The Most Sick and Disgusting Thing I've Ever Seen

[Rocky Mtn.]

Wait til you find that the Social Security and Medicare benefits you thought you were getting have been cut because of all the illegals who have never paid into these programs but have been added to the list of people getting benefits.

This.

[Mach1]

Totally legit place to be.

I’ve been hearing about the border being the downfall of everything I should hold dear for over 4 decades. And not much has really changed.

I too fear that something really dire will happen but I think politicians prey on our fears more than portraying the reality.

But I live super far from the border and it almost totally doesn’t impact my day to day.

Wait til you find that the Social Security and Medicare benefits you thought you were getting have been cut because of all the illegals who have never paid into these programs but have been added to the list of people getting benefits.

Nah, It doesn't impact him.

[Mojouw]

In all seriousness and regardless of individual politics, why would anyone under the age of 50 think social security would be solvent on their retirement? Simple math and demographics indicates it won’t be.

I’ve never factored any money from that into my future for my entire working career.

[Voice of Reason]

In all seriousness and regardless of individual politics, why would anyone under the age of 50 think social security would be solvent on their retirement?

Because the government tells them it will be, and a lot of people nowadays are dumb enough to believe whatever the government tells them.

And we know that they do believe, because if they didn't there would be a tremendous uproar from the young people about the government forcing them to contribute to a plan from which they will receive no benefits, but there isn't.

P.S. I noticed you didn't mention Medicare. Do you expect to receive any benefits from that?

[Mojouw]

Because the government tells them it will be, and a lot of people nowadays are dumb enough to believe whatever the government tells them.

And we know that they do believe, because if they didn't there would be a tremendous uproar from the young people about the government forcing them to contribute to a plan from which they will receive no benefits, but there isn't.

P.S. I noticed you didn't mention Medicare. Do you expect to receive any benefits from that?

Nope. My entire adult life has been various Congresses and administrations using those trust funds as a piggy bank whenever they needed to. Couple that with the demographics of the various generations being upside down and people living longer than the original systems ever thought possible....and pretty clear it isn't going to be there.

I do not mean to be heartless or cruel....but if people that are under 50 (I didn't do any math...just plucked a number out of the air) or so now are counting on Social Security and Medicare to make their retirement work....they are very foolish.

[Voice of Reason]

Nope. My entire adult life has been various Congresses and administrations using those trust funds as a piggy bank whenever they needed to. Couple that with the demographics of the various generations being upside down and people living longer than the original systems ever thought possible....and pretty clear it isn't going to be there.

I do not mean to be heartless or cruel....but if people that are under 50 (I didn't do any math...just plucked a number out of the air) or so now are counting on Social Security and Medicare to make their retirement work....they are very foolish.

For the sake of argument, let's assume that what you say is true. The point is, however quickly Social Security and Medicare are going to collapse, the addition of illegal aliens to the benefit rolls is going to make them collapse a hell of a lot quicker.

[Rocky Mtn.]

For the sake of argument, let's assume that what you say is true. The point is, however quickly Social Security and Medicare are going to collapse, the addition of illegal aliens to the benefit rolls is going to make them collapse a hell of a lot quicker.

At the rate they're handing out to the illegals and the rate they're letting them in there's a good chance that happens in the next 5 years if Harris gets in there. Projection but not unrealistic.

[Mojouw]

For the sake of argument, let's assume that what you say is true. The point is, however quickly Social Security and Medicare are going to collapse, the addition of illegal aliens to the benefit rolls is going to make them collapse a hell of a lot quicker.

Sure. But it also means it doesn't impact me or move the needle for me. I have spent my entire adult life operating under the assumption that both systems would collapse into insolvency due to the constant meddling of various politicians and the fundamental math for both being upside down.

And from the actual facts and statements I have read...not claims I can find no basis for other than fearmongering on the Internet....one candidate has said far more troubling things about social security than the other.

[Rocky Mtn.]

It's a good thing we can't take it with us when we go because they'll get it then. Government rule: What's yours will be ours,one way or the other.

[Mach1]

It's a good thing we can't take it with us when we go because they'll get it then. Government rule: What's yours will be ours,one way or the other.

You'll own nothing and be happy! Feel the joy

[Rocky Mtn.]

You'll own nothing and be happy! Feel the joy

Indeed!

