically not a ponzi scheme by definition, social security has the same results. Eventually, the nation won't be able to sustain the payments as set up now. Something must be done to reform social security. Unfortunately, any attempts to reform social security will bring the cries of the republicans hate seniors by democrats. Just look at what they said when Congressman Ryan brought out his plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY IS A STACK OF LIES!

OTTUMWA, Iowa – Gov. Rick Perry rode into Iowa on Saturday with tough talk on President Obama, the economy and foreign policy and a declaration that Social Security is not only a Ponzi scheme but a “monstrous lie” for younger people…..

=====

What would you say if a “retirement supplement” placed in a “lockbox” from (mostly democrat) congressional vote-buying thieves and they took it out, then tossed in some “IOUs”?

What would you say if those same thieves taxed it when Gore cast the deciding vote?

What would you say if the retirement supplement never paid over 1% (even when CDs paid 12%) and mostly the gov-meant kept the balance if you died “too early”?

What would you say if a President tried to put under 10% of your retirement supplement under YOUR control if you wished and democrats demonized it with lies?

What would you say if any mention of reform or choice is met by howling lies by democrats (who have no ideas but to raise the FICA tax)? Hint: they want it as an issue every election forever.

What would you say if you read many times illegals and those not working very long at all are getting tax SS checks?

What would you say if congress exempted themselves until about 1984 from forced SS while you had no such option?

(think about their exemption from OzCare while you are on the exemption thing…ya like them apples?)

So what would you say?

I would say, at the minimum, its a monstrous stack of lies covered in the slime of a vote-buying no-reform democrat congress. Cut the liberal and media crap, its 2011 and voters can easily find the whole truth.

http://theconservativecrawfish.wordpress.com

To Cpl. Meyer, War is indeed an endless part of our

history through the ages. My thought is that one never knows the absolute best in yourself until we

are completly self-less. That is the lesson a man

or woman learns in war. You learned better than most and that is why you received the hightest honor our country can give. May the living God in heaven bless you throughout your life.

As the Federal Government of The American Empire has stolen the monies from those who have paid into Social Security...

Let's cut off all on Social Security whose payout has went above what they and their employer paid in...

Let all on Social Security receive monies until they delete what they and their employers paid in...

Let's refund to all who have yet to go on Social Security all they and their employers have paid in and shut it down!

Then shut down Medicare, Wellfare and Medicade and all other entitlements!

Then the fittest those whom have lived responsibly will survive... the parasites will not!

So be it!

To me, the Social Security system is

a variation of the old shell game where

everyone thinks they will get the hidden

prize and then discovers nothing underneath.

Thank you God for Marines like Cpl. Meyer. I am very proud of you and your fellow Marines! With a son serving in Afghanistan right now, and as a former Air Force Non-Comm myself, I salute you!

May God bless you.

This is the TRUE AMERICAN SPIRIT, the AMERICA I love. Sacrificing to keep it THE BEST COUNTRY ON EARTH.

Simply put thank you for your service from the bottom of my heart.

Hmmm . . . if you or I print money it's called counterfeiting.

When a sovereign government does it, it's called monetizing your debt.

"When governments reach the point where they are borrowing to pay the interest on their borrowing they are coming dangerously close to running a 'sovereign Ponzi scheme.'

Ponzi schemes have a way of ending unhappily."

So sayeth Forbe's "Dr. Doom", aka Nouriel Roubini

In my mind the only difference is that a real ponzi scheme is voluntary otherwise it looks and smells the same. You are counting on new people to keep coming in to the program to support those that are already in it or are now receiving benefits. I do not want to see it go awasy as I am retired but I have always felt it needed to be modified and that the money going into it stayed in it and not spent elsewhere as has been done.

The Liberal's Liberal: Jan Schakowsky, Democrat, US Rep for Illinois' 9th congressional district.

The other day, pertaining to the open question to all politicians, of how much of each dollar taxpayers earn, do they deserve to keep, Don and Roma of WLS in Chicago posed that question to ms. Schakowsky. She said, "You don't deserve to keep all your money. I'll put it this way, you don't deserve to keep all of it. It's not a question of deserving because what government is is those things that we decide to do together."

Fine, and I doubt anyone would disagree with that, right? Theoretically, we all pay for the community-expenses that we have government handle for us. These are our overhead costs of having a government and being protected by it. But do we all really decide to do it together? What about the 45% of Americans who don't pay any Federal taxes, but who are "deciding together" to provide goodies without paying for them?

Taxation without representation. Representation without obligation. Reward without risk. Gain without pain. And all of this is being done with Other Peoples' Money. Aren't these immoralities worth objecting to? Of course! Isn't this what the Tea Party is all about? You bet.

I think the nearly $3T in government bonds( or IOU's if you prefer) document the Trust Fund nature of Social Security. If it were not so, why the notes? The current generation of workers have paid more than necessary into this fund for 30 years to create this surplus. It is sad that this money was all lent to the Federal Government at very low rates or the surplus would be both safer and larger.

It is also sad that the government with over 10% of the total nation's payroll, can't provide a modest retirement payment. Most corporations provide larger, safer payments to their retirees with 6-7% to invest. The difference is that 60& of the funding is invested in private industry earning an average of 10& per annum. It is true that recessions occur and that the government might have been occasionaly required to act as the back-up to the program but even so Social Securities magor problem is the incredible malfeasance of the congressional trustees who have raided the money to pay welfare benefits through SSI and failed the most basic fiduciary requirements of a plan trustee.

What some smart Economists have to say about it:

Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman called social security “the biggest ponzi scheme on earth. That was back in 1999.

In 1967, Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Samuelson also considered social security a ponzi scheme.

Oh, and they aren’t the only one’s to use the word “ponzi” to describe social security. So did Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Krugman.

Men like Cpl Meyer give meaning to our motto: SEMPER FIDELIS. From a Korean War Marine veteran.

It is no surprize that most people do not know who they really are. Jurisdiction: states vs federal zone. Federal gov. by the constitution gives them no jurisdiction in any of the states. If you are born in 5o states then you are a American National-non resident alien, but if you were born in another country and seek citizenship or born in the federal territories(fed zone) you are a U.S. citizen. Gov. agencies do a good job in confusing the average American over the many definetions of a U.S. citizen. American Nationals have constitutional rights in a State court,but not in a Federal court because of jurisdiction. As fed law states: a U.S. citizen is subject and owned by the gov. and the king. Now back to SS. 4 boxes on line 3(citizenship)of the SS5 form. 99.9% of country checked off U.S citizen. Any American national wanting poor mans retirement should of checked off "OTHER" . They hide what OTHER really means. Red flags should of gone off at SSA when you sent in a copy of birth certificate which showed person born in state hospital and not in FEDERAL ZONE! That person gave away their citizenship and became a federal employee and to pay a fed income tax. SS cards used to say on back "To be used by SSA only" They do not have that any more. Thats why hospitals,schools employer's,dentists,banks and ect.ect request them. It is used as a federal I.D. tracking number. I wrote to the SSA and this is what they told me. You can pay a lifetime into SS and when it comes time to pay it's discretionary. I had to look it up and Blacks law dictionary states: They can pay you or not pay you it's up to them. Now wait a min., my money how can they say that? well, this is how. SS is a trust and to enter into a trust with the federal gov. you have to be 18. Your mom and dad getting it for you under 18 does not cut it or you getting one under that age. It is "NULL AND VOID" from its conception. Not to many know this. The only reason they do not pay out on a mass scale is there would be alot of vacancies in their ranks---if you know what I mean. Note: their is a law that U.S citizens must have a SS#, but there is no law that requires American nationals non-resident aliens to have one. It doesn't exist. This can be easily proven. For those Americans that checked off "OTHER" they have retained thier birth right, pay no fed taxes and have only SS taken out of their checks. A good web site besides the National Archives and the library of congress is " SEDM " look under taxes----excellent information easily checked for truth. I read all your pubs. Keep it up and God Bless you,your familys and this country. Kirby

When are these people in power(congress)going to wake up to the fact that the Illegal Aliens are draining our valuable resources through all the free Hand-Outs being given to them unsupervised by the powers to be! To add insult to injury OB wants to give them Amnesty. Of course that will ensure more votes!

Only the lack of guns in the hands of the PUBLIC are an endangernent to public safety!

Read the fine print on your SS statement:

“Your estimated benefits are based on current law. Congress has made changes to the law in the past and can do so at any time. The law covering benefit amounts may change because, by 2037, the payroll taxes collected will be enough only to pay about 76 percent of scheduled benefits.”

Would you put your money in a bank or retirement fund that promised to pay you back at 76 cents on the dollar in 26 years? Even if it adjusted for inflation, which the past 2 years have proven it does not?

That SS in not a ponze, based on "legality' is specious. It, like medicare, et al, in not in accord with the US Constitution, and therefore it is not legal.It is time for reality and truth. Perry, in my view, is correct, an I applaud his courage in saying so. He did not "dump" those of us caught in this trap, but says it should be modified. And he is correct. If Congress removes members from SS, what is that? Testimony that there is no trust or faith, and it should be so for the American People. SS in no longer the "third rail" of politics. It is now the third rail of the Republic. It should be altered.

An armed society is a polite society.

You made an omission in mentioning Wolf Blitzer's "gotcha" question, the same omission (deliberate, in many cases) that most people have made in discussing it. Wolf didn't say, '"A healthy 30-year-old young man" without health insurance...', he said, "A healthy 30-year-old young man *who chooses not to buy* health insurance...". That changes the discussion entirely, as I'v had to point out in several discussions.

God bless Cpl. Meyer

Social Security would not be in trouble IF THE FEDERAL GOVT. had not decided to take funds from the S.S. trust and put that money into the General Fund. That is Stealing from the people who Have, Are, and even those who have contributed and are now dead. Their contibutions that were not all passed back to them were not received before their death, should have stayed with the S.S. trust fund,but the Pres. that was in that office decided he could use it for OTHER problems. That was DECEIT.

Social Security is a Ponzi scheme and has been labeled such for at least 50 years

Phase it out of existence do not keep it and do the same with all entlelement programs.

Resaerch and use the Galveston plan

Give people the right to take out in one lump sum all that they put in if you are going to FIX IT.

Give people to right to opt out and take care of themselves. They do not pay into the system.

Ther are some 7000 consealed carry permits in this county alone and I have yet to see any violance from one of these permit carriers...I'm sure if a shooting had occured it would be broadly published..

After reading a more detailed report of Dakota Meyers' magnificent effort to rescue entrapped fellow Marines and Afghan troops, I was overwhelmed by such selfless concern for his embattled comrades.

According to a report I read on Yahoo, this honorable man, no longer in the Corps, refused to stop working in order to answer a telephone call from POTUS. Mr Obama had to call back during Meyers' lunch break. This honorable young man was not willing to take time from his work while on the clock.

What a marvelous example for Americans to emulate.

Social Security was not a Ponzi scheme until Lyndon Johnson-D (Whitehouse)"unlocked" the lockbox and let the thieves in. We have allowed it to expand way past the orginal intent of providing retirement security at a time when the beneficiaries lived only 2-3 years after retiring. Th vote purchasing changes have made it unsustainable in its present form but not a Ponzi scheme. We have a closing window of opportunity to restructure or have the scheme collapse. I cannot end without mentioning that the federal legislators are not part of SS and will be unaffected in either case. What did they know that we didn't?

Ralph

Keep in mind that FDR selected the age of 65 to collect for a reason. He knew that most people were dying befor that age. My personal contention is that FDR set this up a a "slush" fund from day one. That is what it has become

I am so proud of you! You sir are a genuine American Hero, God Bless You, Semper Fi!

From Charles Krauthammer's column: "Ponzi Scheme That Needs to be Fixed."

"Of course it’s a Ponzi scheme. So what? It’s also the most vital, humane and fixable of all social programs. The question for the candidates is: Forget Ponzi — are you going to fix Social Security"?

SS is a Ponzi scheme. If anyone other than the government ran a scam like SS they would go to prison. It needs to be phased out STARTING NOW.

A special Thanks to Cpl. Meyers If it wasn't for men like you I wouldn't have my freedom that I so much enjoy today. Thank you for your service to this country.

Are guns themselves an endangerment to public safety? Of course not. They are inanimate objects. Guns are no more dangerous than the person wielding them. Therein lies the rub for the liberals. They fear what they don't understand and therefore, must make sure no one else has. Judges like her make me want to break out the lawyer jokes.

Hand Salute! And quote from Ronald Reagan. "--The Marines do not have that problem." Well Done! Thank you. Semper Fi!

Thank you is so inadequate to express how I feel regarding the actions of this Marine. Thank you is so inadequate to express how the families of those fallen Marines must feel toward Cpl Meyers actions. Cpl Meyers, let me say that this US Citizen supports you, thanks you and holds you in the highest esteem and gives you the greatest respect possible.

About Solyndra, what should happen, make the people that owned this company pay back the money they took from the Tax payers and cut BHO salary use that to pay back the tax payers, he shouldn't get another penny nor should any of his administration.

Although the intent of the Social Security program may have started properly, Congress has shown its true colors in turning this program into a truly legalized Ponzi scheme. Had the program been set up to hold onto and perhaps invest the money placed into it instead of allowing Congress to utilize it as part of the general funds, perhaps the outcome would be different. However, no matter how you try to sugar coat it, the Social Security program exemplifies all the characteristics of a Ponzi scheme. Today, Congress is trying to save face by declaring it to be something else, but all rhetoric aside, we continue to demand more money from the 'investors' to fill the gaps between what is being held and what is needed to keep people in favor of this rediculous program.

