I recall seeing predictions on this site over the past few years that 2030's will be time of reduced role/influence of the federal government in our daily lives, and more done at local levels. (I don't remember the exact predictions, but other may have more details).
Anyway, it has occurred to me that the next 4 years may be the catalyst for such a transition. In the past the federal government has served to 'equalize' many aspects of modern society across the country. Essentially, resources flowing from the wealthy states to the less wealthy states, in terms of basic funding and programs.
I see that the mechanisms for doing such resource re-distribution will be disbanded as the R's reduce the size of government. Each state will be more reliant upon itself for funding common resources like infrastructure, education, health care, and public assistance. It may create a dichotomy of states based on there abilities to provide for themselves. More Urban/industrialized states would tend to prevail economically and socially in this process.
Yup, I agree. Not only that, but states that put more money into federal programs and agencies, via taxes, like California and other blue states, well, once those agencies are gutted or no longer in existence, the money for those agencies is no longer needed. I'm willing to bet that the blue states will make it loud and clear that that tax money is no longer needed. That tax money, then used for those blue states individual programs, state agencies and localities; like California Dept of Education, California Environmental Protection Agency, individual homeless and after school programs, etc. (using California as an example).
The red states requiring blue state tax money would not have it. They'll be the ones hurting and crying the most. But, they wanted it and voted for it. Tough love.
I wonder if people can cash out on their social security (given it's not government's, but the peoples money) and maybe use that check on a retirement plan...Anyone know off the top of their head?
I wonder if people can cash out on their social security (given it's not government's, but the peoples money) and maybe use that check on a retirement plan...Anyone know off the top of their head?
I do not believe you can 'cash out' of SS, since the money you paid in is not held, but rather spent as it comes in. I did a calculation once that within 8 years of starting to collect SS, I will have received every dollar that I paid into it. (non-interest bearing of course).
SS is essentially kept afloat by both the population mix (more younger people than older people) and rising salaries. Since people are living longer, SS is projected to be running out of money by 2035. I suspect there will be some re-calibration of benefits and the amounts paid-in so as to keep it going.
Thank you! I only ask given my mother partially collects from it, and the Trump administration is coming for it. I don't know if they'll get it, but they're coming for it.
I'm willing to bet that the blue states will make it loud and clear that that tax money is no longer needed. That tax money, then used for those blue states individual programs, state agencies and localities; like California Dept of Education, California Environmental Protection Agency, individual homeless and after school programs, etc. (using California as an example).
Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure the states have no say in how tax dollars are allocated by the federal government. If federal programs are scaled back or eliminated, the tax dollars still go into the coffers, but Congress, not the states, will then decide where those newly freed funds will be spent, and I can almost guarantee it would not be to fund other things for the states.
Are you wondering how you are going to get through the next four years and keep your sanity? I have been.
There are many people who live on the margins. You know who they are in your communities. They are the ones who are going to be hurt the most by draconian policy changes.
Look for a group, or a person, you can help regularly, in any way you are able. They will need you, and you will need them. It will provide an opportunity for you to shine your desperately needed Light in a shadowy world.
The paradox of giving is that you always receive much more in return. Win-win. ❤️
As I'm out in a school today working with students with the therapy dog, I learned that today is international day of Kindness. I challenge all of us to go do somethign kind for another today! This was on the wall at the school and I loved it so much I had to take a picture of it! Everyone take the compliment you feel you need today from this tear off sheet and take another one to give to someone else if you're given the opportunity! Practicing both gratitude and random acts of kindness are both seratonin boosters and can also turn a person's corner for the day.
You know the last two days I spent time with family and friends....listening to the reasons why they voted the way they did. The funny thing is that none of them wanted him but yet.... I'm so tired of the whole thing as each day seems to bring new lows. I do wish though that people would remember that each state is made up of people of all parties. I've always lived in a "red state" but never voted that way. I didn't vote for him and would never vote for anyone who holds so little respect or compassion for his fellow man. It's a little distressing to see people wishing things against "red states" when its only because of the electoral college that its even labeled that....a state can be 51% red and 49% blue or whatever. I don't have the means to move to another state and as it is I am struggling just getting moved closer to better medical care. Due to the upcoming stuff with this administration, I am truly worried whether I will even be able to make it, take care of my family or even have a place to live in the near future. I wish people would remember that we are in this journey together. I'm tired of the division and separation. What I used to believe was in times of trouble, people used to ban together and help each other out. It makes me feel like we lost a lot more to this election if you can't even have compassion for others. I'm tired of the blaming, the hate and conflict. I've always been a person who tried bring peace for the ones I care for and about... At this point, shouldn't the focus be more on making sure we survive this...watching out for each other as we navigate this unknown. Honestly, I am so scared and worried right now and I am struggling to keep a positive attitude for my family and myself. This is the most lost I have felt in a long time. I keep giving pep talks to my family, to myself and trying to keep my faith that ultimately things will work out but it is very hard.
I'm generally not a worrier (as it is more destructive than constructive). In terms of the path forward and what is to come, I have concerns as to how bad things may become in two areas - (1)The economy and (2) World conflicts (wars).
The visions of those who have psychic skills will be important to me as to what the future may bring. It seems to me, from our collective experience of the 2024 election predictions, is that predictions of the future may not be an absolute, rather a possible path of which there may be several paths.
I plan on stepping back from the news media and not get wrapped up in the daily details. I see the media across the spectrum placing too much emphasis on the smallest of events. It is like not seeing the forest because they are focusing on the individual trees.
I may focus on doing the things (mostly hobbies) that I've yet to find the time to do, which will give me inner peace and satisfaction.
@tedp Remember Mercury is in retroshade, so it's a better time to go slowly and mindfully
until the New Year. According to astrology, something may come up around next Monday
that helps us move forward. Don't be surprised if miscommunication and delays occur.
My sympathies; I was feeling much as you have been feeling. I didn't know how to be in the world.
Last night, my tired daughter came after work to pick up her daughter, my grandchild, who we watch after school. I made dinner for them and because my granddaughter finds eating to be a dull activity she seeks intellectual stimulation in some form during meals. So we told riddles to one another, some clever, some silly but we had such a lovely time yukking it up and later, when I reflected on the evening I was not only gladdened and grateful but I also felt that something had shifted in me toward a more positive state of being generally.
In addition, I feel some quiet pulse of resistance coming in the country. I do not believe we had an honest election and there is a demented, amoral, corrupt buffoon headed toward the White House. I am not the only person that knows/believes these things; there are very smart people for whom this situation is unacceptable including 23 generals who opposed him. Surely, smarter peeps than I are putting their heads together to address what looks like a bloodless coup. Historically Dems have been weak in the face of opposition, the quick capitulation of Gore being the most vivid example, but now the blinders are off. Kamala has a positive warrior energy that I hope will help us find a path forward.
Meanwhile, I will look for and enjoy quiet pockets of pleasure in my life, take care of myself physically, and look for opportunities to help with the resistance that my gut tells me is fomenting.
I deeply appreciate this group. The kindness, intelligence and mutual support offered here is extraordinary.