[Voice of Reason]

Sure. But it also means it doesn't impact me or move the needle for me. I have spent my entire adult life operating under the assumption that both systems would collapse into insolvency due to the constant meddling of various politicians and the fundamental math for both being upside down.

Wow, you are Superman. Fentanyl pouring into the country doesn't affect you. None of the criminals crossing the border will affect you. You are safe from any terrorist acts that any terrorists crossing the border may do. The collapse of Social Security won't affect you, and neither will the collapse of Medicare. Riots in the streets won't affect you, the skyrocketing costs of gas or food or medicines won't affect you, you are invincible to all the troubles and problems that us ordinary people face.

But if hawaiiansteeler posts too many articles on a Steeler message board, THAT AFFECTS YOU !!!

[Steeldude]

Wow, you are Superman. Fentanyl pouring into the country doesn't affect you. None of the criminals crossing the border will affect you. You are safe from any terrorist acts that any terrorists crossing the border may do. The collapse of Social Security won't affect you, and neither will the collapse of Medicare. Riots in the streets won't affect you, the skyrocketing costs of gas or food or medicines won't affect you, you are invincible to all the troubles and problems that us ordinary people face.

But if hawaiiansteeler posts too many articles on a Steeler message board, THAT AFFECTS YOU !!!

Haha. Good point. I guess we all have our priorities.

[Mojouw]

Wow, you are Superman. Fentanyl pouring into the country doesn't affect you. None of the criminals crossing the border will affect you. You are safe from any terrorist acts that any terrorists crossing the border may do. The collapse of Social Security won't affect you, and neither will the collapse of Medicare. Riots in the streets won't affect you, the skyrocketing costs of gas or food or medicines won't affect you, you are invincible to all the troubles and problems that us ordinary people face.

But if hawaiiansteeler posts too many articles on a Steeler message board, THAT AFFECTS YOU !!!

I have no reaction to Social Security and Medicare because it doesn't bother me that they run out of money. It sucks hard for people that depend on them and some alternative will have to be devised. And it will make me angry when the government breaks its covenant with people that are counting on it to follow through. But the government does some asinine thing or the other that makes me angry every day regardless of which broken party is in charge. But I am not planning on ever being able to be financially secure enough to retire. Once they don't let me do what I am doing now because I get too old and slow, I will have to be a Walmart greater or something. That is just the breaks of the world right now. So these issues are not ones that motivate me at the ballot box.

Fentanyl doesn't worry me. I'm not involved in drugs - so I am not going to directly encounter it. I have the same worries about the impacts of illegal drug use as the next fella. But that has been going on my entire life. Cocaine. Crack. Heroin. Ketamine. Oxy. Fentanyl. It has all been talked about basically the same way. And the fearmongering is just useless noise to drown out. Honestly...I think oxy and fentanyl just scare certain folks more because they are ravaging rural and suburban America instead of the urban areas that the others were typically focused on.

Overall, I choose not to live in the fear that the algorithm is trying to feed me. If you and others want to live attached to the IV drip of overinflated and invented fears that the content machine pours into your eyeballs - have fun. These same scenarios have been presented to the public under different names for decades now and none of them have ever come to pass. Why should it be any different now? I remember when the rampaging crack zombies were going to take over our cities first and then ooze out into the suburbs and pillage them like some sort of Mongol horde. I remember when the illegals were going to take over every job and we would all be in Depression era bread lines. It was fear mongering bullshit then to scratch out some votes and I have a real hard time believing it to be any different now.

I live in a battleground state. I watch tv. I have a mailbox. I have a phone. Do you think that any of these arguments are news to me? We have been flooded with them for over a year now. They are just noise and nonsense to make you so afraid of the alternative that you vote for whatever PAC put the ad together's candidate.

[Rocky Mtn.]

The thing that bothers me is the border free flow. I would say there's about a 100% chance it will affect us,family,friends or someone in close proximity, maybe sooner than later in a very bad way. It's already doing it in alot of places. Our soil is destined for terror for sure. That’s something that's coming at any time now in my opinion. Iran becoming nuclear capable is another. Those people live to die because of their religious beliefs.As bad as the COL is,it pales compared to terror.

[Mojouw]

The thing that bothers me is the border free flow. I would say there's about a 100% chance it will affect us,family,friends or someone in close proximity, maybe sooner than later in a very bad way. It's already doing it in alot of places. Our soil is destined for terror for sure. That’s something that's coming at any time now in my opinion. Iran becoming nuclear capable is another. Those people live to die because of their religious beliefs.As bad as the COL is,it pales compared to terror.

