Social Security Checks

Even if the government does go into default, Social Security still has money in its account to pay benefits. There is no reason not to send out Social Security checks unless the government raids the SS account to pay its other bills -- like payroll to Congress or something it thinks is more important than the old and disabled, or the widows and children of deceased workers.
When the media, or the politicos tell the public that the government isn't going to send out Social Security checks, they do so in order to WAKE US UP. We are now counting down the days until the government runs out of its ability to borrow any more money.
We have not been paying attention, because we do not think we ARE the government. Well, what do we think WE THE PEOPLE OF THESE UNITED STATES means? We elect these representatives, these congress people who are at loggerheads, who don't seem able to reach a compromise so that our government can pay its bills. WE do. YOU and I do. We have to light the fire under their chairs.
We have to write our congress people, sign petitions, call them on the phone, send email, tweet, however you reach your representatives. NOW IS THE TIME. Okay, I'm sorry to be be shouting. I'm a little impatient. With all of us. Especially with our so-called representatives.
We have to get to yes.

US Debt Ceiling, Are You Kidding Me?

This is getting serious. John Boehner storms out AGAIN. President Obama has offered serious cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, and asked for taxes from the rich and corporations. I don't know why the corporations complain, they don't pay them anyway. Seriously, GM takes in how many billions and pays ZERO taxes? Do you read these news articles about what the corporations don't pay? They have a 35% tax rate, but so many loopholes that they never pay anything at all. Apparently Republicans think no services should be given to the poor, only to the rich, and only the middle class should pay taxes. Poor have no money, rich want to hold onto their money, and corporations are too slick to ever give out any money. So, if you're middle class you are totally screwed.
For starters, Social Security should be taken out of everyone's paycheck, regardless of how much one earns. Right now that is capped at 100,000. Why? They still give you a benefit check if you earn over 100,000. Pay up. Also, close down those corporate loopholes. Give them credit for doing good works, but tax them fairly.
And until Congress can reach a compromise how about we shut off their pay? That's right, all payment to Congress is suspended until agreement is reached. What do you want to bet agreement is reached before August 2nd?

The Dress that Changed My Life

I was just reading a blog about a designer that believes he makes dresses that can change women's lives. Really? Have you ever had or even worn a dress or ANY article of clothing that changed your life?
My last post was about the possibility of the US government defaulting on its debt, and today I'm writing about dresses that could change your life. Really, Sandra? Really? Has the economy turned around? Has Congress suddenly decided to compromise? Maybe. The President is endorsing bipartisan "deal on debt", and the so-called Gang of Six [Senators] are pressing forward on something that appears to be a bipartisan compromise that will include slashing the budget and raising revenue. Including some cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.
Also new today: President Obama has endorsed the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. All in all a red-letter day. Or maybe a red dress day. Secretary Clinton has not endorsed the repeal of DOMA, nor has she come out in favor of same sex marriage. Come on, Hillary.
I have had a lot of favorite clothing items in my life beginning with that cranberry red silk velvet dress that I outgrew at the age of four and am still writing about. I've worn dresses that made me feel beautiful, and one that I hallucinated in and that hallucination became a self-fulfilling prophecy ... that was sad and horrible. Was that life-changing? If so, it was in a bad way. Every now and then I go through my wardrobe and through out everything that makes me feel fat or dumpy. Even if I bought it last week.
I can remember almost everything I ever wore at events that were life changing, but nothing I ever wore actually changed my life. What about you? What was it? Where did you get it? In what way did your life change? Did you become a better person? A better singer? Suddenly you could dance? Oh wait a minute! I never walked until my mom bought me a pair of shoes, but the minute she laced them up on me I took off walking. Does that count?