While you are fighting mad about SS, could you remember the other SS fight--affecting many DUers?

[bobbolink]

Several times I have mentioned that there seems to be a Social Security disability purge in process. It doesn't garner attention... I guess those of us affected aren't on the radar screen.

I have come across too many disability recipients being cut off to think this is just business as usual... this looks like it mirrors the massive cut offs of Raygun, during which thousands of people killed themselves because they had no other way to survive. Are we going to wait to see if there is a repeat of this massive die-off?

I have heard from other DUers who have received cut off notices. (No, I won't give their names without their permission.... just know there are several.)

I have asked for help with this, as the reason we are being targeted now is that we DON'T HAVE VOICES, and WE DON'T HAVE LARGE SUPPORT! They know they can off us, because we won't be missed. Very few people respond. It just doesn't register.

One person who wanted to help wanted me to turn over my papers, which I won't do. I won't give personal information to someone I haven't even met, nor would I ask anyone else to do so. I said that it would make sense to contact any group working with disabled people, to see if they have some hard information, but that met with silence.

Even without that information, massive protest would serve notice that our demise would be noticed, and not tolerated.

So, I ask again... as you fight the Cat Food elite, could you please remember those of us who are being threatened Right Now?

Could you register anger that we are being put through this?

Could you let it be known that our disappearance won't be accepted as business as usual?

Can we couldn on you for this?

We would appreciate it.

Thank you.

[KT2000]

1. Another consideration

is that when they talk about "welfare recipients" they are really talking about the disabled. Welfare has been gutted and it is the disability that is left.

[bobbolink]

2. I am asking you to take action.

Please?

Lives literally depends on it.

Thank you.

[KT2000]

3. I know

and I do - often. I have a disability myself and many acquaintances depend upon SSI.
I guess my point is that confronting the SS issue should not be limited to the commission but also the idiots that rant about welfare. They have the RW riled up about welfare but what they are really talking about is disability.
When the issues comes up we have to be prepared to remind them that they are talking about disability.

[Monique1]

4. I will fight for you

I have a very close friend who is a Vietnam era vet, I've seen his food stamps cut and cannot get much help to exist. I'm running out of money to help this person but this person as well as all disabled people have a right for assistants. I did contact the WH.

[bobbolink]

9. thank you very much! We are so ignored, and appreciate it when we are included!

As has been said, it is going to take more than an email.

Please talk this up whenever you get a chance, and make people aware.

And if you can help us to find more info on this, it would be hugely appreciated!

:yourock:

[Silver Gaia]

96. Regarding your 'Nam vet friend,

has he applied for all the benefits he is entitled to from the VA? Many vets are simply unaware of assistance that is available to them, and they won't get it unless they know about it, and file for it. Is he disabled? My husband is a disabled 'Nam vet, and I've done a ton of research regarding veteran's benefits. If you would like to talk to someone about what might be available to your friend through the VA, feel free to PM me. If I can help, I will.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

119. YES!

Your friend may be eligible for a Vets pension. And if he's married, his spouse will retain his benefits if he pre-deceases her.

[Faygo Kid]

5. Your point is well taken. Social Security disability payments are more than vital.

So are those for children. We deliver food to shut-ins on Social Security disability. They live in decent and honorable apartments and make ends meet (barely), thanks to Social Security disability.

I gladly have my tax dollars go to them over monies for war and tax cuts for Glenn Beck.

And I have no doubt they are also in Alan Simpson's gun sights for sucking on the Social Security "tits." Good post, and thanks.

[AuntPatsy]

6. My daughter is on disability at present, had not heard of this purge but

have no doubt of the truth of it...will do what I can...I am honestly sorry this is happening..having my own fight with the government thieves, liars and crooks at present so doing what I can...bottom line is that so so so many are not safe from this underground blacklisting going on but believe themselves to be and by the time they do care about it happening to others it will be happening to them and it just might be too late...