I do not buy the border hysteria. I just don't. I have seen some analysis that suggest there was a 3-4 year spike due to pandemic and other travel restriction measures and it is going to taper off. I don't actually know. But I have been hearing that this was some insurmountable problem for my entire life. And nothing catastrophic has happened. Honestly, we can use the labor. The US can stand to absorb some young people at the bottom of the labor market. The way our demographics are going we risk becoming Germany where we have more retirees than workers. Why do you think the Germans keep taking refugees from anywhere and everywhere? Their population demographics are totally unsustainable.

As for terrorism....that happens everywhere in the world from the most restricted police states to the most open nations. If someone wants to cross your border and engage in terrorism and they are determined/clever enough - you're not going to stop it. No nation can or has. That is why people/groups keep doing it. It works. Best we can all hope for is steps to mitigate the truly horrific catastrophes like a nuclear attack or a something that breaks some infrastructure we can't fix.

I really can not wrap my head around being actively worried about terrorism. Sure it is a thing that exists and all nations need to take measures to actively combat it and protect their security...but I can't figure out thinking about it on an individual level. I can see it being an issue that motivates your choices at the ballot box. But day to day? Nothing you can do.

For instance, the most likely avenue for terrorism to touch my life would be air travel. It has always been the quickest and easiest way for terrorists to cause the most terror. Almost all the big international and particularly US involved incidents have centered on airplanes and airports. But I don't freak out about going to the airport and I don't consider not travelling when I need or want to.

[Mojouw]

The things that actively worry me are more related to how we interact with one another as a society. I know squishy liberal bullshit.

I think the erosion of confidence and respect for earned expertise. The assaults on education and educators. The significant and measurable decline in reading, thinking, and analytical skills across all segments of our country. Those sorts of things actively scare me.

Now you are facing generational deficits in talent and innovation. All of the problems that get raised across this forum are going to require innovative and insightful solutions to create positive solutions. Clearly all the tired old ideas we have been trotting out for three generations are not working. We need new ones.

But we are a nation that does not believe in the same facts. We no longer believe that learning things is the way to thinking our way out of problems. We lack the inventive capacity that has always been a hallmark of everything good that America has done. And it will be difficult if not impossible to get that back when the competition does believe in expertise, learning, and scientific innovation.

At one point the entire world was freaking out because we were going to run out of whale oil. Then scientists figured out how to crack oil into a variety of petrochemicals and the world was saved and we are off and running. Of course petrochemicals have their own problems that we are facing now. Only now we lack the educational and scientific resources to invent our way out of the problem like we did last time. Coupled with a large percentage of the country wouldn't believe it if free and cheap energy was invented tomorrow because they would need to do their own research online.

Take all that with the toxic infusion of the Bible and jingoistic fake patriotism into all strains of American politics and that is the kinda thing that actually makes me worried.

[Mojouw]

The thing that bothers me is the border free flow. I would say there's about a 100% chance it will affect us,family,friends or someone in close proximity, maybe sooner than later in a very bad way. It's already doing it in alot of places. Our soil is destined for terror for sure. That’s something that's coming at any time now in my opinion. Iran becoming nuclear capable is another. Those people live to die because of their religious beliefs.As bad as the COL is,it pales compared to terror.

I wanted to take a moment and say that my previous posts were not an attempt to counter your opinion or concerns about terrorism. That’s a legit concern and I do get that. I was just posting a general response and whatnot.

[Rocky Mtn.]

I do not buy the border hysteria. I just don't. I have seen some analysis that suggest there was a 3-4 year spike due to pandemic and other travel restriction measures and it is going to taper off. I don't actually know. But I have been hearing that this was some insurmountable problem for my entire life. And nothing catastrophic has happened. Honestly, we can use the labor. The US can stand to absorb some young people at the bottom of the labor market. The way our demographics are going we risk becoming Germany where we have more retirees than workers. Why do you think the Germans keep taking refugees from anywhere and everywhere? Their population demographics are totally unsustainable.

As for terrorism....that happens everywhere in the world from the most restricted police states to the most open nations. If someone wants to cross your border and engage in terrorism and they are determined/clever enough - you're not going to stop it. No nation can or has. That is why people/groups keep doing it. It works. Best we can all hope for is steps to mitigate the truly horrific catastrophes like a nuclear attack or a something that breaks some infrastructure we can't fix.