Social Security is not a Ponzi Scheme for two reasons: One it is not an investment program and two, it is not voluntary, so that the greed of the investor is not involved. However, it is a government run pyramid scheme. The Federal Trade Commission cites the differences between a Ponzi Scheme and a Pyramid scheme at: http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.shtm

It would have been nice if former Senator Santorum had the new report on poverty before Monday's debate, and a clearer head to field that off-the-issues and from way out-of-left-field question from one time journalist (now propagandist) Brian Williams. He could have cited the fact that Johnson declared a War on Poverty in 1964, and what has it gotten us in almost 50 year? More people in poverty at a cost of trillions into that money pit. The liberal/progressive approach has been handouts, followed by more handouts, followed by more to one generation after generation. Hence, more people in poverty, not less, with generations knowing nothing but handouts/welfare. Senator Santorum might have pointed out two things. First, the Republican approach is to aid the poor in getting out of poverty, lifting their dignity and self-worth in doing that, and in showing them that in doing so, they can help others get out of it. The old "give a man a fish, or teach him to fish" adage. Second, Mr. Williams in criticizing Republicans about the "poor" from a Biblical perspective failed to realize there are two different biblical words for the poor, not our one word in English. There are the "poor," as brought out in the "Understanding Poverty in America" Report. They are at or below the poverty line, so to distinguish them from the true poor, we'll call them the "needy." They have clothes, their children aren't hungry, they have a car, a TV, etc. They are in "need," but not at the end of their rope and in despair. The liberals would throw money at these, which these "needy" will gladly take, while Republicans say "give them a handup to achieve more and become less needy." But there is the other word for "poor" in the Bible. These are the "destitute;" the absolutely hopeless in their situation and only by an outside force can they even make it. They don't have clothes or a pot to pee in, let alone cook in. The confusion is that we often "think" every poor in America is the destitute example. They aren't. The majority, per that Report, are the "needy." But perpetually throwing money at the "needy" has led us as a country where we've fought Poverty for almost 50 years, only swelling the ranks and making a situation where 50% of Americans live off the toil of the other 50%. Not all those people are "destitute." But they know how to milk the system in exchange for their vote.

Mark, in your 'Essential Liberty' oath you state that at present there are no charges nor punishment for those who fail to live up to their oaths of office; however, I would submit that there is a very real charge & punishment covered under the law. That control is called 'Treason' or at the very least 'making false statements on a government form. In either case, the minimum punishment should remain as a minimum of 25 years in a REAL prison system.

The plan is not broken what is broken is the U.S. Congress. The money in Social Security was never intended to be a congressional slush fund as it has been.

Much the same as New York State's handling of the state lottery proceeds. Originally the lottery was to support and fund the states public schools. Unfortunately politicians being what they are decided to put the lottery proceeds in to a "General account" instead of a trust for the schools. This allowed them to use the lottery money for what ever their little black hearts desired. This is no different then what the congress has done to the Social Security “Trust” fund.

"Judge" Seibel is giving the liberal "feelings" baloney. Guns in the hands of good citizens make everyone safer. U.S. Citizens use firearms 1,500,000 times a years for defense. More concealed weapons permits have always lead to lower crime rates. This has been proven over decades by economist John Lott and described in his book More Guns, Less Crime. The facts are simply contrary to the Democrat liberal position. But of course that never concerned them in the past.

So called gun control is about control, not guns. The most serious underlying question is why do they want to control us? An armed man is a citizen, a disarmed man is a subject.

Ralph

TO THOSE OF US WHO CONTRIBUTED TO S.S. ALL OF OUR WORKING LIVES, IT IS DEFINITELY A SCAM.

WHY HAVE WE ALLOWED POLITICIANS TO GIVE S.S. TO

THOSE WHO HAVE NOT MADE ANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE

PROGRAM HAVE ACCESS TO OUR MONEY?

IT HAS BEEN DONE BY CORRUPT LEADERS IN AN EFFORT TO

BUY VOTES!!

IF WE REMOVED THOSE WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE

THE BENEFITS FROM THE PROGRAM, A LOT OF PROBLEMS WOULD BE SOLVED.

ANOTHER BIG PROBLEM IS VOTER FRAUD--I AM TIRED OF

HEARING OF PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THEIR GRAVES VOTING!!

WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH GROUPS LIKE ACORN WHO

CARRY ON SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITY, & ARE SUPPORTED BY

CORRUPT POLITICIANS, INCLUDING ALL OF THE IDIOTS IN

THE WHITE HOUSE, INCLUDING THE IDIOT CHIEF, B.O..

THE RIGHTS OF TAXPAYERS SEEM TO BE NON-EXISTENT!!

TOO MUCH, ALREADY!!

I had tears in my eyes when I read about the BRAVERY of this young Marine. It makes sssooo proud to be an American! He and young men and women like him are the hope of the future of this nation!

I just wish that the stupid members (think DIMOS) had to go over there and fight just one month!!

The only difference I can see is that S.S. is not illegal. Taking from Peter to pay Paul is pretty much a "rose by any other name".

I won't take issue with calling social security a ponzi scheme but I will take issue with calling it an "entitlement" which refers to a government giveaway to those who do nothing to deserve it but breath. This has been paid into, for most of us, about 44 years. It was raided by the government and if that had not been done but rather stayed invested it probably would not be in such a dire state. We have paid into and deserve to get out what we put in with interest. It is not something that we feel entitled to just because we are breathing but it is our "savings" that we have paid into - with no choice. I am very tired of hearing this spoken about as a welfare for older people!

I agree that it works like a Ponzi scheme, and others are serving prison times for attempting to do the same type of financing in the private sector.

I want to add that I don't think Social Security is so popular as it is necessary. The government has "taken" our money for years without much of a return on the "investment", and have not kept faith with the "investors" in the system. I am 63 years old but with little hope that Social Security will do much good for retirement. I am resigned to the fact that retirement is not an option in my future. Many like me will have to work until death or infirmity take us out of the work force.

It is an honor to this nation to have warriors such as Cpl. Meyers in its armed forces. They are indeed America's finest.

God Bless You, Dakota!

Be at peace. Your friends are in the arms of God...safe at last.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. We, your American friends, are endlessly grateful for the sacrifice of our warriors, the brave defenders of our precious, priceless and hard won freedom.

We love and honor you all.

Our Social Security program is precisely a Ponzi scheme. And like the Bernie Madoff 'fund' our's is running on empty. In order for a Ponzi to continue making expected payouts, ever increasing amounts of dollars must continue to come in. Fact is, we were past the point where amounts increased long ago. Since the time J. Carter was President, dollar amounts coming into the S.S. system have not kept up with the amounts of obligated payments to retirees.

Here's why:

In the beginning over FORTY workers contributed a very small amount of their pay to provide retirement benefits for one retiree. Today there are only THREE workers supporting each of those who earned and paid for retirement benefits. Had those incoming payments been kept within the Social Security Fund I suspect there would be no problem. However, many years ago a Congress decided they could 'borrow' that money for their pet pork projects and pay it back later. Unfortunately they did not pay it back later, and worse is the fact that our U.S. Congress has continued to spend our retirement pensions ever since.

Clearly change is required. Your government is now borrowing huge amounts of money to pay current beneficiaries. One way or another every employee will pay this back plus interest.

Tropical Mike

16 SEP 11/1255

I do not believe SOCIAL SECURITY was initially designed as PONZI SCHEME but it sure became one when Congress moved it and dipped into SSA funds, at will, over the years.

Since Congressmen were not personally involved, using it as part of their retirement plan, they had no compunction 'stealing' it at will for their PORK BARREL PROJECTS so they could get re-elected.

If you or I were to do this we would go to jail for a long time. Our 'criminal' politicians are not held accountable for anything anymore. Publicly shamed for dishonest or dishonorable behavior and censored by an Ethics Committee, they still get re-elected and continue to serve. Very few honorably resign.

Chile has the best Social Security plan; locked up and dispensed to only those you donated to it.

Our SSA has no policy or procedure except what is decided, at the moment, to benefit a group of elected officials/ 'vote getters', again, who have none of their money in it and do not have to rely on it as part of their $Millions retirement.

Monty Oakes

TO CPL DAKOTA MEYER, USMC

GRATEFUL TO HAVE MEN OF YOUR CALIBRE IN OUR MILITARY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND UR FAMILY.

JIM LIMERICK

USN (RET)

TO: CHIPHERD

Well said. 50 years of handouts hasn't allowed the "needy" to increase their earnings. And taking that tax money away from the earners, particularly the "wealthy" has only compelled the "wealthy" to pay themselves more in the form of less taxable or non-taxable commensuration, and to hide their income wherever possible, to avoid an unfair tax-and-redistribute scheme taken right from Stalinist Russia. This has only served to further expand the income disparity between the "wealthy" and the "needy", which is ironically something the Liberals routinely decry, even though it's their policies that foster it.

Also, don't forget about the associated disenfranchisement. If the "needy" vote, I think it's safe to assume that they vote for politicians who promise more handout programs. So the "needy" have the ability to vote their say over the destiny of the "wealthy's" tax payments whereas the "wealthy" have no say over the "needy's" tax payments, because they don't pay taxes! The "wealthy's" votes to preserve their earnings are nullified by the "needy's" votes to take the "wealthy's" earnings.

This immorality is one of the many reasons for the Tea Party movement.

In a word NO! Guns are not a detriment to society. Statistics have shown that in states where concealed carry permits are in that crime has gone way down. Robberies are way down in those states as well as other crimes. Criminals don't know who is carrying and who "ain't".

Concealed carry people have had a very stringent background check here in North Carolina.

It doesn't matter. Wchat matters is that the system is unfair to the point of being immoral. There is very little difference between demanding our children to work for our past spending and part time slavery.

After 45 years of paying into SSI, I just want my money back (with interest).

The solar company Solyndra should be required to pay back the donation and the government should not be allowed to try and dictate who gets government funds. It should be either everyone gets the option of a donation or no one gets it.

Firearms in and of themselves make us safer rather than as claimed by fear mongers claim~unsafe. Criminals like the idea that their potential victims are unable to defend themselves from their aggression.

If road rage is the excuse to disarm honest citizens then I guess we need to limit access to vehicles, since they are the primary weapon used by those aggressors.

Semper Fi!

"Strictly speaking, Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme, in part because it's not against the law. Indeed, it is the law. (Try not paying payroll taxes -- i.e., "investing" in the system.)"

Oh, so it's a "COMPULSORY" Ponzi scheme in which the citizens are coerced at the threat of the loss of their Liberty and Property.....I guess that's ok then....as long as everyone else is compelled to be screwed along with me....except, of course, those who are receiving benefits, but didn't pay into the "compulsory ponzi scheme"....I mean...I'm sure congress needs to take care of those people too....and congress needs their votes to continue to have the power to take care of them...and of course, there ARE alot of needs...and votes out there TODAY, so it's necessary to trade the money in the Social Security "Slush Fund"....Uh...I mean "Compulsory Ponzi Scheme" for a $30 Trillion stack of IOU's....I'm sure they'll pay it back...someday....I mean, I am paying for a legion of bureaucrats to make sure I get my SSCPS statement every year telling me what I was compelled to pay in each year and what I should expect to get, even though they've already spent it for those "needs" and "votes"...I mean...It's smart how they use the money today and count it like it's there for tomorrow too...It's like the money is counted twice...I mean....it worked for Enron for quite awhile...but wait...that was illegal...like Ponzi Schemes....Oh yeah! That was until congress deemed it legal for themselves....nothing to see here folks...just move along...this system is "sacrosanct" and must be preserved as it is to protect "the people".

Wait I got lost. So which people does our Social Security Benefit Program benefit???

I believe that the original set up for Social Security would have worked just fine. Then the Democrats (different presidents took their turn) changed it to what it is today. Had the original money been left in a trust fund and used for only SSI payments the system would still be sound. I worked for a company for many years (30 to be exact) and they ran their retirment fund similiar to the original SSI,and they are still paying out from that fund. There was enough money in the trust fund at the time I retired to pay every employee his full wages for 20 years and never touch the principal. SSI could have been the same way if they had left it along.

Guns are not even 10% as dangerous as the A.H.'s in washington!!! The NWO wants to rid the world of 2 billion people....isn't that about the number of politicians and lawyers in the world....GOOD START!!!

On a different topic...very very few know that the pipeline in Alaska has a very short life span...I think its less that 20 years (not positive on the years)...but after that, the pipeline has to be removed......?? That is the major source of our oil, what happens then? The cull in the white house stops drilling in areas that have hundreds of years supply of oil...what happens when this is done.....?

It is the idiot that pulls the trigger that must be limited, not the non-living piece of metal. No law-abiding citizen uses a gun for oppressive measures, unless he/she is forced to. The unlawful are the ones who should be limited in access to guns, and one of those measures is to arm the law-abiding citizen..... exactly what the founding fathers of our nation knew.

What we were forced to pay into,SSI,is and was a ponzi scheme.Especialy after Lyndon Johnson raided it for his Houston based NASA.

Now NASA spokesmen are crying about China sending a man to the moon.We might get left behind.

Left behind,on what?Hording green cheese?

In the finest Marine tradition of team before self!

All the best !

"Are guns themselves an endangerment to public safety?"

Of course they are but so are rocks, knives, baseball bats, and tree limbs but they don't hold a candle to the danger of automobiles.

SEMPER FI BROTHER from one that served from 1958-1962. Hang in there kid and you did good. I would like to shake your hand and maybe help put a little smile back in your eyes. I know that the mischevious twinkle was there before "THE DAY".

