Why are republicans targeting SSDI benefits and not SS benefits too?

[brewens]

56. I'm looking at having my second knee replacement. Had the first at 45 and went back

to work. My L&I settlement from that on the job knee injury that resulted in the first "total knee" rated me at 35% disabled. I've got other things going on now too, the same kind of pain in both hips, arthritis and high blood pressure under control with medication. Now at 54, I'm thinking if it really turns out to be a total knee job, I'm pretty much done at my current job. I will at least be looking into applying for dissability and retiring.

My current job is fairly active but not what I would consider hard labor. That I did for 25 or more years though. I always had some kind of distributor warehouse or route driver job. I flat out can't do any of that kind of work any more. It's now gotten to where I'm hurting all the time but I am exceptionally tough. I've made it to work on extra Aleve and determination when I wouldn't blame someone else for bagging it. I like my job though.

I had one job for three years doing commercial hydroseeding and concrete curbing. I should never have taken that one. It was brutal hard physical labor but even at 40, I was still powerful and mobile. I could handle it but the knees were already suspect and that added some real wear and tear. The only thing that saved me on that job was the three month layoff every year to rest and heal up. Being off and collecting "unenjoyment" benefits was a much needed vacation. I was pounded in extreme heat when everyone else was out water skiing and fishing. I didn't feel a bit bad about partying and taking it easy in the winter, courtesy of the Washington state taxpayers. I did however all three years go back to my old beer distributor job for three weeks over the holidays to drive forklift and help out. I was a certified trainer to and they always needed to get a rookie signed off it seemed. I was blackbelt and could tie my shoes with a forklift. That also got me invited to the Christmas party, one of my demands for coming back

I'm glad I've always been one that never resented disabled people. Even one I know that I heard qualified mostly because of alcoholism. The way I looked at it, I wouldn't have wanted that guy working with me, so what would you do with him? He neither gets or asks for a lot. He does minor yard work for a little extra cash and drinks in between. Even if you got him off the sauce, he's a beat up frail little dude. He can't really earn a living and you'd be bumping someone that can, putting him somewhere and accomodating him. Whatever he gets it ain't no two large a month.

Myself though, If I was able to clear two grand a month and have help with the med costs, I'd feel pretty good about it. I'd be able to hang out, read, watch tv and go fishing within 100 miles of where I always lived. A couple of trips to the coast every year to hang out with buddies over there, maybe a few college footaball games, that kind of thing. I'd be perfectly happy.

For having worked steadily since I was 16, aside from three years off on my L&I knee injury ordeal, I really don't think I'm asking a lot.