Pic Of The Moment: On First Day Of New Congress, GOP Goes After Disabled, Social Security

[EarlG]

Warren: "The GOP is inventing a Social Security crisis"

Follow @demunderground

[Liberalynn]

1. Thanks for the continued raising awareness of this issue!

I spent the morning writing the 3 networks and CNN to cover this story, it's tilting at windmills I know but it feels better than doing nothing.

[stage left]

2. Shameful!

I expected Republicans to do a lot of shameful stuff in the next two years and I see they're not going to disappoint me.

[father founding]

3. corporateb socialism

If the past GOP congresses didn't give private disability insurers the green light to transfer their disability obligations to social security disability, there would be no crisis. the fix is to make sure private disability companies like Unum and prudential take care of their disability obligations, not dump them on Social Security.

[turbinetree]

4. Slime balls

Now, the (republicans) are going to insert this in a bill that needs to be passed, again we have the never ending republican blackmail party going after those less fortunate, poor, on social security, ect.... while these right wing hypocrites where on vacation last year to the tune of over 244 days and making 174,000 a year doing nothing, they should give back the tax payers money for everyday they were not in there congressional office in Washington, and put back in the SSDI, unemployment benefits, Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, roads, jobs, if and when they leave Washington, then they pay for everything out of there own pocket.

[tclambert]

5. It's pure Scroogism. "Why should I pay people who don't work?"

(What, like the idle rich? "No, no, no. Those people are job creators. For instance, they hire consultants to handle it when they need to layoff a thousand people.&quot

Another Scroogism:"If they be like to die, then let them do it, and decrease the surplus population." I think Ebenezer Scrooge composed many of the policy positions of the modern Republican party.

[progressoid]

6. Compassionate Conservatism.

[madamesilverspurs]

7. ...

[blackspade]

8. The GOP are criminals.

[procon]

9. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot

Setting aside the soulless cruelty of targeting vulnerable people who can't fight back, by reducing the services and household income of the disabled, these shortsighted Republicans will force hundreds of thousands of their own constituents into poverty and onto state welfare rolls. It's the 'penny wise, pound foolish" maxin writ large.

Since red states are already coping with high numbers of disabled citizens in no small measure due to their own idiotic polices of denying affordable healthcare to people who need it, this will place a huge strain public services and other NGOs that try to assist the poor. After years of letting financial morons push for balanced budgets, tax cuts and perks for the rich, the already cash strapped state treasuries won't be able to squeeze any more money out of their diminished revenue streams.

When the thousands of new applicants flood state agencies looking for help in getting the same services that were once covered by federal programs, the whole, Republican-built house of cards will come crashing down.

[ThingsGottaChange]

10. And I was so afraid my anxiety level would drop

Now I am assured that it will not. If any of this happens, I can only hope I die before becoming homeless.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

11. Wonder how many of the disabled voted GOP to protect their guns.

[kenfrequed]

12. Scrooge?

I suppose the right wing considers this a late Christmas present to America.

[SoapBox]

13. Pukes and Baggers...evil.

Oh...but they are so holy and Christian.

Hypocrites.

[MADem]

14. Anyone who INSISTS that there's "no difference" between Dems and Republicans needs to have a good

hard look at that link.

Who doesn't know someone who relies on social security disability? It is a needed resource that ensures a small measure of dignity for those in dire straits.

[valerief]

15. Oh, but the churches--who CAN get govt money--will take care of them.

Maybe. If they notice them. Whatever.

[Johonny]

16. Who's looking out for you?

not the GOP.

[Plucketeer]

17. Looking back...

Wasn't there some tyrant dictator who once tried eliminating all the disabled and disenfranchised by sifting them from society? What WAS that humanity cancer's name?? Whatever. I'm sure if I tuned to the American Heroes Channel, I could find out.

He'd surely be proud of our Republican party these days! Compassion costs money! Money best left to the likes of Adelson and the Kochs.

[TRoN33]

18. Obama will veto it anyways.

[Dont call me Shirley]

27. He can't, it's a House Rule Change

[LarryNM]

41. The President Can and Should Issue An Executive Order Bypassing the Congress

Just because some future President might use Executive Orders to do something you disagree with, is no reason to
not make Executive Orders you do agree with. Our enemies (I mean that literally) have shown who and what they are.
Act accordingly.

[Dont call me Shirley]

43. I hope he can

[LaydeeBug]

19. and by their deeds, Lord, you will know them. nt

[geretogo]

20. If anyone doubts evil exists you just have to watch the GOP .

[calimary]

21. The old cliche - "why don't you pick on someone your own size" comes to mind.

So now they've got it all. Well, at least on Capitol Hill. And they prove again they don't know what to do with it. They THINK they're gonna show us all how they "govern" now. What a joke! You can't rail and rage on and on and on about how bad government is, and then be expected to run it effectively if, heaven forbid, you somehow gain control of it. They don't believe in government. So how the hell they think they can "govern" now - is beyond me.

[SodoffBush]

22. I'll be applying for disability insurance shortly

My plan was absolutely to work another 3 years... However, three months ago I was diagnosed with an inherited kidney disease. Now, at Stage 4-5 kidney malfunction, I will need dialysis and/or a transplant, which will involve drugs that will lower my immunity so that the new kidney, when I find one, doesn't get rejected.

I WOULD LIKE to work longer if I could, but I can't. So what is this, survival of the lucky who haven't inherited a bad gene?

[TexasTowelie]

23. Don't wait,

go ahead and apply now since it takes forever to get approved.

[RiverNoord]

39. SSDI saved my life. I really hope that you are able to secure appropriate benefits.

It's been clear to me for years that there is an organized and efficient movement in this country, funded by the very wealthy, to remove all impediments in the way of a desperate, on-the-edge working class that must simply take whatever work it can get to survive. For them, that's got to mean that they see plenty of people on the very edge of survival or worse, and, incredibly, they can actually now go after SSDI and keep their people in office.

I survived many years of a severe, debilitating health condition (it took the SSA about a week to approve my application). I recovered, which is not what I expected, and I went to law school, practiced law for a few years and hated it, then finally returned to IT (which had been my career path years before). I couldn't have done any of it without SSDI. I'd be dead. I think that would have been the kind of thing that these... people would have held up as a model of success.

Never mind that I now make much more money than I ever did before, and pay plenty of taxes (I consider it a privilege after all the years that I lived through in a tiny studio apartment with just barely enough money to keep from being too hungry...).

I wish you the very best, and concur with the other commenter - apply as soon as you possibly can.

[randr]

24. Repugs will always go after the weak first

Just like the predators they are.

[pansypoo53219]

25. the publiukkklans love amerce, they just the lower 1/2 of americans.

[Kevin from WI]

26. Sounds like that compassionate conservatism

I keep hearing about. They really do seem to hate the poor and the downtrodden. GOP stands for Give Only Pain if you are not one of their rich buddies.

[freshwest]

47. 'GOP stands for Give Only Pain.' So true.

[Dont call me Shirley]

28. Gop is just following the nazi playbook...

I know I'm not supposed to use the "nz" argument.

[Enthusiast]

31. The GOP is against supporting useless eaters.

It hurts the war effort.

[Dont call me Shirley]

37. And we take away from the partying budget of the .001%

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

49. I have no problem with that comparison. There are just too many similarities to ignore.

No, they're not Nazis yet, but neither were Nazis until they were.

[polynomial]

29. Its stupid to cut money for disability

Especially with the disabled, encouraging Online Internet Jobs is the future money machine for both disability people and those billionaire one percenters that what to make more money.

Its stupid to cut money for disability in this technological society we have.

This GOP represents a culture in government similar in many ways to old third world types America is in conflict right now. Iraq used toxic warfare experiment.

Operation Desert Storm, fought in 1991, was the first time in military history that depleted uranium was used. Now never talked about but is the responsibility still ours, of course and it was the Bush family that profiteered through this endeavor at the expense of American and Iraqi lives.

Herbert Walker Bush should parachute and do a wheel through to inspect the war torn of that era. Better yet every Journalist that supported that time should sample the water to see if its good.

That depleted uranium contaminate water and soil and enter into the food chain. The particles are so small that they can be blown by wind for tens of kilometers. The uranium aerosol enters the body through ingestion or inhalation, or through coming in contact with an open wound.

That’s the real reason to get out. Our America Herbert Walker Bush president poisoned these Iraqi people with all the intention to make them suffer for a long time.

American service men and women subjected to a horror of unbelievable truisms the toxicity of Depleted Uranium does not come only from its capacity to kill life, but also its ability to create an array of pathologies and afflictions.

In the lungs, the radioactive uranium dust has a bio-toxic life span of close to one year. It can cause many acute symptoms due to its immediate chemical toxicity, which irritates and destroys lung tissue.

As it makes its way to the blood stream, the uranium oxides bind with organic compounds to form chemical and organic complexes that deposit in the bones, lymphatic system, liver, and kidneys. This stuff is radioactive toxicity, more than its chemical toxicity, affects the development of different kinds of malignancies and genetic mutations.

Still, the chemical and irradiation toxicity happen simultaneously to produce a series of acute, chronic, and deadly ailments.

This is a war crime.

[Enthusiast]

34. They don't care about radioactivity. They care about oil.

[Dont call me Shirley]

67. This guy thinks he can make a mint from nuclear waste. Those silly goppers, radioactive materials

is for kids.

