Apr 14, 2023Liked by Richard Cheverton, Pamela Fitzsimmons
I admit my first reaction upon reading that the book was co-authored by former Sen. Graham was that it must be political agitprop (the book). But as I read I realized that if one actually ignores what are becoming massive "transfer payments" then the working middle class starts looking very different than the "government-subsidized working class."
Rent subsidies from housing from which it is virtually impossible to be evicted.
SNAP.
SSI - which is draining Social Security at a rate that will likely not affect me, but may condemn a hard working 35 year old any any future confidence of collecting their fair share of regular Social Security when they retire (at the new, full retirement age of 85).
Apr 14, 2023·edited Apr 14, 2023Liked by Richard Cheverton, Pamela Fitzsimmons
Boy oh boy this brings back many memories of feisty discussions on next-door when trying to educate my fellow neighbors on an apples to apples comparison of income - meaning a simple re-calculation with those darn "transfer payments." Add to that the glaring stats on just how much the top 10% pay in taxes relative to the bottom 40% - or is it 60% - no matter, it becomes exceedingly difficult to defend "the rich need to pay their fair share" statement.....which was the exact sentiment echoed repeatedly which finally prompted me to step in knowing I'd get a thorough verbal lashing by the Progressive mob of Irvington and Grant neighborhoods - which I did! But wait - it gets worse! I finally threw in the towel when a scary number of people liked a comment by one astute resident that the issues of affordable housing in Portland should not be burdened on the backs of taxpayers - but paid for by the government instead! God help us...
I admit my first reaction upon reading that the book was co-authored by former Sen. Graham was that it must be political agitprop (the book). But as I read I realized that if one actually ignores what are becoming massive "transfer payments" then the working middle class starts looking very different than the "government-subsidized working class."
Rent subsidies from housing from which it is virtually impossible to be evicted.
SNAP.
SSI - which is draining Social Security at a rate that will likely not affect me, but may condemn a hard working 35 year old any any future confidence of collecting their fair share of regular Social Security when they retire (at the new, full retirement age of 85).
Thanks, Richard.
Boy oh boy this brings back many memories of feisty discussions on next-door when trying to educate my fellow neighbors on an apples to apples comparison of income - meaning a simple re-calculation with those darn "transfer payments." Add to that the glaring stats on just how much the top 10% pay in taxes relative to the bottom 40% - or is it 60% - no matter, it becomes exceedingly difficult to defend "the rich need to pay their fair share" statement.....which was the exact sentiment echoed repeatedly which finally prompted me to step in knowing I'd get a thorough verbal lashing by the Progressive mob of Irvington and Grant neighborhoods - which I did! But wait - it gets worse! I finally threw in the towel when a scary number of people liked a comment by one astute resident that the issues of affordable housing in Portland should not be burdened on the backs of taxpayers - but paid for by the government instead! God help us...