The smokescreens they keep setting up have been so effective...the net is proof of how easily it is working..

[bobbolink]

11. No, this purge is below the radar, as it was during Raygun. It is not being publicized, of course,

so those who want to play ostrich demand "proof".

They are doing this like they do so many things... on the Q.T.

[dotymed]

101. My "case is on appeal."

I have heart failure, 6 stents and about 8 other vascular diseases. I have had every Dr. for the last 5 years refuse to approve me to return to the workforce. I want to work.
SS disability has dragged this out for 5 years. IMO waiting for my death.
Going from a busy Union carpenter to disabled and no SS that I paid into for 35 years...
No pity party, but life as a single parent is rough.
I never dreamed.
The disappointment of my children is the worst.
Ob la de la da...

[bobbolink]

125. This is so very wrong! I can't even imagine how you get from day to day!

We MUST make this a priority issue, Mike! We HAVE to! This has been hidden for far too long, and deserves some concentrated action.

Right now, I'm wishing we could go break some kneecaps, and get you the support you need and deserve!

:pals:

[dotymed]

213. In my case

I'm too damned stubborn to give up.

[REP]

43. I'm on Disability - haven't heard about this at all either

[bobbolink]

56. Yes, by the time this is recognized, it will be too late for so many.

Thousands died during the Raygun purge until it gained some visibility, then the outcry stopped it from going further.

Those of us on the first wave of this find no comfort in that.

"The smokescreens they keep setting up have been so effective...the net is proof of how easily it is working..'

Absolutely! And because the Dems are in power this time, it is more ignored, because democratic voters don't want to think that this is happening under a Dem administration.

We will be sacrificed to that.

[nightrain]

7. good point. thanks for being more inclusive.

[bobbolink]

34. Speaking for those who are invisible.

Its a progressive value.

[nightrain]

38. yes indeed, it is a progressive value. Thank you.

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. I will call my congressman this week

Thanks for the heads up!

[bobbolink]

10. Thank you! Although, as has been mentioned, one phone call won't do much.

It took a HUGE outcry during RAYGUN to stop the slaughter.

If you can get an aide in the office to give any information, that would be great. But, so far, they are claiming they don't know anything.

[pinto]

12. First thing anyone who receives a letter of intent to discontinue benefits ought to do is appeal.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10041.html

This puts a temporary hold on any final action, requests a review of the decision process and initiates the first step in an appeal process. Also gives the beneficiary time to elicit other support / resources. It's got to be done within the time frame stated, or the opportunity is lost.

Second thing is to access local advocacy resources. Most non-profits working with the disabled communities have a "benefits counselor" on staff. They ought to know the ropes and the process of maneuvering through the Social Security system.

Third, garner *every piece* of documentation that relates to your disabling condition and supports your claim for ongoing benefits.

Work with any local advocates and submit copies of the documentation to Social Security - they have to consider the written record in any decision.

Hope this helps ~ pinto

[bobbolink]

14. I'm sure you know that everyone on disability already knows this.

I'm guessing you also know that this is exactly what all those who were cut during Raygun did.... and they died anyway.

It is waaaay past time to Stop making this an individual problem.

This is a SOCIETAL problem, and it is time for "progressives" to give a bit of energy for those who are ignored the rest of the time.

[pinto]

22. Not so sure. I've seen people so frustrated with "the system" that they walk away.

Everyone loses then. Most of all the disabled who need support from the system.

My point here is to encourage folks, at this point in time, to access what's there - on a day to day basis - while encouraging a broader change in policies.

The two goals aren't mutually exclusive, imho. One benefits the other.

[bobbolink]

24. I am not going to continue to listen to the blaming the victim meme.

This purge requires the action of "progressives".

If you cannot join the fight, and feel you must continue to blame those who are going down, please take it elsewhere.

THERE. ARE. LIVES. AT. STAKE.

Thank you.

[ThomasQED]

39. I feel like I missed something between the two posts immediately above...

how was that "blaming the victim"? I see it more as encouraging the victim. And what people DON'T know - including myself - would fill a few Internets.

[bobbolink]

41. Taking a societal problem and making it an individual problem is what keeps the whole ugly mess

going.

EVERYONE is appealing like crazy, but we have no power.

Are you going to be willing to fight for us, or are you just going to see it as our problem?

With that, I am done with this whole side show.

Either help us, or go on to something else.

[ThomasQED]

45. EVERYONE isn't doing anything

I'm sure many people do appeal, maybe most. But I know from personal experience that not everyone does. I agree with pinto, the two goals are not mutually exclusive. Of course it's important to focus on the entire problem, but in the meantime there are people who need help NOW.

[bobbolink]

49. I will ask again.. please take this somewhere else. you are not willing to add to action on this,

and are being disruptive.

There are LIVES riding on this, but that matters not to you.

I asked you to be more sensitive but you refuse, so welcome to my ignore list.

bye... go away, please.

[ThomasQED]

51. Take this somewhere else... ???

I thought a discussion forum was a good place to ask questions and you know, discuss things. You have NO IDEA what matters to me.

[dionysus]

158. what is wrong with you? jesus christ. lashing out at people WHO ARE ON YOUR SIDE isn't going

to help you a damn bit.

[Statistical]

198. That is par for the course with this one.

i got told I hate poor people when saying minimum wage should be indexed to inflation (which today would result in a minimum wage of $13+).

[REP]

79. Staying alive to fight isn't important?

Not everyone knows that benefits continue during an appeal. This is important information to individuals who get notices.

The first step is knowing who your enemies actually are. Hint: they're not here.

[dotymed]

106. The benefits don't continue

if they refuse your disability claim. They want me to take SSI instead of SSD, it such a lower amount for me. I paid into "the system" at 35% for many years. My Dr.'s at IU and now Vanderbilt, are in disbelief.
I keep thinking, "one more surgery and I'll feel able to work."
Every time I do physical work, it's another heart attack, another stent. Vascular disease is too advanced for a bypass...
The worse is when I can't do things with my son. I coached him and his sisters for years. Now, I can't even play catch often and I always disappoint him because there are so many things I can't do. It is really unfair to him. My daughters are grown and it is not as bad on them.
I sound like a total "pity me" guy. I'm not. This is the second Sunday in a roll that I have not been able to take my son to Church and (at 14)he looked so disgusted this morning.
Some days are better than others, but there comes a point that you realize how hard it is on your loved ones.

[dionysus]

162. "I sound like a total "pity me" guy." no, you don't!

[REP]

166. If you're receiving SSDI, you receive your benefit while you appeal cuts/reductions/stoppage

This is a different circumstance from being denied from receiving benefits outright.

Good luck to you in your appeals.

[superduperfarleft]

59. I see you've met bobbolink. n/t

[dionysus]

159. +100

:rofl:

[laughingliberal]

195. -1000. nt

[pipi_k]

87. No kidding!!!

Tell people how to help themselves and it becomes "blaming the victim"


oy...

:eyes:

[dionysus]

160. don't worry, you'll get used to it.

[REP]

47. You'd be surprised at how may do not know this and would find this helpful

Be angry at the right people.

[DJ13]

13. Sen. Coburn (R Asshole) made comments about SSDI

August 27, 2010

Coburn: Hold me accountable
Senator says to cut deficit, limited government key

Coburn quoted a book, “The Tragedy of American Compassion,” which he said “talks about how we used to care for everyone who needs our help.”

Now everyone relies on the government, he said.

“SSDI has been so monkeyed and maneuvered, fully half the people on it are not truly disabled,” Coburn said, referring to the Social Security Disability Insurance program. I want to help people who are fully disabled, but we have created dependency. And I agree on the drug testing.”

Edited to add the link (duh!)

http://muskogeephoenix.com/local/x329608417/Coburn-Hold-me-accountable

[bobbolink]

15. Thank you for Exhibit A!

:applause:

We aren't likely to have "proof" of what is going on until people have died, but this certainly adds to the information that we need to show that this is indeed very likely!

Thanks for finding this!

[DJ13]

18. You're welcome

Being disabled myself I have a vested interest in this.

I could see the wheels turning in this direction a few weeks back when the MSM was going on about SSDI "fraud" involving Federal workers.

Its obvious the PTB are trying to setup a public outcry that they could use to enable them to slash the SSDI rolls without much controversy.

Keep up the fight!

[bobbolink]

20. I can't fight it alone.

[Bluebear]

17. 'fully half the people on it are not truly disabled' - LINK, Senator?

And Coburn is buddy-buddy with Obama. It's frightening.

[bobbolink]

27. "No RightWinger Left Behind"

:nuke:

He doesn't need a "link".... he can order us "removed", and we will be disappeared without a squeak.

Useless eaters aren't missed.

[SammyWinstonJack]

83. SSDI is still money that was paid by disabled worker previously.

It's not a freebie or whatever that a$$hole repuke wants to call it. "Monkeyed around with"? :rofl: Guess that asshat doesn't have a clue just how hard it is to be approved for SSDI. It's not automatic for the majority of applicants the first go around and maybe not even the second time.

[bobbolink]

85. Very good point. And many die before being "approved".

I wish we had the figures on that.

This is an issue that is waaay past due to get the attention of "progressives"!

[Bluebear]

16. This is an emergency.

In this era of Republicans "holding people accountable", as if they shouldn't have let their jobs be outsourced overseas, or shouldn't have let themselves get cancer, the disabled need help in stopping the catastrophe that Reagan started, in not having the safety net of Social Security - Disability.

[bobbolink]

19. You are very right... the emergency is that the suicides could start at any time.

During the Raygun purge, I knew a paralegal with Legal Aid. She said the moral in the office was horrible, because everyday they would get to work and find news of more suicides.

There was nothing they could do (which is why it frustrates the hell out of me for people to just be giving the same old "file an appeal" crap!)

We do NOT have the kind of legal representation that would STOP this, and we have no access to massive action on our behalf.

How are people going to live with themselves when they find out this is, indeed, a purge, and they couldn't be bothered, while people killed themselves? Are we so far gone on humanity that it won't even affect people?

Thanks, Bluebear! I am so discouraged, and it helps to have someone understand the true nature of this!

:hug:

[bobbolink]

21. The expected unrecers have arrived.

Welcome, death squad!

[DJ13]

23. Another article

Posted by Dr Stuart Jeanne Bramhall at 4:09 pm
August 25, 2010


Useless Eaters: the Stigmatization of Health Problems
Posted by Dr Stuart Jeanne Bramhall on @ 4:09 pm
Article printed from speakeasy: http://blogs.alternet.org/refugee
URL to article: http://blogs.alternet.org/refugee/2010/08/25/useless-eaters-the-stigmatization-of-health-problems/

As a psychiatrist battling the stigma of mental illness for more than 30 years, I am gratified by growing public awareness that that schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder run in families and are, at least partly, biologically determined. Thankfully the days when it was socially acceptable to blame depressives for being lazy or not doing enough to help themselves are long gone.

I wish I could say the same of physical illness which, after all, is basic to human existence. The US, unquestionably, has the most reactionary and punitive attitude towards illness in the world. It comes out in all manner of regressive and inhumane government policy: the federal government’s absolute refusal to make sick and parental leave mandatory (as it is in all other industrialized societies), the pressure for long term recipients of Social Security disability benefits to undergo continual review and mandatory treatment (which most have no way of paying for, as doctors have stopped accepting Medicare and Medicaid), as well strong pressure on doctors to declare them well enough to work; and now a proposal to change eligibility for Social Security retirement to make the elderly “prove” they are too sick to work.

