http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills info@washingtonwatch.com http://www.pjdoland.com/chai/?v=0.1 http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47956 Geoffrey: Welcome to America. " Stupid is as stupid does!"... 47956@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47938 Most people are probably unaware the the Windfall Elimination Provision WEP, also grossly unfairly affects Naturalized US citizens also. Before becoming a US citizen, I worked 19 years in the UK paying into their social security system. I was stunned to learn on applying for my US social security after many years working here and contributing to the US system, that my payments will be reduced by the amount of any payment I receive from England. How can this be fair or morally right? My British social security will be paid form England not the US and has nothing to do with my hard-earned entitlement to US social security. The US is not losing any money by paying the pension I have earned here. Totally outrageous!... 47938@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47426 Here is an address for President-elect Obama: http://www.change.gov/page/s/contact,...copy/paste into your browser and when the page opens send him a message and URGE him to follow through on his commitment of support for the repeal of WEP / GPO in 2009. Share the address with those you know affected by this unfair legislation and get them involved... BEFORE the Inauguration.... 47426@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47429 To Leslie, I totally agree and believe that those affected in the 15 states need to create "critical mass" by uniting with one another via a website/web-petition/??. Disparate professional organizations do not appear inclined to join forces....we must somehow do this ourselves. Those on this blog who are web-savvy (or know someone who is)can pick up the ball and design something to accomplish the goal:Get our message to everyone affected and create momentum. AARP is not interested in us and is only an insurance provider with a large data base.... 47429@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47430 Leslie continued: there is no "centralized union of retirees"..we have to be innovative and create it. Congress has boxcars of testimony over years of letters/emails. What it doesn't have is a "focused" message from those affected...breakdown the walls of professional organizations and unite not as teachers, firefighters, police officers, civil service employees..but rather as American citizens deserving what is fair! I challenge us all to develop this plan.... 47430@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47146 Richard, good point. I'm not going to renew my subscription. It is vital to get their support and since it doesn't affect the majority of their subscribers I didn think they would back us. I never thought of them as being an insurance company but you are spot on about that.... 47146@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47148 Simon & Garfunkel once sang about folks like you: "Still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest ..."... 47148@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47111 Leslie, I have been in contact wiht the national FOP and the AFT and suggested they get together and marshall their forces to make a bigger impact. I have also written talk shows in hopes of getting some coverage but so far no luck there.... 47111@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47113 . . .as for AARP; most of us are disgusted that they choose not to support legislation that would eliminate the GPO/WEP. Their involvement was felt to be vital to repealing these provisions that penalize educators and public sector employees. I have a substantial file of correspondence w/them. AARP's turn-around on the Prescription Drug Plan, when they realized there was money to be made, found many of us resigning our memberships. They are no more than an insurance company with seniors as their marketing niche.... 47113@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47065 The National FOP has been successful in gaining more support for HR 82/S.206. Right now at least 340 cosponsors on HR 82, more than 75% of entire House. Equally successful in the Senate. 36 members signed on as co sponsors.... 47065@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47080 To Leslie M: Two national teacher unions, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, along with the Fraternal Oder of Police are very active and have been well documented on this site. I’m not familiar w/AFSME. Perhaps you could make contact w/them and ask what their position is. Your question: “Just how can they afford . . .” is kind of like preaching to the choir. Why not go back 18 posts or so and consider the recommendation made to Kristina on 11/11/08 because you are where [the] political action begins, along w/everyone else on this site.... 47080@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#47047 While listening to all the talk by pundits and watching Auto Exec's testify in Congress, I have to wonder who is representing and lobbying for all of us, who are unequally treated by the off set program, and who is campaigning for "main street"? If Obama and particularly the committees and Congress have held up these bills to repeal the with both S206 and HR82, making seniors the next group of people who lose homes with good loans, good credit, but inadequate income, because Congress says they "can't afford to repeal the offset program". Just how can they afford to bailout big corporations, and union members who get paid not to work? Where is the centralized Union of retirees or WEPP affected seniors, or AARP, Teachers, AFSME,FOP and others, that should be screaming for equal rights for equal contributions??? If anyone knows let me know, cuz all I can find are individual State sites under WEPP or Social Security Fairness, that show comments, content. Where is political Action?... 