I've long ranted in these forums about Social Security. But, given that $1.25 is collected today for every $1.00 dollar spent for the program, and a review of what I've written, I realize that I did not really have my eye on the ball. I know what the effect is: I won't receive what I paid in and the checks that are being written today with my deposits are made to folks who will get at least some multiple of what they paid in, plus interest. That, I think understandably, ticks me off. But the real villains are not the retirees of today. They are once again, as alluded to here: [link|http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/13/opinion/main660830.shtml|http://www.cbsnews.c.../main660830.shtml], the corporate fascists making >= $300,000 per year. Those neo-nazis simply are not ever going to pay their fair share in taxes as long as we have this neo-fascist economic system. Consequently, that extra quarter we're putting in today (and the billion upon billion all working men and women have put in over the years) is being spent because the wealthiest are the untouchable elite in our system (which, doubtless, some here would argue is the way it ought to be).

So, I apologize if I've offended anyone who has received, or is going to receive, several multiples of what they contributed back in benefits. I know you are not the bad guys. I know who the bad guys are. The trouble is I doubt many Muricans know or for that matter, care.

Putting more into the kid's college funds, and we are paying an additional $500/month on the house payment (pay off of the mortgage is 7 years from January).

Here's a few links to help with the math, if you're interested ;0)

[link|http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/CBB.html|http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/CBB.html]

[link|http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/ProgData/taxRates.html|http://www.ssa.gov/O...ata/taxRates.html]