I bet you were a hellof football player. Linebacker??

Semper Fi

Ed Heibel

1819827/2541

I am currently 68 and have been on SS for 4 years. SS is a scam. If I take what I put into the program along with what my employers put into the program and had it invested at a rate or return of 6.0% with the Government over a period of 44 years, I'd end up with $550,000. The government now pays me about 4.5% of that total a year and banks 1.5%, growing the principle. When I die, the Gov keeps the principle. Imagine if this money was in my name and I received it at retirement age. As it is the gov will make about $700,000 off of me in my lifetime through the SS program. The kicker here is that I had to pay taxes on the manditory SS contributions I made over a lifetime, and when I retired, I have to pay taxes once again on the monthly SS monies they provide. This is simply a redistribution of wealth scheme. Can you imagine how bad it will be for someone 20 years younger than me? The 20 to 40 year old crowd in this country needs to wake up and start paying attention to what the gov. does, and not get caught up with the "hope & change" retoric.

Guns in the hands of responsible citizens are not, never have been and will never be an endangerment to the public's safety. In fact their very presence has, more often than not, dissuaded the comission of crime. . .

Bravery and honesty is the approach the American people need from those who wish to hold elected office. Our career elected politicians have been lying and misleading us for so long they don’t know how to tell the truth It is the same for most of those who occupy or wish to occupy public elected office regardless if they are democrat or republican.

This debate between the GOP presidential candidates about Social Security misses the point, that program is beyond the scope of the federal governments authority.

Those we trusted, those that took an oath to defend our liberty and rights, defend the Constitution have betrayed the American people to a level that is treasonous……………those in our government that have ignored their oath of office, have taken a strong house of moral religious, values based upon God granted liberty and rights, to ruin with their Progressive, Liberal, Marxist anti God agenda; an agenda that history has shown to be an unworkable system.

Once a house in in the mist of destruction, as the socialist in chief et al have been doing, there comes a point of no return where the house can’t be fixed but must be rebuilt from the foundation.

God bless you, Cpl. You're an outstanding model for today's young men and women!

Damn right its a ponzi scheme!!!! You FORCE someone to buy an insurance premium telling them it will be invested and they will recieve a return in the future. Then you rob that premium fund and spend it to buy votes and on your personal pleasures. Bernie Madoff was a saint compared to these criminals! Every politician that served since FDR in either party should be liable to their personal assets for the short fall. This is the kind of coruption that foments reveloutions!

I would like to ask the politicians who want to rework social security and that includes Romney and Perry, how does that make it Constitutional? There is one major difference between social security and a Ponzi Scheme, no one is forced to join a Ponzi Scheme. Bernard Madoff did not hold a gun to anyone's head or threaten to put them in jail or fine them for not joining his scheme.

It is always interesting to see what an ABC agency says about itself. This is true of the Social Security Administration, which sets forth its own version of its founding and history on its own website (at least it did a few months ago). When the system started about 1935, there were individual accounts for each (conscripted) participant. in 1940, after FDR won a 3d term, however, these participants were paid off (very little because they had paid in very little) and then began the system whereby you got benefits even if you had not paid in . . ., a so-called "inter-generational transfer system." The trustee of this system were not allowed to invest the surpluses, and the system was only actuarially sound if the US was solvent and could pay the shortfalls. Then came the birth control and abortion bombs, then came tax and spend, then borrow and spend. The result . . . So, not a true Ponzi scheme, but very close.

It is the same old story, guns don't kill people, it is people that kill people. The only citizen that is enhanced by not being able to carry a gun are the criminals. If they know the average person can't carry, they don't have to worry when they try to rob them or anything else they want to do. It has been proven that the states with "right to carry" laws have a lower crime rate.

Congradulations, Marine and Semper Fi.

I only wish the medal could have been presented to you by someone other than a traitor to our country.

BZ, Meyer. Your country cannot express it's gratitude sufficiently.

impeach Obama for colusion in campaign donation fraud. eliminate every Federal unconstitutional bureau starting with EPA, HUD, ARTS, Education, Commerce, Etc.

Congratulations for ignoring your safety,to rescue your fellow Marines.You upheld the finest tradition,of the U.S.M.C.!You did all of America proud.

Since when does the definition of Ponzi scheme depend on the law of the United States "strictly speaking"? What a relativistic, idolatrous perspective! Fraud is fraud regardless of legal jurisdiction or patriotic sentiment. Social Security IS truly a Ponzi scheme by definition. Furthermore it is extortion and theft (or, in the patriotic vernacular, "taxation without representation"). Think about it - implicit in the concept of allowable taxation is that the payee is a beneficiary of the resulting government, equally under the law. Anything else is theft and extortion of one group on another - legal or not (that is, for us, regardless of majority opinion). If you want to hear some real "over the top" rhetoric, just wait until the boomers are a minority! Past contributors have already sown their contributions to the wind, through their agent, Uncle Sam. Herman Cain is wrong, the system isn't broken. It's bankrupt. Don't fix it, liquidate and move on.

Ignorant politicians are the biggest danger to our safety. The founders knew this and demanded the 2nd's inclusion in the bill of rights. Any one who suffers loss in an armed attack should be allowed to sue and win against any and all politicians who restrict in any manner the 2nd. OR we could just shoot the politicians well and often as George and the boys did until they give up and leave us alone!

SS may be legal, but the promises and premises are exactly those of a ponzi scheme and sooner or later yield the same result. However painful, the sooner this is acknowledged the better.

Meanwhile, the Socialist Democrats continue to intoxicate the citizens with entitlements. People who have lived under the belief they could do so indefinitely will become violent when the entitlements no longer arrive and they discover that making other arrangements is very hard.

What a clever scheme to overthrow the Constitution due to civil unrest, converting citizens to subjects and making government law and regulation plentiful levers to control the people.

Perry... The Occasio Ultima...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB05kIasL80

Guns place the public at no greater risk than does a tire iron. Or for that matter any object that can be used to induce pain or death to a victime. The old adage that 'guns kill people' fail to recognize that no firearm to date has been developed with the capability of arbitrarily killing any living creature. It takes the element of man to turn this tool into a weapon of harm & destruction. Should we ban all forms of firearms, the criminal element of society will still be able to obtain them through illicit means. IF we were able to truly ban all firearms from all aspects of life, the criminal would merely find another device that he/she could used to further their crime. Thus keeping the honest law abiding citizen from obtaining a firearm for defense will ony provide the criminal with an open season as they will be assured that none of their intended victims will be able to defend themselves or retaliate for harm inflicted. The police are of no value here as they always arrive after the crime has taken place.

On the other hand, if every mentally stable, law abiding citizen could obtain a defensive firearm, the criminal would be endangered as he/she would not know who was armed and who was not. Especially so if that law abiding citizen could obtain a loaded firearm at the critical moment & be able to discharge that weapon without risk of arrest by the law enforcement agencies. In this latter scenario the criminal would be taking a risk that might out weigh the benefit of committing the crime.

Guns are not a danger to anyone.When thugs/terrorists,are preying on the inocent,a gun,in the right hand makes things right.

These liberal politicos,know they can't force a thug to admit to being armed.It's against their fifth amendment rights.

The law abiding are always the target of bad politicians.They might loose their freedoms+property.That will always hang over the law-abiding's head.The commie/pukes love it.

Our Social Security program is precisely a Ponzi scheme. And like the Bernie Madoff 'fund' our's is running on empty. In order for a Ponzi to continue making expected payouts, ever increasing amounts of dollars must continue to come in. Fact is, we were past the point where amounts increased long ago. Since the time J. Carter was President, dollar amounts coming into the S.S. system have not kept up with the amounts of obligated payments to retirees.

Here's why:

In the beginning over FORTY workers contributed a very small amount of their pay to provide retirement benefits for one retiree. Today there are only THREE workers supporting each of those who earned and paid for retirement benefits. Had those incoming payments been kept within the Social Security Fund I suspect there would be no problem. However, many years ago a Congress decided they could 'borrow' that money for their pet pork projects and pay it back later. Unfortunately they did not pay it back later, and worse is the fact that our U.S. Congress has continued to spend our retirement pensions ever since.

Clearly change is required. Your government is now borrowing huge amounts of money to pay current beneficiaries. One way or another every employee will pay this back plus interest.

Tropical Mike

I am proud of you marine. I am sorry that you lost so many friends, and I am sorry that what you all do is necessary for our way of life. You represent the best of our military and for that you can also be proud, not only for the sacrifice that your friends made but, for the sacrifice you were willing to make. May God bless you and may God bless America. Greater love hath no man then he give up or be willing to give up his life for another. Jesus was another one who was willing and did give up His life for us. Remember that, as you and your friends have followed His example.

How do you take money from the fund when it is an IOU.If that's not a ponzi scheme what is it?It doesn't have any money and we took out 112 million and now short change it 214 million.It's going broke and now it doesn't need money. Our government is out of control or we have a group of stupid ppeople

A whole bunch of people need to go to jail From Obama on down the list

You are one great Marine.

Unlike the feds, Ponzi didn't take his victims' money by force or threat of force. But the point of Perry's comment is that SS is, like other government welfare programs, pay as you go. It is not like an investment or even an insurance plan. Current recipients get benefits paid for by younger workers. This was fine when there was a better ratio of younger to older workers, and when most people died before becoming eligible for benefits or shortly thereafter. I've heard the ratio now is something on the order of 1.7 to 1. Just like a Ponzi scheme, when the base of the pyramid isn't big enough, the structure will collapse. I have little faith that my children will ever collect SS.

Cpl Meyer,

You are an honor and a blessing to your unit and the USMC. Always walk with God. Our hearts are broken for the loss of your comrads.

Thank you from a grateful citizen.

YOUR representatives in Congress and the President DON’T pay social security taxes !!!!! They have their own PENSION FUNDS. They have their own HEALTH CARE INSURANCE. They are not subject to the laws that we live under. WANT to start a class warfare, what about those that rule and the ruled ???!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE ???!!!!! I'm tired of the whole bunch.

They will answer for their treatment of the innocent in judgment.

!st off there is on such thing as social; security!!! I payed my social Security from 18yrs to my retirement. Thin I was suppose to get my money each by so much a month, but they started giving my money away To people who did not pay into it, like and all those who are like Obama and those like him, Illegals.!!

My words cannot adequately express the pride and admiration I have for you and your brothers in arms.

You represent what is best in our new generation and you deserve nothing but the best in life.

Take care, be well and be assured that your fellow citizens hold you in the highest regard,

Sincerely,

Robert Anderson

Ormond Beach, Florida

Social Security, as originally designed and funded, is NOT A PONZI SCHEME. One of the main problems is the programs that are funded out of social security that WERE NEVER INTENDED to be part of the program. Add to that, LBJ's stealing the monthly collections rather than leave them in the program, has hurt all of us. We should get back to the original intent and let the program work. I would give up cost of living increases, etc. to JUST LET THE PROGRAM WORK.

RE: Hamilton: Glad to see you're back. was it a Ponzi scheme, the new buzzword of the day? No, not initially. What we have is a spending problem and a bloated system. Quit raiding the fund, for pet projects and r cut it back to as it originally was written. One thing we need to consider is, it's a sociologist program so let's kill it. In the Tea Party debates, the underlying theme is to take care of ourselves. Does this mean we;re going to kill the program?

I've read the poverty piece. to them it's basically it's overblown. Come on down to my neck of the desert and try that argument. When Sen Paul said, "yes the rich are getting richer but so is the middle class..." I had to fact check it. Poverty line and below is now at 1 in 5. It rose about 40%. This is now year 10 of Bush tax cuts, we complain about the economy but Congress holds the purse strings, Bush tax cuts killed this nation and now the GOP thinks I deserve to raise more taxes.

I read about oaths, lets go to court, TEA PARTY/GOP made an oath, (Pledge) not to raise taxes, but only on there pet projects, me I get bumped 3,000.00 p/y. This will produce less money in the economy and the downward spiral begins.

Think about it, 3,000.00 p/y x millions. Now we have medicine, eat or medicine, pay rent or medicine. When the Tea party express said we will elect the next president of the United States, they now own all the problems.

As for B&A. Let them fail. they foreclosed on themselves for not paying there own loans, foreclosed on people who didn't own them anything, robo signed, they got foreclosed on. If I ran my business the same way...

As for the Marine. He received the Medal of Honor. I am not belittling him for I also humped the bush. For every person who receives it, there are a 100 who deserves it. For those who have never seen combat, thank God, for those who have, you know I'm correct. Uncommon valor/uncommon bravery is the hallmark of our fighting forces.

I'll bet his pants never hung off his butt.

I salute you Cpl. Dakota Meyer. You and thousands of other young men and women renew my faith in the next generation.

MCG Ret. USN

Sergeant Meyer,

You are a credit to your nation and the Corp. Well done Marine - you make us all proud!

Semper Fi!

As a Combat Veteran of the Vietnam war I can understand Dakota Myer's feelings. Several years ago I was in Chicago for a meeting and at the hotel I was staying at there was also meeting of Metal of Honor service men. I wanted to talk to them, but I felt like I really had to nothing say that they had not already heard. We certainly honor these men. I am proud of Dakota Meyer and all others that have been awarded this highest honor, as an American and as a fellow Kentuckian. I wasn't in the Marines, but in the Army Infantry so under the banner of 2/1 Infantry.....Semper Primus.