47047@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46934 Charlie, It's not a matter of "not caring," it's a matter of being pragmatic about how things are. With the radical transition from national interest to special interest(e.g., the selective application of WEP), citizens must more so take care of themselves and their own. Money buys influence in Washington and state government, NOT the legitimate needs of "the people." Those pulling the levers of government are gladly investing/competing for your tax dollars on growing the Latino voting base of illegal aliens. It's the "future generations" of illegal service sucking illegal Latinos and pork barrels that take up their time & YOUR resources, NOT YOU. Pull your head out your butt Charlie & get Real! Everyone else, pay as little tax as possible, tear up your credit cards (if they haven't been torn up for you) & SAVE SAVE SAVE! And remeber, "Charity NOW begins & ends at YOUR door step."... 46934@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46945 Jack, Just what is "selective" about the WEP? If you draw a retirement from employment not covered by social security you MAY have a portion of any social security benefit you receive offset. Note the word MAY. It appears that you want to use this particular thread to pound your own agenda, one which is not even associated with the WEP. That does nothing to further the discussion and, in fact, only serves to deflect others.... 46945@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46954 Charlie, That which I write is NOT my agenda. Like you, I am merely drawing attention to a concern affecting future generations of Americans. But then I'm probably not thinking it through, after all Latino's (a high percentage of them illegal aliens) now comprise close to 50% of California's public school population enabling school districts to collect more ADA and hire more teachers thereby generating more teacher income and teacher retire (STRS) money! Hmmm, maybe I should rethink this whole Lation illegal alien thing? Anyway, MAY the force be with you, and MAY ALL your retirement deductions (BOTH public sector and PRIVATE) grow and bear a full and equal measure of fruit to be harvested when your age is ripe, your poop is hard, and YOUR mind INFLEXIBLE!... 46954@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46881 I am a retired CA teacher. Before and during my teaching career I paid into STRS & SS. As an entrepreneur the amount I paid into SS was considerably more than my STRS teacher pay deductions. I agree with Charlie that the concerns addressed here will never be addressed by congress. However, I think it is misguided for Charlie to assume what the money government saves from not not addressing this issue for retired/retiring public employees will some how benefit future generations. The government takes care of itself. We have to take care of ourselves ANY WAY we can! That old often used lawyer phrase that, "Life is unfair" is I'm sure inspired by the treatment of individuals by their government. The unions aren't any better. Screw the government. Take a lesson from our government. Take care of NUMBER ONE and screw everyone else! No elected "public servant" gives a dam about you. Do whatever the hell you can, but behave yourself as circumstances require! :-)... 46881@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46888 The Legislature needs to do the right thing and repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision (H.R. 82/S. 206), and to push for immediate action on to reverse this outdated, unfair and inhumane law. Just imagine you and/or your family members being adversely affected by these laws….I’m sure you would support change immediately!... 46888@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46902 Jack said "Take care of NUMBER ONE and screw everyone else!" As far as I am concerned that is exactly what everyone who wants to see WEP rescinded are doing. They care nothing about anyone else - just themselves. The WEP is fair and should remain in effect.... 46902@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46632 And just why should you be eligible for a benefit prior to 60? If you can work - work. If you are disabled file for disability. Don't whine about why the law is unfair when it appears that you have other, more appropriate avenues available.... 46632@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46682 I see Charlie is still at work - he now starts out with "For" instead of using his name. Your same comments could be made to folks with out being so RUDE.... 46682@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46705 I'm not sure where you are going with your BS but since I wasn't talking to you - QUIET!... 46705@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46260 There is a time when one has to " lend an ear"....and just LISTEN. When someone is in emotional pain empathy is needed not blunt sarcasm..... 46260@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46282 I feel that the whole Social Security situation is wrong. I am a 53 year old Widow who because of the unfair Social Security Laws can't collect any of my husbands Social Security. He paid alot of money into ths program over the years and I am having to live with my daughter because I can't collect his Social Security benefits. This needs to be overturned so all widows can collect the benefits of their late spouse. Not wait til they are 60.... 46282@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46230 i'll soon be starting school in jan 5 and i'm finding it hard to find money to help me pay. even with finacial aid, and ajob ,and a parent of 3 kids. i think if big car dealerships can ask for money why can't I. THE COST OF MY EDUCATION IS ONLY FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO WHAT THEY ARE ASKING FOR.... 46230@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/110_SN_206.html#46249 So what does all that have to do with the social security WEP?... 46249@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST