Cloudy
Since the cost of living hasn’t gone up, there will be no increase in Social Security amounts for the nation’s senior citizens and disabled. The Obama administration is considering sending each of them a “stimulus” check for $250, at a cost to the nation of $13 billion.
I’m wondering if that $13 billion price tag to the nation is worth the benefits that $250 will glean. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not objecting to helping out people who have seen the benefits of a long life of work and contribution to the Social Security system disappear to past thieves in Congress. I’m just wondering if that little bit of money will really make a difference in the quality of their lives!
A quick search for goods and services showed me that $250 will buy or do ONE of the following:
2 suits at JC Penney
1 skirt, 1 pants, 1 shirt, and a boss belt at JCrew
1 month of groceries, IF you live alone without pets and don’t need laundry supplies
1 swivel bar stool
1 pound puppy and crate, but no vet care or Puppy Chow
1 well check up at the doctor. (Get this while we still have a good supply of them!)
1 one-way drive from Atlanta to Salt Lake City (w/o food or hotel)
50 trips across town if you live in Birmingham or a city of that size
Dinner for two at Per Se in NYC (cab fare and tip not included)
½ of a mortgage or rent payment
2 cartons of cigarettes
5 weeks of nightly toddies at home for 2
4 trips to the hairdresser
2 new tires for the car
1 airline ticket across country IF you don’t bring luggage or a coat
5 decent Christmas/birthday gifts (2 if you are buying for a teenager)
$13 interest if you put the money in a savings account
Clear
What it REALLY buys, or at least what the Democrats are hoping for, is votes in the upcoming election. They are hoping our seniors will remember the check and not be aware, yet, of the drastic cuts that will be coming in their Medicare.