The Growing Attack on Entitlements

In the growing attack – by Republicans and Democrats – on entitlements, there are always assertions – either direct or implied – that sick people are somehow responsible for the problems that make them unable to work. However what troubles me even more is the way so many Americans have internalized these attitudes – how ready they are blame people who get sick on eating the wrong food, not exercising or not managing stress properly. Epidemiological studies show clearly this is not the case – lifestyle factors only account for 10 percent of what causes us to become ill.

There is no question that the US has parted company with the rest of the world on this. I think it’s important to ask why. Quite frankly I hear a lot of discussion that is ominously reminiscent of Hitler’s “useless eaters” initiative. And I think it’s time to ask whether this is simply “coincidence” – an accident of history – or if there are more sinister reasons why this might be............

[bobbolink]

26. Thank you! That is an incredible article! (Very credible, indeed.... just very eye-opening!)

The other writing by her... very scary, indeed, and sure goes to show that the DU article the other day about psycho-tropic drugs causing problems (that caused some DUers to wet their pants) holds a lot of truth!

This is one courageous woman!

Thanks for this... I have saved it....

:yourock:

[bobbolink]

28. A related book for you...Toward Psychologies Of Lberation

http://www.amazon.com/Toward-Psychologies-Liberation-Mary-Watkins/dp/0230537685

[DJ13]

31. Thanks, that looks like a good read!

I'll see if our library has a copy.

:hi:

[bobbolink]

32. I had to request it from another library system, but it is greater than I had

anticipated!

I couldn't help it the other night... I flipped ahead, and saw that even BIllionaires For Bush are described!

I'd very much like to have a book discussion of this work... I think it is too important to read and forget.

Let me know if you are interested. :hi:

[tpsbmam]

105. Great find. I missed her on AlterNet before. And great post. Hearty K&R! n/t

[ChiciB1]

131. Thank You So Much For The Links!! I've Been On Disability Since 1997

and this has me worried, just didn't know WHERE to look! I did start a thread wondering how many others here were facing losing their disability, but didn't get much response because I was asked for more information!

Because I didn't have more to provide and haven't as yet been contacted that I was on a purge list, I wasn't sure where to look. I DIDN'T want to go to SSA because I didn't want my name coming up as a "red flag" and then face the possibility of GETTING ON THE LIST!!

J. Alter is a very informed person and has written some very good book! I've several in the past year or two! I'm in the middle of helping a neighbor of mine who just had eye surgery and will get back to the links you provided. I also have volunteered many times by helping the homeless, and those less fortunate in my county! I HAVE seen some places having to turn people away because of more people needing help! They no longer have resources because they've been tapped out!

But losing disability is a devastating thing especially if that's your only form of income, which it is in my case! I'm NOT homeless myself, but if they come after me it could come to that!!

Again thanks for the link! At least there's someone with a "name" who is aware and can publish and does, which is a plus!

[ThomCat]

150. AN IMPORTANT POINT IN THAT ARTICLE

"the pressure for long term recipients of Social Security disability benefits to undergo continual review"

That "review" is to find ways to kick people off of Social Security Disability. Continually prove AGAIN that you are still disabled or get kicked off the rolls.

I am on Long Term Disability Insurance, and I'm going through this right now because they use the same procedures. Every two years I have to prove prove all over again that I am disabled, justify why I cannot work at least a minimum wage job somewhere, prove that I am helpless and useless and deserving of pity in order to keep getting my monthly check.

It is a humiliating and degrading process, far more than it needs to be for any legitimate purpose, and deliberately so. They want to make as many people as possible quit and just go to work instead of putting up with it. Anyone who stays and puts up with all this degradation is here because they really had no choice.

[bobbolink]

154. "Humiliating and degrading" Right! And I will add.... DEADLY.