Oregon's GOP Chair Wants to Sprinkle Nuclear Waste From Airplanes
—By Tim Murphy| Fri Aug. 16, 2013 5:00 AM EDT

Email
212
Art Robinson/Facebook
After months of in-fighting, the beleaguered Oregon Republican Party elected a new chairman last weekend. His name is Art Robinson, and he wants to sprinkle radioactive waste from airplanes to build up our resistance to degenerative illnesses. Robinson, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress against progressive Rep. Peter DeFazio in 2010 and 2012, took over after the previous chair resigned in advance of a recall campaign over her alleged financial mismanagement.

Robinson, who has a Ph.D. in chemistry, has marketed himself for the last three decades as an expert on everything from nuclear fallout to AIDS to climate science in the pages of a monthly newsletter, Access to Energy, which he published from his compound in the small town of Cave Junction. A quick glance at his writings, which were publicized during his ill-fated challenges to DeFazio, suggest that whatever the failings of the previous party leadership—Democrats now hold all statewide elected offices and control both houses of the state Legislature—Robinson brings with him a new set of challenges entirely.

On nuclear waste: "All we need do with nuclear waste is dilute it to a low radiation level and sprinkle it over the ocean—or even over America after hormesis is better understood and verified with respect to more diseases." And: "If we could use it to enhance our own drinking water here in Oregon, where background radiation is low, it would hormetically enhance our resistance to degenerative diseases. Alas, this would be against the law."

http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/08/oregon-gop-art-robinson-nuclear-waste-airplanes

[Enthusiast]

68. I have no words.

Democratic Party candidates should emulate guys like this so they can get elected.

[easychoice]

53. We fixed Viet Nam up real good too...

Colon Powell and his cronies:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=654&q=Agent+Orange+Holocast&oq=Agent+Orange+Holocast&gs_l=img.12...5976.23618.0.28660.21.12.0.9.4.0.118.959.9j3.12.0.msedr...0...1ac.1.60.img..6.15.909.YGFjU0nuJAc

[yuiyoshida]

30. The GOP does not care about ordinary people...

This is the country where you pull yourself up by your own boot straps, even if you don't have any legs. All the money will go to RICH people, who are greedy and need more..screw the poor, and disabled, they had their chance in life, and the GOP says, who cares...they obviously don't give a damn.

[Sick_of_TP]

32. Why would people vote for these idiots.

What I don't understand is why so many middle class and poor people vote these money grubbers into office. They have been in charge a few days and are already taking credit for the improving economy by Obama. They will take the credit all the way to the November elections next year.

Maybe the trickle down will improve the economy even more! haha

[alfredo]

45. To curry favor with the bullies.

[7962]

33. If they spent their time eliminating fraud, they likely wouldnt think it needed changing.

Easy for the pricks to just say "cut it" instead of trying to actually FIX it. The number of people on disability is up by over 20% in the past few years. We all KNOW there's no way that many people have become disabled. The system is being gamed and drained. Crack down on the fraudsters and there will be plenty of money for those who are sick or injured. And maybe they could also work on making it less like waterboarding when you apply. Its a nightmare; especially if you're not just disabled but cant get around

[Enthusiast]

35. You don't know what you are talking about.

You have to prove a disability to receive benefits. I have heard hundreds of Republicans repeat your words but never a Democrat. Funny that.

[7962]

38. Let me introduce you to this Democrat

Let me introduce you to Rep Tammy Duckworth (D)IL, as she rips a scammer a new one http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/26/duckworth-rips-witness-over-veterans-disability-claim/comment-page-1/
This guy is ripping off the VA Disability business program. Its 8 minutes, but she's awesome.

A prime example of what I'm talking about. You dont see all the lawyer ads on TV touting how they'll get you disability? Its no different than personal injury lawyers who have a team of doctors and others who will verify that you have whatever ailment they need you to have.
I know people who have legitimate problems and yet cant get disability. I also know people who are on it and shouldnt be. You report them and nothing is done.The guy in the clip above is an example of what happens.
Again, are you really going to sit there and believe that suddenly millions more are disabled in the past few years at such a higher rate than previous years?

[Enthusiast]

56. Nope. You're wrong again. And you sound exactly like.....

[7962]

59. So I'll just mark you down as OK with defrauding the program. Fine.

I know the clip I posted concerned a man defrauding the VA disability program and not the SSDI, but fraud is fraud and you wanted to see a Democrat calling it out. I showed that. I'm sure more Dems are out there but it doesnt matter to you, you're fine with people ripping off the system and draining it of money that should go to those who deserve it.
I dont know why the automatic reaction of so many people is to defend criminals that are ruining the programs designed to help those in need. You still havent explained how millions of people have suddenly become disabled in the past few years compared to prior years.