We need to define Small Business & Businessmen that we protect at all costs? Is Buill Gates a small businessman, would higher taxes depopulate Microsoft, Would Apple lay off if JObs paid more taxes? If Warren Buffet or George Sorros paid twice the amt of taxes would one person lost their job. If GE actually paid taxes on 7 Billion in profit would GE employees in China or wherever they are lose their jobs? What are small sales of $50 million $100 million? Protecting businesses with all of their employees in China or Asia does nothing for the US. Should we penalize Big Oil for drilling in hte Gulf NO. Should we stop Big Oil from drilling while financing Brazil so they can drill NO. We have let small business (whatever that is) and protecting Big Business with no US employees except Management con us into protecting anythiing with a B,bad idea. Buffet, Gates and other BILLIONARIES complain that they pay too little in taxes (there is a line on the 1040 for that) If someone makes 100 million a year (to just pick a figure) maybe there should be a new tax rate, if they are US citizens or foreign alien residents or a company that makes a billion a year in profit if it does business in the US or is HQed here thee should be taxes that are collected. If a company moves out a large goodbye tax on all assets.

Do you live and pay taxes on income of less that a million? does that mean it can be done?

I am not parroting their fair share or even the 90% rate we had a few years ago but nothing at all or complaining that they do not pay enough makes we think on taxes on assests if over a billion.

Can I nominate myself to "AttackWatch"? Rarely a minute goes by where I am not criticizing this "president" for one thing or another. After all, he provides such ample opportunity for criticism, each of every day. I never thought I'd see in my lifetime a President who made Jimmy Carter look competent and Bill Clinton look honest!

There - will that get me on the list???

Consider this..... If we had not aborted 50 million babies since Roe vs Wade, we would not have a problem now with social security. You shall reap what you sow.

SEMPER FIDELIS, BROTHER! I am proud of you for your brave action in the face of death but just as proud for your humility now.

God love you, MARINE!

C. L. (Bud) Nelson

Korean Marine

Obama should be impeached for this and all the other illegal acts he has committed since taking office.

Yes! All dictatorships, fascist, socialist or communist, etc. have as a main or priority objective to control their governed. Obama’s government has instituted his ‘ObamaCare’, corruptly to be his essential means for controlling America’s governed. FDR’s social security package is another example of this well known ‘control’ essential for dictators. This removes freedom and when looking truthfully at FDR’s history on social security, every declaration concerning his social security program has never become true. Not one item that he proclaimed about his social security remained true! Could he have lied about his S.S. the way Obama has lied about his ‘ObamaCare’? This is always the case with dictatorships, they do not have to do anything ‘right’. They are always wrong in everything they do because they are immoral! Most Americans truly know that when Obama moves his lips, that he is lying! How stupid can America be? The ability to remove S.S. should have been carried out long ago. Can America now remove ‘ObamaCare’? It better be soon. Some nations would have had to go to war to remove these criminal tactics and regain their freedoms. You did not know that FDR was a socialist, right? And he did not get the time to become a dictator, right? Maybe you will be lucky and Obama will make it. America’s wrongs have to be made right, like now!

GUNS alone are no danger to society but their presence helps preserve society as we know it.

The bad things that are happening in our country are not caused by "things" but by PEOPLE.

We need to enforce our laws consistently and fairly and take appropriate action with those who do not respect the law.

You say that Social Security is legal because it's a Law. Fine. Then it's a Legal Federal Ponzi Scheme. along with many other Federal legislations which are also basically Constitutionaly illegal.

Does anyone remember Watergate? What did the President know and when did he know it was the question. The same question needs to be asked here.

The cost of the Watergate burglary, Not one dime other than the investigation. Nixon had to retire in disgrace.

The cost of the Solyndra fiasco, Half a billion dollars to the taxpayers. Will Congress call for Obama to resign or even dare whisper the word impeachment as they did with Nixon?

The visits to the White House by executives of this failed company are a matter of record. Did they beg for the money? The records of the timeline seem to indicate so.

So it's time for Congress to do their job and demand resignation or impeach Obama if he refuses. Don't hold your breath but indeed it needs to be done.

Oorah!

[112th CONGRESS House Bills] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access] [DOCID: h397ih.txt] [Introduced in House] 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 397 To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education .. This bill is being pushed to stop healthcare to people that couldnt normally afford it

now in doing sdo it would hurt the health of millions of americans which would be like the slaughter of jews during the concentration camp days of nazi germany by our own govt not careing about our own people.

Because Social Security is legal it escapes the label of Ponzi scheem but by definition it is in fact a huge Ponzi sheem.

AttachWatch gives me the creeps - it reminds me of WWII Germany or Stalinist USSR. What were they thinking?

If the Wikipedia definintion for Ponzi Scheme is correct, I think "no". People are not enticed into giving to the SS system because of a promise to get abnormally high or unusually consistent returns. They do not get into it by voluntary choice. However, like a Ponzi scheme, SS uses one person's money to pay someone else at SS age. In both "schemes" the money an individual "invests" may have an account number with their name on it, but their money isn't there and growing for them. In fact, when looked at carefully, one will see that the amount of money an individual puts into SS could be much larger at SS eligibility age if the government knew how to invest. I wouldn't argue with anyone who calls it a Ponzi Scheme.

It became a Ponzi scheme when the politicians started stealing from it.

I so worry about our Country and what kind of a country we are leaving to our children. Then I read about service people like Cpl. Meyer and think, 'Our Country will be just fine".

Greetings,

U.S. District Judge-Comrade Cathy Seibel is in violation on her oath to support and defend the US Constitution (which includes the 2nd Amendment, a non interference clause forbidding government infringement) when she ruled that issuance of a gun permit is a matter of discretion for government authorities. This violation of her oath should be considered a criminal act. And the people, or any well ordered militia, should have the right to detain Comrade Seibel, try her, convict her, and flog her. And may God have mercy on her Commie pinko soul.

Stay Well...

dq

Thank you for your dedication to our Country. May God bless you and yours,

George

Cpl Meyer illustrates what AMERICA is all about: DEDICATION TO GOD, DUTY, FAMILY, COUNTRY & FRIENDS

Criminals are dangerous........Not guns!

Unless you can prove to me that the original intent of Social Security was to return to me an annual rate of return equal to the stock market, it is definitely a Ponzi Scheme and a social ripoff of the American public. I am a mathematician and I can prove that my social security payments today would be four times what the government pays me if I had been allowed to invest those payments.

When guns are declared illegal, only the bad guys will be armed. All law abiding citizens will follow the law.

FICA (social security) has been TAKEN from me, by force, since my first summer job when I was 18. Now I'm 66 and I want it back, even though it was a shitty investment in the first place !!!

I hope there are a number of responsible people to keep an eye on Dakota Meyer. You can see in his face the pain he feels for all the brothers he lost. Every time he puts on that medal, or even thinks about it, he will feel that pain again as if it were the first time. It never goes away, and it never diminishes. May God keep and protect him from his own human feelings.

Men such as Cpl Meyer are a rare breed but still they come when needed. They lend creedence to the theme that "Once A Marine, Always A Marine". Many of us today are retired military and still proud to know of him. A deserving young Man. GOD Bless!!

The blame belongs entirely on members of Congress who have been raiding the SS "Trust Fund" of all surplus monies over past years.

Congress is also to blame for adding many beneficiaries to the Social Security Fund that have never paid into the fund.

Thus, it is particularly offensive to hear former Senator Alan Simpson characterize us as "greedy geezers". Simpson, who shares part of the blame for the empty "Trust Fund", has had his head in the public trough virtually his entire life and still draws a retirement check of some $180,000.00 per year plus lifetime medical benefits.

If all of the monies paid into the "Trust Fund" had been prudently invested - as they are now done in Chile - seniors would be receiving larger payments and the Trust Fund would be viable and self-sustaining.

Guns aren't the problem people are the problem the people trying to take what belongs to some body else is the problem

Obama and all his acolytes should resign.

While it may be a Ponzi scheme, one fact remains that no one has mentioned. Our Congress (mostly Dem's) has spent our S.S. funds that we working citizens paid in, and replaced those funds with I.O.U.s. There would still be plenty of money for S.S. had this not occurred. I believe that ALL that money should be repaid before our past, present, and future Congress(es) and President(s) receive another paycheck. And furthermore, all Secret Service service personnel should be withdrawn from providing security for any and all retired Public Servants. These same people should also forfeit any other benefits they receive from taxpayer-funded coffers. In addition, no further S.S. funds should be spent on benefits for illegals, or anyone else that has never paid into the S.S. fund - NO EXCEPTIONS! This would be no more unconstitutional than Obama Care and all the other unconstitutional schemes that have been shoved down the taxpayers throats over the years.

Its turned into a Ponzi scheme because politicians in DC made it so. Whoa be to Washington if they admit they can't pay the benfits that we paid in. Thank God for the Second Amendment.

I think its one of the greatest documents ever written by man. It should be taught in schools as a requirement to graduation. God Bless America.

Our young men and women in the armed forces never cease to amaze me. There is some hope for this country still! God Bless America!

Yes of course it is! When that idea of retirement benefits at 65 was initiated most died before they could reap the amount that they had paid in!

Call it what you will it was a sucker deal to make us think the govenment was our friend. It has gone downhill from there.

Me? At 85 I beat their plan but that does not make it right!

Yes. Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. It was not meant to be, but politicians have made it a Ponzi scheme by taking the funds out of Social Security and used them for political purposes (resulting in buying votes) Can't be any simpler than that!!

Similar to a Ponzi scheme? An emphatic YES!!! Primary faults galore exist - paying illegals when they have contributed nothing - paying that same group, and muslims, in government provided housing in the Tacoma area along with $2400 a month from SS - and anyone can add to that list that hasn't contributed a dime to the fund. However, even tho' I choose to continue working after 65, I am penalized in numerous ways. I pay tax on what I collect now, even tho' I have already been taxed on that money. With what I and employer paid in, my "break even" point WAS 9.5 years. The reason I say WAS, is that I still pay in 2/3 of what I get each year since I am luckily still employed. So, I consider my net yearly income as an additional penalty, which is not imposed on all the government-sponsered freeloaders.

THE GOVERNMENT IS A PONZI SCHEME!

Entitlements definition:

1. The fact of having a right to something.

2. The amount to which a person has a right

3. Distribution or exercise of an absolute privilege or right to an economic benefit (such as old age pension, social security, unemployment stipend) granted by contract or law, automatically upon meeting the required qualification

The majority of senators are wealthy by U.S. standards. They vote themselves entitlements such as COLA and raises then criticize seniors as being a drain on our economy. The same economy they have ruined. They have used out tax dollars to bail out failing companies many of which will fail anyway. They used our tax dollars to bail out banks and those banks rewarded there employees with huge bonuses. The hell with all of them they are worthless but the big shame is we let them get away with it!!

Dakota, you are a hero to all Americans in the truest

sense of the word. We thank you for your service to our country, your bravery and your incredible loyalty

to your fellow soldiers in the face of unspeakable danger. Not many 21 year old men would have acted

as you did.....without any regard whatsoever to your own personal safety. You have our utmost admiration

and respect.

God bless you and your family. We know they must be

incredible proud of you!

According to U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel: "The underlying activity of possessing or transporting an accessible and loaded weapon is itself dangerous and undesirable, regardless of the intent of the bearer since it may lead to the endangerment of public safety." If so, then let law enforcement be the first to disarm; because the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees rights of the citizen to be armed...it says nothing about the right of law enforcement to be armed!

Re Solyndra:

It doesn't take a rocket scientist, or even a third grader, to figure out that when you sell something for $3 that cost $6 to build and competes with something that is selling for $2, you aren't going to stay in business for very long. Of course you can't expect Zerobama and his cronies to make as much sense as a third grader might...

I am so proud of what you did to receive your Medal of Honor although I know that it will never replace the lives of your friends and marine brothers. God will be the final Judge and those enemies will receive their rightful Judgement. God bless you and stay strong with God's help and guidance.

Best Regards, Gail McCall

That's what Americans do. Duty, strength,and compassion. Thank you.

Such courage and determination was certainly exemplary, although not so rare. Many who have demonstrated it did not come through it unscathed, and some were not noted. You were blessed by God to return to your loved ones, and we thank Him for His protection,and are glad. Thank you.

As you pointed out it is the law,an unjust law enforced by threat of violence.

YES, it is worse than Charles Ponzi or Bernard Madoff because they could only take money from people they persuaded. Social security steals from anyone with an income and then lies about it's stability. They will imprison you or send armed enforcers to your door if you don't pay.

Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer is more than deserving of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his exemplary action in rescuing trapped comrades under fire which resulted from an ambush in Afghanistan. Sgt. Meyer's bravery puts us at a great disadvantage in our poor attempt to both congratulate and thank him for his self-less service first to his comrades in arms and secondly to his grateful nation. Patriots such as he come directly from the greatness that is The United States of America. God bless you, Sgt. Dakota Meyer. We are more than proud of you.

You did your duty Marine, I know what you must feel, the thought of those dying, and yet you must live on knowing that they died.

Semper fi

Call SS whatever you want. I have an acquaintance who, at 17, was diagnosed with myesthenia gravis (sure I spelled that wrong). It is not deadly and is easily controlled with simple meds. Apparently, one suffers muscle weakness having to do with a lack or surplus of acetylcolene (spelling?)which the muscle uses to react. Don't take your inexpensive meds and you become uncoordinated in physical movement; take the meds and you are as good as the next guy.