I really can not wrap my head around being actively worried about terrorism. Sure it is a thing that exists and all nations need to take measures to actively combat it and protect their security...but I can't figure out thinking about it on an individual level. I can see it being an issue that motivates your choices at the ballot box. But day to day? Nothing you can do.

For instance, the most likely avenue for terrorism to touch my life would be air travel. It has always been the quickest and easiest way for terrorists to cause the most terror. Almost all the big international and particularly US involved incidents have centered on airplanes and airports. But I don't freak out about going to the airport and I don't consider not travelling when I need or want to.

Time will tell. The border numbers have been disastrous during this administration. The more border crossings you allow the more bad apples you get. That's just simple math. I'm not on the edge of my seat waiting for a terror event but my money says the chances are much greater because of the large numbers that have basically just been walking in.

[Rocky Mtn.]

I wanted to take a moment and say that my previous posts were not an attempt to counter your opinion or concerns about terrorism. That’s a legit concern and I do get that. I was just posting a general response and whatnot.

I get that.

[Voice of Reason]

Overall, I choose not to live in the fear that the algorithm is trying to feed me. If you and others want to live attached to the IV drip of overinflated and invented fears that the content machine pours into your eyeballs - have fun. These same scenarios have been presented to the public under different names for decades now and none of them have ever come to pass.

Tell that to the families of people who have been killed by immigrant criminals who have come into the country. Tell that to the families of people who have been killed by fentanyl overdoses because mild drugs that they had used safely before are now being laced with fentanyl. Tell that to young girls who are now being forced to share bathrooms and shower facilities with biological males. Tell that to the parents of young children who are now being encouraged by the very schools that are supposed to be educating them to mutilate their own bodies on a whim in order to change their gender, and when the parents object to this at school board meetings they are treated by the FBI as if they were domestic terrorists. Tell that to the people who see the candidate they want to vote for being railroaded into jail by the opposition party.

Never have come to pass? It's all just an algorithm? Look around you, you numbskull. Things are actually happening right now that would have been unthinkable for most of my lifetime. If you think you're immune from all this, you're in for a rude awakening.

[Rocky Mtn.]

Tell that to the families of people who have been killed by immigrant criminals who have come into the country. Tell that to the families of people who have been killed by fentanyl overdoses because mild drugs that they had used safely before are now being laced with fentanyl. Tell that to young girls who are now being forced to share bathrooms and shower facilities with biological males. Tell that to the parents of young children who are now being encouraged by the very schools that are supposed to be educating them to mutilate their own bodies on a whim in order to change their gender, and when the parents object to this at school board meetings they are treated by the FBI as if they were domestic terrorists. Tell that to the people who see the candidate they want to vote for being railroaded into jail by the opposition party.

Never have come to pass? It's all just an algorithm? Look around you, you numbskull. Things are actually happening right now that would have been unthinkable for most of my lifetime. If you think you're immune from all this, you're in for a rude awakening.

Good post VOR. Alot of suffering out there.

[Mojouw]

None of this is new. It’s just different names for the same old nonsense.

coke, crack, heroin, oxy, and now it’s fentanyl. No one is mixing hot shots into over the counter meds here.

satanic cults, the homosexual agenda, and now trans stuff.

migrants have been supposed to take my job and loot my neighborhood for decades now. Still waiting for it to happen.

Someone has being trying to terrify me into supporting their agenda using these techniques my entire life.

[Rocky Mtn.]

It's getting bad in the bigger cities. I understand that you aren't being affected personally. However it is starting to affect alot of people's lives in adverse ways. It's well known that in NYC for instance, that citizens have grown tired of the illegal migration and the affects it has had on their lives. Immigration is the second highest concern for voters behind the economy. There's a reason for that.

[Craic]

Honestly, we can use the labor. The US can stand to absorb some young people at the bottom of the labor market. The way our demographics are going we risk becoming Germany where we have more retirees than workers. Why do you think the Germans keep taking refugees from anywhere and everywhere? Their population demographics are totally unsustainable.

About the only (non)fix that would work for Social Security is to bring in a lot of younger workers to kick the can the road another thirty or forty years until Baby-boomers are all gone as that is the generation that will likely bust the system.