[Enthusiast]

63. Way to mischaracterize me.

It appears your objective is to create a conflict.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

51. You are correct.

Last edited Fri Jan 9, 2015, 07:57 AM - Edit history (1)

Check out the articles linked here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026061499#post5

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

50. You are misinformed.

Last edited Fri Jan 9, 2015, 07:56 AM - Edit history (1)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026061499#post5

[7962]

60. No, YOU are. In your earlier post you make it clear you're fine with fraud

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026061499#post4

So because the economy gets bad it ok for people who have been working to now get money from DISABILITY programs because they may have lost their job? Isnt the program for people who are disabled and CANNOT work? Yes, thats whats its for. And if you claim disability simply because you lost your job, you are defrauding the program and draining it of funds. Its FRAUD. Its not like there is an unlimited supply of money out there just waiting to be tapped by anyone who wants it. Good lord.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

64. That's not what I said, but as you appear to have a severe reading comprehension problem, not to

mention seem to be foaming at the mouth causing me to fear for your health, I don't see any reason to continue to attempt communicating with you.

Those who can stay calm and read what I've actually written will know you've misstated what I said.

[7962]

70. Since you think I'm crazy, read this persons post:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1017&pid=236917

Tell HIM he's wrong too. Same thread as this one. Pointing out the same things I did; fraudsters.

[SummerSnow]

36. I bet they will tell people to look to faith based programs or family for support.

[santamargarita]

40. How much more of these criminal and shameless acts can this country take?

[littlemissmartypants]

42. Thanks.

High levels of religiosity have been linked to lower levels of intelligence in a number of recent studies.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160289611000912

[alfredo]

44. Cowards pick on the weakest among us.

[raging moderate]

46. Psychopathy appears to be endemic in this Congress.

We will need to stay alert, as they move forward to implement their hellish vision of the world.

[Cha]

48. Thanks EarlG.. I got a Graphic, too..

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/01/07/a-tweet-or-two-205/

[YOHABLO]

52. So we can afford over a trillion for the F35 fighter that's full of problems and is not safe to fly>

and mind you, that's the same amount we've spent on the Iraq war (where billions were stolen); over 700 billion to bail out the banks, with no criminal prosecutions; and we can't support Social Security and those who depend on it because they are disabled? This all leaves me scratching my head. Now let's see, who do they (the Republican Nazis) say are scamming the Federal Government ???

[IronLionZion]

58. What is our defense budget defending?

[NancyDL]

54. So Congress goes after Social Security and Disability Insurance...

Is anyone here surprised at this?

[CountAllVotes]

55. They've already cut some people off!

Last edited Mon Jan 12, 2015, 07:20 AM - Edit history (1)

I know a man that got cut off recently.

Sure throw the disabled out into the streets and then America will look more and more like the streets of Calucuta!

Good job repigs, good job!

[7962]

61. You can get approved for impotence?? Holy shit

How does that keep someone from working unless they're a male prostitute? THIS is the kind of stuff I'm talking about when I say we need to crack down on fraud. Absolutely ridiculous.

[CountAllVotes]

66. I could not believe it myself

Last edited Mon Jan 12, 2015, 07:18 AM - Edit history (1)

and yes, it is true (likely a portion of the case, not the entire case but adds to it).

The people that I know that are doing this are driving brand new cars and living in a house worth $1 million dollars and yes they are indeed REPUBLICANS!

[7962]

69. I've pointed out similar stuff, but get rebuked for it.

I'm accused of being a right winger who wants to do away with the program. They deny that there is fraud going on. Here's a response I got yesterday when I brought it up:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1017&pid=236802

This person would likely tell you that youre wrong, or to report the person if theres fraud. Like they'll listen to us. I want the systme to be there for people like YOU, who have a claim to it. The others make me sick because they're STEALING the money when they could be working
I wish you the best in dealing with your MS. I cant imagine what you have to deal with.

[CountAllVotes]

71. Like I said

Last edited Fri Jan 9, 2015, 09:27 PM - Edit history (1)

The clock is ticking on this situation and it WILL catch up with them very soon.

It sickens me.

I told them that if I did not really NEED SSDI, I'd forget about it. Period.

I'd really rather NOT have to worry about whether or not I'll get my pittance every month.

[IronLionZion]

57. There's value in having dem majority in congress, any type of dems,

even the most moderate red state dems would support basic social programs.

[7962]

62. Yet many here will tell you they wont vote for "X" if they run.

The big picture is elusive to many for some reason

[bullwinkle428]

65. These fuckers actually had the gall to campaign on "protecting Social Security".

I live in a "bi-state" area, so I was subject to twice the amount of campaign commercials that most others had to deal with, and all of these Repukes were pushing the "Don't sweat, Grandma & Grandpa...you'll be just fine!" meme.