This woman is now 55 years old, and has never worked a single day in her life. She got GI bennies to go to school where she did nothing. Then on to SSDI and state medical care. She's a "former" heroin junkie who "kicked" the habit by switching to oxycodone and oxycontin and morphine for her "pain" in her neck. These prescriptions must be written monthly so off to the doctor she goes. Oh, she's also a sot--no human being can drink the way she does and stay alive. So, her sleep isn't so normal. Yep, off to the sleep clinic on four separate occasions compliments of the taxpayers and hundreds of tests, scans, MRI, PET---you name it. Her complaint? The illegals are killing our entitlement programs that ought to be there only for Americans who pay for it--except she has NEVER paid a dime. Is the system broken? Yep!

Re: Ponzi Scheme

Why not a Class Action suit against the Federal Government for the Theft of Funds belonging to our citizens. I'm just sayin'...if some moron can sue McDonalds for having hot coffee...

Noted, for, like, y'know, the most uplifting statement EvEr..."DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz...claimed, 'It's a very difficult district for Democrats.'"

Oh Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, you just bless my heart. Since they ain't lost there since 1923 that means there is gonna be a really LOT of "very difficult districts" for the Democrats, all over the country.

To quote the screaming Lib ex-mayor and ex-Obama supporter Ed Koch, who has been "disappointed" by Obama's anti-Israel actions, "Jews only make up 2% of the nations population, but God put an awful lot of us in Pennsyvania and Florida and if Obama can't win there, he can't win."

If money taken from the public for the sole purpose of funding the individual Social Security accounts were then subsequently removed and placed in the general fund to be spent without restriction, leaving an IOU in its place, such an action in the business world would be classified malfeasance at best.

Increasing taxation, government borrowing and attendant inflation, government support of abortion rights by using tax revenues to fund Planned Parenthood resulting in fewer children to pay into the scheme, spendthrift agencies performing overlapping tasks growing ever more bloated without regular cost to benefit test analyses, would lead anyone with a brain to conclude that the end result must resemble a Ponzi scheme.

Semper Fi, Sgt! You are an inspiration to all military personnel.

Living up to the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis. Corporal Meyer (now Sgt.) was "always faithful to his buddies, his Corps, and his nation. God Bless you, Marine.

Cpl. Meyer,

Thank-you for exemplifying what it means to be a Marine. You may not have been able to save your brothers but you did not leave them behind.

Sincerely,

Pat Corcoran

As a retired Law Enforcement Officer with over 30 years active service, I find it offensive and ludicrous that ANYONE would presume that tougher Gun Laws would result in Less Violent Crime. The 2nd Ammendment of the US Constitution supercedes any Gun Laws enacted by State Legislatures. Also, restrictive firearms legislation will impact ONLY those law-abiding citizens, who are NOT the problem in the matter of Gun Violence. Criminal elements will continue to IGNORE any Firearms Legislation, just as they always have in the past. What this country really needs is STRICTER ENFORCEMENT of existing criminal statutes & LONG MANDATORY SENTENCES for violent offenders who use Firearms in the commission of their crimes. GUNS are not the Problem. Violent Criminals being released back into society by lenient judges & sympathetic juries will most likely become recidivist offenders. Gun Laws will have NO IMPACT whatsoever in controlling violent crime in the USA. More likely than not, stricter Firearms Legislation will actually lead to INCREASES in violent crime, since the ARMED citizens will be felons who are armed ILLEGALLY.

I literally cannot fathom the amount of courage it took Corporal Dakota Meyer to do what he did. It most certainly takes a special breed of person to be able to face that sort of danger without regard for his personal safety in an attempt to help his comrades in arms.

Thanks from a grateful Nation and from a brother Marine. You simply did the right thing that day and against all odds, you survived. Semper Fi, Dakota!

Treetop

Sgt. (E-5)

USMC

1968-71

If the investigation by the House into this shows that the Obama administration did this knowingly and criminally, then prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

To those who think the military is a bad place to

spend ones time, need ask themselves, "who else is

going to do the job, so I don't have to". Dakota did

what he and so many of his "brothers" do on a daily

basis because it's what a team does to survive. That

why he looked uncomfortable accepting the Medal

of Honor. Unlike John Kerrys Viet Nam fiasco, this

young Marine EARNED IT!

God Bless you for your love of your comrades. Your love, devotion and self sacrifice is truly awe inspiring and a true blessing to all. Thank you Seargent and God Bless you, your family, our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen and our wonderful country.

This young man exemplifies what the USMC has done for over 200 years. Semper Fi young man.

If I take money through the threat of force it is called a crime, but wait, if I leave an IOU it is called SSI.

Academically Social Security is not a Ponzi Scheme, but the expected results of Social Security and a Ponzi Scheme are the same and it currently functions like one

The Social Security problem requires restoration of all borrowed funds. Reduce all other govt programs as necessary. Once the fund is re-established, fully privatize the fund and investment program away from govt access and make it voluntary. The central govt has proven it cannot be trusted with money or credit.

HERO!!!!!!

Gun control works. Just ask the experts, Adolph, Mao, Stalin, etc. Governments have killed more people than all the small time criminals. Go to JPFO.org to find a list of the number of people killed by governments.

With the exception of not being illegal, it certainly is!

As you state is technically not a ponzi scheme because it is legal but it is structured as one. My comments may seem self serving as I am 80 years old and draw social security. Having said that, if the program is to survive there must be reform. We are living longer and it would be appropriate to raise the age to be eligible to collect SS beginning with those now 45-50 years old. The congress needs to stop raiding the fund.

I am 82 years old now, and sence i was old enough to read every thing the govement gets into is a money grabing fraud, polations are a fraud, lawyers are fruad, and over 50% of the people in the USA are lyers and frauds. Please tell me Who will give you true answers in fed. gov. I have E-mailed my senator a number of times and get the same answer for every thing, we must provide for the poor.

Thank God for Americans like Cpl Meyer.

SS is a Ponzi scheme that must be dissolved in an orderly fashion while preserving the investment of those who have contributed.

Herman Cain has provided the answer. It is not complicated - but it will not arise from politics. The Chilean model will work if we elect men/women with enough character to do what needs to be done and stop playing politics.

Just like Health Savings Accounts - we must move toward Personal Retirement Accounts which have the name of each individual American on each account.

It is not the Governments money - regardless of what Democrats tell us!

I'm with Herman Cain!

Social Security was one of the biggest legal rip-offs ever foisted on the American people. It has been stealing taxpayer monies since its very inception. From the beginning, almost, this money never did go into an account in the federal gov't, but instead was put right into the government's disposable income. It was just one of several the ingenious schemes to perpetuate the profligate lifestyles of elected to high office imaginable. Most recently we now know about the five-plus billion dollar slush fund foisted on the government run postal system, which likewise goes straight into the federal budget to be spent any way the current administration sees fit. Why does it pay to get into high office in this country? This has got to be one of the great hidden secrets/assets of the rich and famous politicians of our country. What to do about it now after so many years of abuse, who can say? This took years to get to this point and it will take many generations to even begin to turn this mess around. Wish your grandchildren on down best luck. I hope the fat cats in Washington are happy with what they are doing to the rest of the country, and especially to the poor and elderly.

Sgt.

Men like you are what has preserved this greatest of all nations for the last 235 years. I won't pretend to know just what you've had to go through with the loss of your friends in such an environment. But you and every soldier are in my families' prayers and you're all welcome in my house. Look me up if you ever get to Chicago. I'll have a steak ready for you.

Instead of 460 billion for a worthless job program and pulling 500 billion from medicre for a health program that wont work, and foreign aid to countries who hate us along with the U.N., put that back into S.S. and amend it to be the SEPARATE trust it was, amend it to where it will work for generations to come for starters.

SOLYNDRA= IMPEACHMNET

To say that people with CCWs are a danger to society is blatantly wrong. I would refer you to the seminal study by Dr. John Lott a few years ago showing that, in States that enacted CCW laws allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons, violent crimes involving firearms dropped, and, for all practical purposes, not one single "firefight in the streets" was caused by said CCW-enabled citizens, in spite of the dire predictions of anti-gunners. To put it bluntly, Dr. Lott's study definitively showed that, when criminals are unsure of which potential victims are able to protect themselves with legally carried concealed firearms, they're less likely to attack.

Cpl Dakota Meyer, what you did was to act to save the lives of your friends without regard to preserving your life, I am grateful for your service, you are an inspiration to us all that care about such things. I know you must feel that there are others that did just as much and in your view more and deserve it no less than you, but, accept this honor for yourself and on behalf of all that fought beside you and died or were wounded. Carry on for them and be for them in your life what they gave up for our liberty.

FYI to all those pukes that would steal the freedom this young men and others have fought and paid a price to protect and made an oath to do so better wake up and smell the coffee, Cpl Meyer is one of millions of men and women in the civilian population of this country with that same bravery and willingness to sacrifice to retain our liberty and rights. Let there be no mistake about it, those of you who insist upon a continued subversion of our freedom and rights will ultimately open a whole can of whoopass.

Are guns themselves a danger to the public? It would seem so to the politicians on every level. However it is well known that many states that have concealed weapons permits have seen dramatic drops in crime since a person perpetrating a crime with their own ILLEGAL gun never knows who is armed and who isn't. I also think politicians are afraid of an armed citizenry. Afraid that when the good people have had enough, there will be people out there willing to take the government back to where it started. The founding fathers were almost able to see into the future on this and many matters.

The only ones who don't want us to have guns are the ones who are very afraid.

AttackWatch???????????????

What is this, 1940 Nazi Germany?

Cpl. Meyers. An ordinary guy doing extraordinary heroic acts. It's what makes America great. Well done!

The social security fund should be placed back into a private fund and not part of the general fund. When Lyndon Johnson was president he allowed congress to use the ssi fund and they have missused it.

I would have to say that I think that it is a Ponzi scheme, despite the fact that it is "legal". Frankly, saving for one's retirement is a good idea, but we should be able to save for our own retirement, rather than depending on the government to bail us out. The way that the system is set up is broken, and it should be fixed.

Thank you Sgt.

God bless you and those like you.

Guns are a tool & like most tools can be misused. A hammer is the same it's just a range difference.

Cpl. Meyers. A man and warrior a progressive will never understand. To them these heroes are just a nuisance to be ignored. I, for one, would be very interested in just what feelings BHO has when draping the CMH around a warrior's neck. True Americans are very proud of Cpl. Meyers. May he lead a long and productive life.

Social Security cannot be a Ponzi scheme. You have a choice with Ponzi schemes.

Social Security is extortion, plain and simple. No choice, unless you count prison as an alternative.

since we paid into it all our working years & expecting it to be our retirement why is it called a welfare pkg?? i am just asking is it not our money ? of course now we know congress spent it all but now what do we do & why are our children & grandchildren still paying on it??? if the fraud & cheating were cleaned up it seems it could still be a workable program of course especially with this president (maybe yours-not mine)that is impossible sure hate to see him & his cohorts steal all our hard-earned money why can't we be rid of him??? god bless america - a christian nation!!!

Cpl. Meyers -- Thank you for your courage, your valor and your honor. You represent so well those who are defending our liberties and freedoms. We are indebted forever.

I know plenty of people that legally carry most of the time and not one has ever misused the right. We walk in and out of stores, and restaurants, even the Post Office. There has never been a problem and people around us never know. There are many instances across the country of people defending themselves with a firearm, you just never see it printed in the press. I used one, one night to scare off a burglar who was climbing in a window. I didn't shoot him, of course, I do think it scared Hell out of him. A cop chased him but he got away. I will always have a gun nearby now that I'm over 75 and can't fend off a younger attacker.

Sir As you know, you are representing your country and your buddies. They and all true patriots salute your actions. Always.

Semper Fi

yes

It's called Leadership. The Corporal exhibited it, his officers did not. Their hesitancy ultimately contributed to American and Afghani deaths. Leadership and Valor, Corporal. Good on you.

Our nation must do more for our wounded in the military. All gave some, and some gave all and they deserve all the medical help they need for complete recovery, and even financial aid for housing, food, and clothing. Without our military we would not be able to enjoy all the freedom and liberties we enjoy today even in this time of so many conflicts.

Sir, thank you for your valor and your self-sacrifice, and that of your comrades. You all have made your parents and your nation proud.

God Bless you.

Are guns by themselves a problem in soceity? Only if you don't have one because the theives, thugs and gangster have them no matter what laws are passed or enacted. We don't enforce the gun laws we have now.

I am so proud that we have Americans like this. A true hero proven by a selfless act. May God bless you and others like you for your contribution to our United States. Thank You.

you are a national hero you know - have 2 grandsons in the servive - 1 in the army is finally coming back to ft hood in december we couldn't be prouder for you guys god bless m dean

Thank you, sir, for your service to your country. We cannot imagine the physical and emotional investment a soldier makes. Fight the good fight and keep on keeping on! God bless!

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

God bless you for your willingness to sacrifice your own life to save the lives of your friends. Your actions demonstrate the transcendence of the love of God - may he fill your life with His peace that passes all understanding.

Are guns themselves an endangerment to public safety?

No, but the morons in DC certainly are. How in the world can they read the Second Amendment and not realize that when it was written, it allowed EVERYONE to carry ANY weapon ANYWHERE at ANY TIME!! What is it about that concept that our current crop of dummies in DC don't understand . . .? And don't spout off the claptrap about the Constitution being a "living, breathing" document and therefore it needs to change to reflect the societal changes. Any changes that are "needed" to the Constitution already have an avenue via the amendment process. It's not up to the courts or legislators to sign away citizens' rights with the stroke of a pen . . .

Keep your chin up Sgt, you did your best and very, very Well

"I'll put it this way, you don't deserve to keep all of [your money]. It's not a question of deserving, because what government is, is those things that we decide to do together." --Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) pontificating about the money you earn

I want to say it ... but I know that I just can't say it here. It has to do with the area of my anatomy upon which I sit. And Rep. Jan Schakowsky can decide to do it, together, with all the rest of her like minded comrades. It's a government thing ... and they are all invited.