The only difference between us here is that I believe they should come in legally. If you are looking for a better future and believe the USA is that future, then at least start it right by obeying the laws as you enter. Of course, that also means our immigration policy needs to be revamped to allow for more legal immigration. But I would also be of the mind to deny legal status for any future application to anyone who is caught entering illegally. Of course, I'd include a caveat.

The US govt. should also broaden the inroads to naturalization through the military. Currently, a person must have a Green Card and live inside the US. I'd be okay with opening that up. Sign up at an embassy and then ship out to serve in the US military for six years or so, and receive naturalization for you and your immediate family (spouse and children only). If you're an illegal alien trying to sign up in the US, it's eight years due to a two-year penance for violating the law upon entering the US (any loss of life in combat equals naturalization for immediate family).

[Mojouw]

About the only (non)fix that would work for Social Security is to bring in a lot of younger workers to kick the can the road another thirty or forty years until Baby-boomers are all gone as that is the generation that will likely bust the system.

The only difference between us here is that I believe they should come in legally. If you are looking for a better future and believe the USA is that future, then at least start it right by obeying the laws as you enter. Of course, that also means our immigration policy needs to be revamped to allow for more legal immigration. But I would also be of the mind to deny legal status for any future application to anyone who is caught entering illegally. Of course, I'd include a caveat.

The US govt. should also broaden the inroads to naturalization through the military. Currently, a person must have a Green Card and live inside the US. I'd be okay with opening that up. Sign up at an embassy and then ship out to serve in the US military for six years or so, and receive naturalization for you and your immediate family (spouse and children only). If you're an illegal alien trying to sign up in the US, it's eight years due to a two-year penance for violating the law upon entering the US (any loss of life in combat equals naturalization for immediate family).

I’m actually in agreement with all that. It needs to be FAR easier to legally get here. We need the people.

Non of my statements are conveying that illegal entry is a great idea. But it’s just not the system breaking problem many people have been frightened into thinking it is. Heck, a great deal of “illegal labor” actually pays in to SSI without taking out of that system.

Also the Escape From New York or Mad Max vision that gets painted of American cities is laughable. People speaking with such confident voices about places they have never been within a 100 miles of.

Immigration is not breaking American urban centers in dizzying numbers or young and talented people wouldn’t flock to them unlike the slowly shriveling small towns that can not attract jobs or businesses yet are so lionized.

[Voice of Reason]

Non of my statements are conveying that illegal entry is a great idea. But it’s just not the system breaking problem many people have been frightened into thinking it is.

It's not? The system is breaking apart right right in front of your eyes whether you acknowledge it or not. It's like the old saying, there is none so blind as he who will not see.

It's only a matter of time before it gets to you personally, whether you realize it or not. Like I said, if you think you're immune from all this, you're in for a rude awakening.

[Steeldude]

The things that actively worry me are more related to how we interact with one another as a society. I know squishy liberal bullshit.

I think the erosion of confidence and respect for earned expertise. The assaults on education and educators. The significant and measurable decline in reading, thinking, and analytical skills across all segments of our country. Those sorts of things actively scare me.

That decline would all be due to today's liberalism. No more Algebra class because it is unfair to some students. It's not inclusive. Also, you can't call it English any longer because that isn't inclusive. It must be called Language Arts.

Get rid of meritocracy because it's not fair. We must be inclusive at all costs. This doesn't apply to the wealthy of course. Their children go to private schools. Fortunately, my wife and I can afford to send our children to private school. My 8th grade daughter is in Algebra I, but if she was in public school she would be in a course called Integrated Math.

https://reason.com/2021/05/04/califo...uity-calculus/

[86WARD]

That decline would all be due to today's liberalism. No more Algebra class because it is unfair to some students. It's not inclusive. Also, you can't call it English any longer because that isn't inclusive. It must be called Language Arts.

Get rid of meritocracy because it's not fair. We must be inclusive at all costs. This doesn't apply to the wealthy of course. Their children go to private schools. Fortunately, my wife and I can afford to send our children to private school. My 8th grade daughter is in Algebra I, but if she was in public school she would be in a course called Integrated Math.

https://reason.com/2021/05/04/califo...uity-calculus/

Another fake narrative and one of the more ignorant statements in this thread.

It's almost like you don't know what the meaning of the terms English, Language Arts, ELA, Algebra, Integrated actually mean.

[Rocky Mtn.]

Another fake narrative and one of the more ignorant statements in this thread.

It's almost like you don't know what the meaning of the terms English, Language Arts, ELA, Algebra, Integrated actually mean.