I a word,,YES.

No, Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme - a Ponzi scheme is voluntary. What it is is Socialism.

For political reasons presidents and congresses have increased benefits without increasing taxes to pay for them. A good example is the Cost Of Living Adjustment. Doesn't it make sense to increase the SS tax in an amount equal to the COLA?

Thank you for your heroism in the defense of our country and for your marine buddies, corporal. My best to you and your family.

James R Pegram

CDR USNR (ret)

Rick Perry Right For Wrong Reason—SS Ponzi Scheme

9/12/2011 -- Republican presidential candidate started a controversy by telling young people that Social Security was a Ponzi Scheme because they might not get benefits they paid for. He misses the root cause for that claim, that there would be fewer workers to support the growing number of retirees. The writer’s following opinion published a year ago may be closer to the truth on why Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme.

9/15/2010 -- What do Social Security and Bernie Madoff have in common? Both are paying off old investors with monies from the newest investors, the definition of a Ponzi scheme. All Ponzi schemes are based on the premise that they will never run out of new investors to pay off old investors.

The system works beautifully until older investors looking to redeem their investments outnumber the newer investors currently paying in. Or as in the case of Social Security, payments to older workers begin to disproportionately rise vis-à-vis collections from current workers. Social Security is in decline if there are too few new workers required to support each retired worker.

Annual surplus of Social Security Trust Funds has been usurped into the annual Budget, thereby making it appear that the Budget was basically “balanced.” Social Security Trust Funds were wrongly transferred into the General Budget in exchange for government IOU’s and now the roles have been reversed because General Budget funds are necessary to pay for Social Security’s continuing shortfall necessitated by the disproportion of aging retirees benefits to younger workers contributions. The IOU’s due to Social Security have come home to roost.

Lost in the equation is the fact that 50 Million younger potential workers (Plus the progeny they would have created,) are missing due to the fact that they were aborted. 1/6th of the total population, curiously the same 1/6th proportion, of the economy attributed to the cost of HealthCare. Loss of contributions to Social Security from at least 25 Million missing additional workers is not insignificant.

Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme collapsed when he lost enough new investors to continue payouts to the old investors. Likewise, the same is true of Social Security that has lost enough new younger contributors to support the growing numbers of aging members who need to be retired. At least Madoff did not abort his investors.

Albert Maslar

128 Huron Ave.

Absecon, NJ 08201-2022

609-677-0069

amaslar2@yahoo.com

Thank you for your service. You are a great American.

While I agree ON THE SURFACE that Attack Watch seems laughable and simply another ridiculous move made by the No Brainer in chief himself, I feel it important for us to remember not so long ago when Nazi Germany was actively recruiting neighbors to "rat out" other neighbors and family members to do the same. This action enabled the Nazi-run death camps to fill quickly and operate on a massive scale.

There are times when the best thing to do seems to be to ignore or make light of ideas the far Left Progressives spew because of the very idiocy of the nature of those ideas. But do not let that complacency go so far that we let down our guard and simply look on such things as the federal government sponsored Attack Watch as simply an inane idea for which we need not concern ourselves. And, yes, because it is the PRESIDENT of the United States of America and his regime who created and are actively encouraging this "turn in your neighbor plan", it is federally sponsored and condoned. At least until the time comes, (IF it comes), that powers within the federal government show themselves to be steadfast to the Constitution and put a halt to such a program.

Remember the story of the young Jewish child in WWII who constantly heard his father say, "Don't worry, it won't get worse than this," as their freedoms were taken away. "Don't worry, it won't get worse than this," as laws were changed to rule against them. "Don't worry, it won't get worse than this," as their possessions were taken from them. "Don't worry, it won't get worse than this," AS THE PEOPLE WERE IDENTIFIED AND MARKED FOR WHO THEY WERE AND WHAT THEY BELIEVED IN.

The last time the Jewish child ever saw his father was as the man was herded into a train car to be taken to a death camp. As the train door was closing, he heard, "Don't worry son, it won't get worse than this."

My husband served in the Corp many years ago. He's still a Marine and we are proud of those who are able to meet the standard required. God Bless All who serve with such honor and bravery. Especially these young men of today.

The use of the term "scheme" bothers me. Social Security was conceived as a PLAN under FDR. It was enacted and the intent was good. It ran well for the first 20-30 years but then it became a trough for the pols to feed and water themselves.

Today Social Security stands stripped of its funds due to the malfeasance of a great many political ne'er-do-well's. Primarily due to the pols on the hill lining the pockets of themselves and their choice constituents with many of the vaunted "pork barrels" so prevalent until Americans finally rose up and openly challenged this thief of taxpayers funds being usurped for other than Social Security Social Security has become as close to a Ponzi Scheme as it can be at the moment. Obviously, there will never be funds for those still paying into the system when they get to retirement age. What to do?

A straight-forward answer might be to initiate those plans touted by a few on Capitol Hill concerning the institution of programs like the Federal Entitlement Retirement System (FERS) which replaced the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) some years back. It was a "phased in" program and achieved an objective of allowing federal employees to actually invest their retirement plan proceeds in/among a series of funds on the public market as they saw fit. The US Government would "match" those investments on a very handsome basis.

However, now that the Wall Street crews have finished their house-wrecking and the market is rather quickly being eaten away, what alternative is left for those FERS employees?

Unless Congress acts quickly to arrive at a decision point to field a workable solution to this part of the problem, the aforementioned FERS employees will be left out on a limb, the result of the Biggest Ponzi Scheme in American History.

"A healthy 30-year-old young man" without health insurance ends up in the hospital. "Who's going to ... pay for that? ... Are you saying that society should just let him die?" --CNN's Wolf Blitzer with a "gotcha" question for Rep. Ron Paul in Monday's GOP debate

Terri Schiavo seems to be unavailable for comment.

"Arrayed in warning colors of red and white, with a black background for added eeriness...." Those colors remind me of a line in The Sound Of Music--the littlest girl mentioning "the flag with the black spider", and of that flag.

Typical Commie block-organizer tactic. Why does nobody mention this--commie gov'ts have block *organizers* to keep their minions in line. And der 0 is the organizer-in-chief....

The Constitution written by our Founding Fathers is unmatched any where in the world. Why, they knew what freedom and liberty meant in every essence of these 2 words. They knew oppressiion and suffering and knew the hardships of living under the rule of a monarch. They chose to lose everything by fighting for their beliefs. They have kept us free. Hopefully, a new group in Congress can get back the freedoms we are so slowly losing.

 "How Would You Fix the Economy?"

Please find below a suggestion for fixing America 's Economy. 

Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan".

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.  Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire.  Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new American car.  Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress pay their taxes.

While you're at it, make Congress retire on Social Security and Medicare. I'll bet both programs would be fixed pronto!

I applaud Rick Perry's courage in calling a spade a spade.perhaps we should be helping the candidates to clarify thier positions by not picking them apart. As you point out, the only difference is that

one is legal and one is not. Instead lets continue to

point out that the law is and has always been unconstitutional. How would we then work to bring it back within constitutional limits. It is going to require all petriots working together to

save our Country. I am A 76 year old citizen who is not afraid to call a spade a spade.

Social Security is a Ponzi scheme, even though it is the "law of the land"; however, it has been made so only by the criminal actions of members of Congress who for years have stolen the money that was to be set up as a trust fund to take care of Americans when they become aged. These 'Congressional criminals' failed the basic test of character when they proved that they cannot be trusted with other peoples money. The temptation to embezzle the ddicated SS funds for 'the betterment of our society', or some other lame excuse for their criminal acts, was more than their immoral minds could handle.

At this point, the system is so far down the toilet, and there are so few truly trustworty members of Congress, that the entire SS system will likely never again be a workable system. I recommend that every American begin to save the money they will need to care for themselves when they reach a certain age, and NOT depend on the 'goodness' of our elected representatives. Unless there is a revival of true honesty and integrity in this country, especially in those who deem it their place to represent others in Congress, it is unwise to allow any more money to be placed at the disposal of people of low character who cannot resist the temptation to steal such.

Social Security is an economic thermonuclear device on a timer and there is no way to prevent it from imploding; with the current state of the economy the timer has been accelerated.

Oh by the way, where in the Constitution is Social Security authorization located?

In response to-Culture&Policy-Second Amendment: the right to carry.

It has always impressed me at the general notion that We, as Americans, have always felt it to be a basic given to educate ourselves for the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole. Yet, I'm always dismayed at how ideology seems to always trump that educated mind we all revere. The second amendment is one of those issues that leaves me confused. It is a simple expression, a simple statement. It says " A well regulated Militia,being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed"

How is that this college educated nation is unable to read a simple punctuated sentence. The commas in this sentence indicate a division of thoughts. Each comma could be read as the word "and". My "right" to carry is expressed in the second amendment by the words " the right of the people to keep and bear arms". This would mean that I could "keep' those arms in my truck, on my belt, in a shoulder holster under my jacket, etc. Do we need to solicit the opinion of a college professor with a PHD in English grammar ( does such a speciality exist?) to to spell out the simplicity of the language of the second amendment.Ideology is the driver on this issue, not simple english ,or the intent of the Framers.

I salute your bravery and honor. I just wish there were a few good more men that would or could do what you did that day. 'No One Left Behind'...this is pure and simple love for your fellow service man. Don't let the enemy get them even if that are dead....amd you brought out 36 alive. I hope that one day I might run into you and give you a good Texas handshake after I have given you my best slaute. Thanks again for what you did that day...your name will be etched into my memory forever. GOD Bless You

Social Security should be renamed to "Socialism Security"!

Nothing sums it up better than that!

these politicans keep looking to the people for answers as for what to do, funny they don't look to the people when they spend. in fact they have outright ignored what the people have wanted. they are all in it for what they can get out of it plus the power that they derive from their political positions. they forget that they work for the people of this once great nation and they should humble themselves when they pass by a working stiff. sometimes i see a bright spot in politics and then after a term or two there is then no difference from those that go over to the dark side and become what we hoped they wouldn't I must sign off now before my blood over boils with much anger and discontent.

Without a doubt. Question is-what do we do when it runs out or is it still possible to fix it? Frankly, I hope I'm wrong but I doubt that it can be fixed?

Retired Navy--so proud of you and the other Marines.

Your demeanor and bearing at the ceremony was exceptional. May God Bless you in the days and years to come!!!

Well done, soldier.

It's true that Social Security isn't a ponzi scheme because it would be against the law not to participate but unfortunately "illegal" immigration is against the law but Washington renames it and it's ok. It's really time for HOPE and CHANGE!

Semper-Fi, Corporal Meyer!!! If not for your bravery, I'm pretty sure it would have been much worse for those trapped men. I'm sorry that you had to lose so many friends, but I'm sure they are proud of you too - OOH-RAH!!

Guns do not kill people. People kill people.

A friend told me she "would never allow a gun in her home, because they kill people." I asked her what she carves the Thanksgiving turkey with. She said, rather proudly, "A big knife, part of a family set" .

"Oh, My God!!! You have a knife in the house?????? Don't you know they kill people????"

I actually agree with Judge Seibel that concealed carry permits should not be issued. I doubt she would agree with my logic however; I see my Concealed Handgun License as an infringement on my Second Amendment rights. Nowhere in the Second Amendment is there the qualification "if authorized by state government". I firmly believe that only Vermont has it right; they have no gun control laws at all (liberal Vermont!! Go figure!).

All of that said, if Texas followed Vermont's lead and abolished the CHL, making open carry legal, I would still carry concealed. I'd much rather would-be predators wonder whether or not I'm carrying than know that I am or that I am not.

I have been making the point for years, to all who would listen, that if I put together a scheme like Social Security, I would soon be in prison.

Sgt Dakota Meyer, USMC, ".... upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the Naval Services.." For Once Mr. Obama got something right. Of course as an old Marine Sergeant myself, I can't help but hold my chest up higher and stand a little straighter when those words are said. He joins an elite group of individuals from all branches of the Military that have earned the nation's highest military award. But to hear him tell it, what he did was remember what he had been taught in boot camp..."no one is left behind..." Shows just how the spirit and traditions of the Marines are carried on from generation to generation.. WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN.. Always Have Always Will.. and to the media that loves using the term Ex-Marine or Former Marine, there is no such thing. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.. Well done young Sergeant.. Carry On.. SEMPER FI... OOOOOHHHRRAHH.. Also we want to remember the reasons why he and his SSgt did what they did. The four who would not have come back if not for their actions. The SSgt btw was awarded the Navy Cross, just the only second highest medal that the nation can bestow. Not bad SSgt (Now Gunny Sgt) SEMPER FI...

I have had a CCW since 1966, getting my first one in New York. I have been fortunate to never have had a need to pull my gun out in defense of myself nor anyone else. However, fortune being what it is I do not intend to take stupid chances.

Guns in themselves are tools and can be misused but that does not make them dangerous to society. In fact, we see increased dangers to society in those countries where the people are denied the right to keep and bear arms. Those who are intent upon criminal enterprises do not care about the law except in how it weakens their potential victims.

For those who are against our right to keep and bear arms I ask to to put all you have behind your beliefs. Erect a sign in front of your home stating that you oppose the individual right to keep and bear arms and proudly state that there are no firearms and never will be any in your home. I would also like to see you put a similar sign on all of your personal vehicles and even have one at your place of business. Of course, if you work for someone who believes in the the right to keep and bear arms he might not want your open invitation for all criminals to see. It would be just like announcing that you have no closed circuit cameras monitoring the area which would certainly be an open invitation for someone to break in.

Heck, no. Guns are simply tools: each one a collection of finely machined metal parts. The evil or good is in the use to which they are put, just as it is for any tool.

Roundup everyone on welfare and/or collecting extended unemployment checks, ship them to the southwest U.S. and start construction of the Great Wall of the U.S.

Reduce the hours truck drivers have to work from 70 hours every 8 days to 50 hours per 7 days. You will automatically make the roads safer and open jobs to about 2 million people. Yeah, they'll need to be trained but that employs trainers.

Then you can put them to work ferrying concrete, water, tools, and entertainment to the work camps along the border where the wall is being built.

Cpl Meyer-well done Marine! We are all proud of you and all who serve and have served.

We already have national right to carry reciprocity...its called the 2nd amendment. No other permit should be required or allowed at any govt level. Judge Seibel is mistaken (as are all liberals) about concealed carry endangering the public. On the contrary, everywhere there is gun control, the crime rate goes up, and everywhere there is right to carry, the crime rate goes down. Fact!

Mr. Obama usurped the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act. Therefore,I believe Mr. Obama should be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors.

IF the government had not used the money paid into Social Security for various other items this would not be a problem today. When we brought in a gazillion people from Vietnam they were given social security even though they had not worked in this country one day of their lives. Because Vietnamese told me that this was deserved because they had backed our government during the war. Now I have no idea what is being paid out to immigrants that have not worked here. All I know is that I paid into the system my entire working life and now seniors have not received COLA for the past three years.

It is not a PONZI Scheme but a poorly administrated fund. When welfare recipients go for years being paid by the government to have more kids to get more money and this goes on to the next generation without one word about how totally wrong this is for the working taxpayer, yet nothing is said about cutting this funding and what a scam it is, I find it hard to swallow that the two items taking a beating are Social Security and Medicare.

Get someone in there to properly administer all of this and there would be no problem.

While they are at it Jail all those who falsify Medicare records for millions of dollars.

This is a problem from the administration end, not the financial end. Correct one and the other will correct itself. Stop the lies about it being a Ponzi scheme.

SS has become a ponzi scheme regardless of it's intensions at inception. At the time of creation it was a scam as the average longgevity was 59 years and drawing of benefits was age 65 so only a small percentage of people would ever benefit from the program. Funds built up untill politicians could no longer stand having that amount of money idle and democrats decided to raid the fund and replace it with IOU's.Now that government is broke, those IOU's are worthless and the program is reduced to a Ponzi Scheme where those paying in today are funding those that are drawing. I have to wonder which of the enumerated powers of the constitution allowed government to create this scheme?

Between Boring Gore and Obamanation I can't tell who is the most repulsive.

I once had a license to sell securities.

If I sold a plan that required a client to pay a particular percent of his pretax salary and my company did not have to put his money in an traditional investment mechanism and my company also could use his money to pay its own expenses and not invest in the client's name, because he really didn't have an account,

If I raised the present and future clients' mandatory contribution to maintain withdrawals by other "clients" who have retired and are retiring, and my company could shift funds to cover my company's priorities and my company could leave long term IOU's which require future clients to make up the funding difference for future retirees,

And, if I told the client that, when he dies, he would lose most of your investment,

would I be arrested by the Federal Government for trying to involve my clients in a Ponzi Scheme?

Maybe we should all go to attackwatch and report the Dept. of Labor each week when they report the unemployment numbers or report the AP when they run a story on Solyndra. Let's overload their Big Brother program with reports on their failure.

Turner, a retired businessman, defeated New York State Assemblyman David Weprin 54-46.

That's really low turnout.

Some Truths About Social Security. Remember, you and your employer contributed to your Social Security.It totaled 15% of your income before taxes. If you averaged only $30k over your working life, thats close to $220,500.00 If you calculate $4500.00 per year (yours and your employer's contribution)at a simple 5%(less than what the government pays on the money that it borrows), after 49 years of working you'd have $892,919.98.

If you took out only 3% per year, you'd receive $26,787.60 per year and it would last better than thirty years(until your 95, if you retire at 65) and thats with no interest paid on that final amount on deposit!If you bought an annuity and paid it 4% per year, you'd have a lifetime income of $2976.40 a month.

Do you now see how the folks in Washington have pulled off a bigger Ponzi scheme than Bernie Madhoff ever had.

Entitlement my a**, I paid cash for my Social Security insurance!!! Just because they borrowed the money,dosent make benefits I paid for charity or handout!!!

Lets look at Cogressional benefits...

free healthcare, outrageous retirement packages, 67 paid holidays, 3 week paid vacation, unlimited paid sick days, now thats welfare,and they have the nerve to call my Social Security retirement "Entitlements"?

We're "broke" and cant help our own Seniors, Veterans, Orphans, Homeless.

In the last months we have provided aid to Chile,and Turkey. And now we are going to write a blank check for the private debt loses of the big banks for the E.U.

Our retired Seniors living on a fixed income receive no aid nor do they get any breaks while our government and religious orginizations poor Hundreds and Billions of $$$$'s and Tons of Food to foreign countries. I have no problem helping foreign countries with food but we cant even feed our own and if we asked them for help they would tell us the same thing.

They call Social Security and Medicare an "Entitlement" eventhough most of us have paying for it all our working lives and now when it's our time for us to collect, the government is running out of money> Why did the government borrow the money in the first place?

This was our benefit for being 14'th amendment citizens in stead of American Citizens. There is a difference you know!!!

So lets reform our governments "Entitlements" by reforming their "Benefits" for being good little 14'th amendment citizens.

Regardless of how one describes it, when it was passed, the average life span of African-Americans was substanitally lower than that of the white population. It's been a massive and arguably racist transfer of wealth, and supporters of the Democrats never seem to realize or admit that that was part of it's design.

Hey Harry: If you guys don't do something about our ability to tap into our own energy resources, all roads will be bike trails.. you moron!

We need to hang HR2587 around the democrats necks! Shout their Union rear licking to the rooftops. Unions are unpopular now. Thank God! It is about time. Unions are why American jobs have been outsourced and anyone with any brains knows it.

Sir, your valor and resolve at such a young age makes my heart swell. Mino Has a point; the vey least we Americans can do is to provide Medical care not just for wounds sustainedin combat but for their entire lives for all their needs. Sgt Meyer , words are not enough but they are all I have to express my respect & admiration for the courage you have and I am sure will continue to show over your life that will act as a beacon for others to emulate. Thank you again for your service.

Social Security is a Ponzi scheme, operating under color of law.

Guns on the street are only a danger in the hands of criminals. Deal with the criminals and leave freedom-loving, gun-toting Americans alone....

Re: RK Sprau

Boy, this "comments" column is really getting popular - so many comments - so many with a lot to get off their chests.

RK, Regarding the Bush tax cuts, check out this link:

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/incometaxandtheirs/a/whopaysmost.htm

Remember how all the Liberal idiots screamed and moaned about Bush's tax cuts? And ever since those tax cuts were passed into law, the Liberals have been just chomping at the bit to either have them rescinded by congress or at least, to just wait it out until they sunset, at which time the congress should not renew them. The Liberals were decrying the Bush tax cuts as cuts for the wealthy which would make the poor pay more. Remember all this? Well, read that link through an you'll see that it's just the reverse. The Bush tax cuts put more tax burden on the rich and less on the poor.

As I've said before, the current crop of Republicans are at least talking about less government, and they are in favor of a flatter tax code to get more lower income people to pay tax and therefore to have more responsibility and concern over how their government is spending money. As you can see, the Bush tax cuts did just the opposite, and this has been bad for the country. Bush was no far-right-wing whacko. He was much more of a Liberal idiot than the Liberals give him credit for. Good riddence in my opinion. Now we need true conservative leadership.

Regarding the Tea Party and tax hikes: I would love for the Tea Party to take control of the white house and as much else in government that they are able to. And I agree with you that whatever would come of implementation of their tax policies, would be theirs to own. I think they'd own it much better than Obama owns his. We've been saddled with Obama's deficits, Obama's debt, Obama's unemployment rates, and Obama's dismal outlook for our economy, for at least the last 2 years. Most recoveries are long-done by now, but Obama policies perpetuate our misery and actually countermand any recovery. By intent or not, Obama is ruining our ecomomy. Look at him, he never admits fault; he never seems to learn from mistakes; and he never seems to change course on any of the policies that are clearly screwing things up! He doesn't want to own anything because, in my opinion, his goal is not to foster and expand a free market capitalist Republic. His goal is to create a socialist democracy.

Anyone who is honest with themselves can see that Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme, as many have called it over time. A politically correct handling of the description of this flawed program is dishonest, which is the biggest problem we have in Washington. Governor Perry tells the truth, as in the emperor has no clothes. Most politicians are afraid to do so.

I am a former claims administrator for Soc Sec Admin. No private insurance company could legally operate as congress has with this program. In the private sector, principals would be prosecuted for fraud for collecting premiums for one purpose, then spending for another. Private insurance co's must have substantial cash reserves on hand to pay future claims--BUT THIS REQUIREMENT IS NOT USED BY CONGRESS FOR THIS PROGRAM. IT is an outrageous double standard that Congress thinks they are entitled to use.

There is currently a 2.5 million dollar surplus in the SSA trust fund, but it is only a collection of IOU's. Until 2009, Soc Sec has been in almost constant surplus. The public discourse omits a lot of facts when discussing this program. To FIX it--the most mportant FIRST STEP IS CLOSING THE TRUST FUND and preserving the taxes collected for benefit payments, instead of using it as a government slush fund. With baby boomers coming on board, more benefits will be needed, and the fund must be closed to government raiding and have its integrity restored. If the fund is not preserved for benefit payments, IT WILL ALWAYS BE ON THE EDGE OF INSOLVENCY, no matter how many other changes are made.

In conclusion--if any serious consideration is given to "means testing" I believe it will be the eventual kiss of death for social security. Younger workers will eventually balk at paying this amount of tax from each paycheck for a benefit they may never be eligible for. Furthermore we already have over 70 welfare programs---this would become another duplicative program---whose primary benefit would be to provide another source of tax revenue for excessive government spending.

If it looks like a Ponzi scheme, smells like a Ponzi scheme, and tastes like a Ponzi scheme, it probably is a Ponzi scheme.

And just like the Ponzi schemes in the private sector, those resonsible will likely not go to jail (unless they admit their cupidity).

And just like Ponzi schemes in the private sector - when first created, it was actuarily sound. Only after the "custodians" saw the available pot of money did they dip in it.

Let's instead simply look at the areas of INCREASES in spending since BHO took over, and focus on ELIMINATING the INCREASES (not on some future reduction in increases). That would go a long way to resolving the current financial crisis.

Whether or not Social Security or Medicare or ..... is/are Ponzi scheme(s), the FACT is: these government programs are nothing more than a vehicle for the politicians to loot the national treasury.

Hume

It always has been. You could see when my Husband & I were kids it was going nowhere but down fast. Ok, yes I am 70 years. Hope there are some wise people to get it rolled into a workable situation. Good luck as the Congress stands now.

Carol

What do they mean it's not against the law. The constitution is the law of the land and I don't see it anywhere in there. So, it's structured like a Ponzi Scheme, not in the law of the land -- so it's a Ponzi Scheme -- period.

tHE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IS A RIGHT AND IT'S THERE FOR A REASON, DESPOTS,TRAITORS, WANNA BE DICTATORS AND DICTATORS IN POWER. SECOND AMENDMENT, RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS AND SOME MORE WORDS GO WITH THAT.

Thank you.

In the truest sense, it is not a Ponzi scheme, but in the sense that the program has been administered, it bears all the earmarks of a Bernie Madoff scheme.

A thought keeps running through my mind - would it be possible for an actuarial formula to be worked out, to reveal the status of the Social Security Fund, circa 2011, had Congress never laid it's greedy paws on one single dime?

Dakota,

My C.O. told me, when we were mopping up on Okinawa in 1945, that in his judgment, the highest compliment you could pay to another Marine, and I pay it to you now "You can hit the beach with me anytime". Semper Fi, Jarhead!!

Yes, SS was, is & always will be a PONZI scheme. I was only 16 when I recognized that fact (but didn't call it a Ponzi scheme then) & was FORCED to pay into the system. Even at that young age, I knew if I invested those SS deductions (later also medicare deductions), didn't touch those funds, I'd never need a dime from the government or anyone else in my old age. A devoted FDR fan, my father's explanation for why we couldn't invest that money ourselves & why FDR created the system was that there were people who wouldn't invest & might be destitute in their old age. Then & now, I say, that's their problem!! If someone doesn't have the sense & vision to understand that there might come a day when they can no longer work but that life goes on & they must have a way to live decently &, hopefully, not rely on children or family or charity, it is encumbent upon each of us to prepare for that day. No one said it's easy or that life is easy but we all must take responsibility for our choices in life & the consequences of those choices.

Social Security fails the Ponzi test in at least two critical ways. First, as noted, Participation in a Ponzi scheme is not required by law. Secondly, i am not aware of any Ponzi scheme that showered money on anyone that was not somehow involved in the scheme. SS sends checks to millions that have never contributed, and of course the millions of dollars that disappeared into the general fund. On short SS is an "improved" ponzi scheme.

As a patriot and one who loves her country, I am also looking forward to being reported to AttackWatch. (I love the parody~~ha) I'm so sick and tired of the way this administration oversteps their bounds; I'm so tired of their lies, their bullying tactics; I'm just sick of their making more and more Americans "slaves" to their government programs. I agree with Ron Paul, let the CHURCHES do THEIR jobs!!!!! Then government can keep their nose OUT of our business! ~~2012 cannot come soon enough~~GO HERMAN CAIN!!! This guy "gets" it; he's not a politician; he has some actual JOB EXPERIENCE under his belt; and most importantly, he can SPEAK without the use of teleprompters!!!!!!!!!!

First of all the Constitution does not allow the Federal Government to tax our indvidual wages directly. In fact if you go to the IRS's codes fro 6301 thru 6310 you will find that payroll wages are compensation for services rendered and are nontaxable. And going back to the Constitution it says that Congress cn only levy taxes to the individual States and that is for lack of better words a hed tax. They have extremely limited powers if the Constitution is used

Sgt:

I am a Seabee (retired) and if I ever get the chance to meet you, I will stand at attention in your presence, (you deserve so much more). You are a warrior - NOW Re-enlist and provide the leadership our Marines need. Semper-Fi.

Respectfully:

Dr. James P. Melott, Jr. EO1

U.S. Navy Seabee

To (former) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Meyer,

Your bravery is outstanding; your Medal of Honor for heroism; well deserved. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss and to those families who lost loved ones in your platoon.

THANK YOU BROTHER,MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND HAVE YOU AROUND FOR A LONG TIME,WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU AROUND FOR SURE!!!!THANK YOU

Thank you for being a living reciepant. :-)

SS is not a ponzi scheme, it is a pyramid scheme.(Think chain letter). A ponzi scheme will lie to you about investing your contribution. The govt doesnt respect your ability to reason enough to bother, they just make it mandatory to contribute(except for the chosen few). If you think govt. bonds are a good investment, how much of the money you control is invested there?

I would suggest the following:

People at DOE, OMB and WH, involved in reviewing, signing (including signing off-on) the contract should be fired.

People in above offices responsible for restructuring loan to provide primacy to private investors are in violation of the US Law that st up this program and should be prosecuted after they are fired.

Budget of DoE should be whacked this year by 500 million.

All future DoE green project jobs should be forced to undergo Congressional review before contract signature.

Bob

Son, I am so sorry for your loss. Your example, though, gives strength to the mourning and instruction to mankind. Thank you.

75 years ago there were plenty of workers to pay for new retirees. Not even our representatives could imagine that all that would change. Even today few people are aware of the fact that we no longer produce even half of what we were capable of producing just fifty years ago. Money does not grow on trees, it comes from the production of goods and services that others are willing to pay for. Since our country's production approaches less and less, there is less money to provide any government services like Social Security and Medicare. Until our media and leadership make this a realization our country will continue to be in deep trouble. No, it isn't a Ponzi scheme. It is ignorance of what it takes to run a country above and beyond wishful thinking.

Hang them from thge highest petards!!

Now let me get this straight. The question is, what should happen as a result of Solyndra? Well what should have happened after the mortgage bailout, the oil well leak in the gulf, project "Fast and Furious" concerning the border and illegal drugs and gun smuggling, the auto industry bailout, the stimulus program fiasco #1, etc., etc., etc.,??? Obama and his whole damn administration should be thrown out the door, and whoever voted for the dumb sob's should have their sanity questioned. And let's not forget the media who helped elect the golden boy of Hope and Change because everybody wanted to make history. Well, you have made history alright, I hope is was worth it.

Give me "W" and Dick Cheney any day. You know, I really wasn't all that happy with "W" and Dick, there was a lot of things I was disappointed in, but after Obama and his bunch, they look pretty damn good!!! As for what should happen after Solyndra, throw the bums out. They couldn't create a job because they have never had a real job, and Obama and cadre of losers are basically unqualified to lead or solve the problems of this country. That pretty much says in all in a nutshell. Send them packing.

NO GUNS ARE NOT A DANGER, A GUN IS A TOOL LIKE A KNIFE, SCREWDRIVER, HAMMER, BASEBALL BAT, CROWBAR,

CAR, ECT ECT ALL ARE POTENTIALLY DEADLY IN THE HANDS OF A PERSON INTENT ON HARMING OR KILLING,

A GUN IN THE HANDS OF A LAW ABIDING PERSON IS NO MORE A DANGER THAN A ICE CREAM, BUT WHEN NEEDED TO PROTECT ONES OWN LIFE FROM EVIL IT BECOMES A TOOL

OF GOOD.

IT IS ONES OWN RESPONSABILITY TO PROTECT ONES SELF AND FAMILY,

THE RESPONSABILTY OF THE POLICE IT TO PROTECT SOCOITY AS A HOLE NOT THE INDVIDULE PERSON

Hang in there brother. This fight is bigger than all of us and you've done your country proud. Your brother Marines, both past and present stand with you forever. Semper Fi

Cpl Andrew Kirby

USMC 2/5

This recent Solargate revelation is an outrage. What concerns me more is the lack of the judicial process to incarcerate those who break the law. Too many members of the elected government go scott free.

Much would be accomplished by firing the head of the Department of Justice---Holder! In his position he can continue to do irreparable harm!!!

Mary Costas

Social security is essentially an insurance plan. It can be "fixed' with a gradual increase in top earnings tased, an adjustment to the inflation formula and some means testing of benefits. All insurance can be looked at a a 'ponzi scheme' in some ways. Unemployment 'insurance is a similar insurance program. Medicare is a similar program but cost inflation makes it a real major problem.

Where in the world did this or any other admin, get the idea that they were to "invest"(read give) money from the taxpayer to private companies (read political donors)??? This whole scheme is illegal, imoral and Unconstutional. All involved need to go to jail for a very (read 50+ years) long time. The head of this illegal and immoral scheme(the idiot in the whitehouse) should be removed from office and sent back to where he came from(read anywhere overseas)!

Guns are an endangerment to public safety: spoons, forks, and steak knives enable gluttony, and automobiles enable drunken driving.

I'm so glad 45,000,000 gun owners decided not to go out and shoot up the country yesterday!!!!!

No, quite the contrary, guns in the public square are a positive force insuring public safety.

Ponzi scheme? I do not know, but it is easily correctable. Barry Goldwater had it right 50 years ago about when he ran for office. We need a 401k plan to replace SS. It will be tough to handle the people who are on SS now, but when us old geezers die off then the new ones on 401ks will be much better off.

Sometimes I inadvertently leave the house without my gun and when I notice the oversight I hope that there are other trained and licensed gun owners around me. Our safety is in the ubiquity of trained, armed citizens.

Of course SS is a ponzi scheme - by definition. A "ponzi scheme" does not have to be illegal. I'm 68, on SS, and have always hated SS. I think people should take care of themselves: and others if they so choose.

"PONZI" accurately describes the Social Security system today. Early investors get paid with later investors $$, and eventually the $$ runs out.

How hard is that to understand in political terms? Certainly, our political process is not so sacrosanct as to not allow criticism. SS has been made into something it was never intended to be. LBJ, when talking about Medicare , asked his advisers the cost of it- and when told the true cost, he remarked that He couldn't tell the people that, they would never allow it to happen!" Thus we have the CBO given just what numbers the WH wants them to have ( think ObamaCare costs) - When the accounting system change allowed SS $$ to be included in the general budget funds in order to make the budget appear to be 'balanced'- and to allow the gov't to take $$ from those funds and place IOU's in there... that was the start of the downhill run for SS. For all of my life SS has been a part of every 'retirement plan' I had no option to get out of it, unless I worked for the railroad, Postal Service or had Teacher retirement- so it is NOT an 'entitlement' for us to draw upon those funds.. it IS an entitlement for those who draw SS Disability etc. That doesn't that they shouldn't receive help from the gov't- just not under SS. SS has been mismanaged, just like our Gov't is mismanaged. Both parties manage to feather their respective nests, the D's buy votes with tax $$ like the professionals they are.. the R's try to take care of businesses, in order to keep the economic engine going so that the Dimmocrats can siphon more $$ off to their little feel-good projects that buy more votes. Immigration is simple if you look at it from a legal or illegal point- But if you look at it as a source of votes(Dimmocrats) then it is another issue entirely. We have seen the enemy, and he is us", Pogo.

If I had been allowed to privately invest all the money that SS has stolen from me, I would actually be able to retire wealthy! I have actually taken what little I had left over and built it into a considerable nest egg. No thanks to the US Government!

Sgt,

You are a warrior. You are strong. You are cherished by us all. You have what it takes. You now stand up for your fallen brothers in arms. We need men like you who will lead in this war. May God bless you as you seek to see evil from His point of view.

Is Social Security a Ponzi scheme?

I don’t believe it started out that way. I believe it was set up with very good intensions and if the government would have kept its fingers out of it, it still could be. I did some very rough calculations and when I started in the work place and the government took out six percent every year and it was put into an interest bearing account at five percent, over forty years I would have nearly $200,00.00 in my account. This would return about $1400.00 a month for twelve years. Now I know these are rough numbers, but I also know not all of my high school class are going to collect any of what they put in because about ten percent are dead. If I understand this right, at one time there was a very large surplus in that account, so our government borrowed from it. Then they started to give money to people that hadn’t paid into it. A very large portion, today, is going to people that are in this country illegally. This program was never meant to everyone, just the people that paid into it.

If guns themselves were dangerous, then people wouldn't need to be involved. Guns would on their own cause problems. They would shoot people by themselves, or just by their presence make people suddenly want commit crimes.

Sgt,

You are a warrior. You are strong. You are cherished by us all. You have what it takes. You now stand up for your fallen brothers in arms. We need men like you who will lead in this war. May God bless you as you seek to see evil from His point of view.

The data spekas for itself. Wherever there are no rights for law-abiding citizens to posses and carry firearms, the crime rates are markedly higher. The opponents of our 2nd Amendment right and others in teh world, may be well meaning, but are ignorant of the fact that criminals break laws. Therefore they have no aversion to breaking a law that says they cannot use a firearm to fullfill their sinful desires. Point of fact, the vast majority wouldn't be approved to possess or carry firearms becuase of their criminal record.

We simply must continue to debate this issue with our mis-informed opponents and be ever dilligent against those who do know the truth of our rights and the facts that are stacked againstt them, yet they seek disarmament of law-abiding citizens for the fullfillment of their criminal desires.

I pray God's richest blessings on you and your family. Thank you for such selfless service.

For Solyndra and all the other acts of malfeasance in office our jerk-in-chief should be impeached.

Re Special Election Win for GOP in Blue Territory:

Why did the Machine fail? Where was all the usual Democrat ballot box stuffing? Maybe they were so confident they became complacent.

To U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Meyer, I say thank you very much to you and for your service to our country and our freedom.

I am sorry for your loss of your friends, but I am thankful for their sacrifice, service and devotion to our country, and my prayers are with you and the families of all of you that served.

God bless all of you.

Steve Fehlauer

Don't have any words. They can't do justice. Just want to say thank you and take a moment in silence on behalf of Cpl. Meyer's fallen brothers.

>>>

Respectfully,

David Diekmann

Hawthorne, CA

Like many Americans, I have involuntarily contributed to social security and medicare since the 1960's. Being self employed for 27 of those years, I involuntarily contributed twice what salaried employees contribute. The money I was forced to contribute was given to other individuals, the funds were not held in an account with my name on it. "Contribution" rates have increased over the years but the system is mathematically unsound. What's the difference compared with Bernie Madoff? It the stock market hadn't declined, Bernie Madoff would have had the opportunity to continue his Ponzi scheme indefinitely. With social security, it's doomed without question, therefore a Ponzi scheme.

I have yet to see a gun do ANYTHING by itself. It cannot load itself, it cannot chamber a round by itself, it cannot operate the firing mechanism by itself. Perhaps in some "bizzarro" world this happens, but here in Reality Heights, inanimate objects need human interface to work. Does the Beltway have some sort of implanted device that sucks the logic and common sense out of those within it?

I salute you, Cpl Meyer.

Semper Fi.

Dave Beam USN ret

Dakota Meyer is a courgeous, valiant American. It makes me proud to be his fellow American. He proves that when called upon each generation prodices its own greatest examples.

All this amounts to is CONTROL. When the people are under control of the regime you are subject to whatever they want and your rights are virtually nil.

We have to demand the regime [THE COURTS] abide by the CONSTITUTION as written by our founders, they anticipated all this mess we are now in and made documents to prevent it.

In the discussion about SS being a Ponzi scheme everyone conveniently forgets that whatever it is, it would not be in trouble at this point if past congresses had not stolen the money from the trust fund. How about discussing that issue?! Giving the trust fund congressional IOUs then not being able to pay the money back is theft in my book.

BG

Corporal Meyer, thank you SO much for defending our freedom and doing so under devistating circumstances. My heart breaks for you and for the loss of your friends and rest assured you are in my prayers...God Bless You, you are a real life hero in my book. Thanks so much for your service to protect our freedom. God Bless America!!!

Government absolutely is inept at involvement in the private arena. Just follow the money. Human nature is to spend easily that which is gained easily. Taxpayer dollars are not spent by the ones who have the blood, sweat, and tears in producing it. Politicians need to get back to the basics of their original purpose. It is certainly not to be in business enterprise. Control by just a few corrupts the few and corrupts the government process. Using taxpayer dollars to do it is not only wasteful but despicable.

If guns are an endangerment to society, why then are police carrying guns. Guns in the hands of law abiding citizens actually make a society more civil.

Thank you Cpl. Meyer, for your dedicated service to protecting our country.

Like a Ponzi scheme, Social Security depends upon others paying your way and when there are more takers than givers the system falls apart.