Any person can only take so much, and many end up killing themselves.

That this has NOT become a priority "progressive" issue is astounding!

So much for the respect of basic human life!

[REP]

174. I have to send ALL my medical records to my LTD provider 2x a year

This is my private LTD; SSDI reviews me far less often. I fail to see what my Pap smear and mammogram has to do with my kidney failure and ankylosing spondylitis.

[laughingliberal]

194. +10,000 nt

[EFerrari]

25. Kick

:kick:

[Odin2005]

29. K&R

:hug:

[Beaverhausen]

30. I will call my rep next week. Sadly, I have to miss his town hall tomorrow

This sucks. We can't let this happen.

[bobbolink]

33. Thanks! I figured you would be a strong backer of effforts on this!

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

35. K&R. Trying to get more info online now...

and will call my rep Monday. I've heard several people mention this in the last two months as well.

:(

[bobbolink]

36. Could you please say more about what you're hearing?

Not personal stuff.... but what you hear is happening.

This is DESPARATELY important!

[bobbolink]

37. fer crying in a bucket!

I wish they would turn off that "didn't post" message!

Its like Road Construction signs when there is no road construction.

[OneGrassRoot]

40. Several people I know, including two relatives...

have said they've received notice that their SS disability is being cut and/or discontinued altogether.

[bobbolink]

54. Are they generally in the same geographical area, or in different parts of the country?

Does there seem to be any similarity in their conditions?

Do you know people on disability who are NOT getting these letters?

[OneGrassRoot]

61. The Southeast...

That's the geographic common denominator.

No, I can't say there is any similarity in the conditions. Unlike you and others, the two relatives can survive without their SS Disability; unfortunately, one of them is someone who doesn't deserve to be on it, IMHO, and he does abuse and game the system.

Two others have mentioned it, one a veteran, and another family friend who would indeed be destitute without it.

Three males, one female. Ages ranging from 36 to around 60.

They are the four who have mentioned these letters; they're basically hoping it won't come to pass, as no date was given if I recall correctly. It was a general letter stating the intent to cut their disability but no specifics.

Hope that helps...

[pipi_k]

80. Nothing else?

I mean, no explanation like they've been judged fit to return to work, or that they haven't turned in necessary review papers or something?

Just "Your benefits reduced or discontinued" and that's it?

[bobbolink]

81. When a person can't even fix and eat a meal is told "there is no evidence that you are disabled"

does that make it "justified"?

Also, just so you know.. the people I have talked with ALL have reported that the initial papers were Receive AFTER the deadline to reply to them! That is obviously NOT a coicidence, and points to something more sinister.

It is always easy to find a way to blame the victims.

Always.

It doesn't mean they are at fault.

[pipi_k]

86. Don't get your panties in a bunch, dear...

I never SAID it was "justified".


I'm only asking for information.


Don't make this about something else, OK?


I want to know if people who get these letters are being given reasons for having their benefits cut or discontinued.

Period.

the answer is either YES or NO.

[OneGrassRoot]

98. Good morning, pipi_k

I don't have an answer to your question as far as the details of the letters; I'm not close to any of the individuals mentioned (relationship-wise). I can try to get that information, however.

:hi:

[pipi_k]

104. OK, thank you...

I'm on disability myself since 1997, although my condition started way back in 1972.

It just freaks me out to think that the SSA might be cutting people off without giving them a reason they can appeal...

[pipi_k]

58. Not to be nosy or anything, but what are their disabilities?

Just wondering if the SSA might be targeting particular groups...

[OneGrassRoot]

63. No, as I just posted above...

no similarities in the conditions. None that I can see, at least.

Sorry. :(

[ChiciB1]

132. pip[i_k, You Are Asking The Same Questions I Am!! I Just Posted That I'm On

disability and have yet to receive anything in the mail and have NO clue as to what, why or where this is happening. It's very disturbing that they are doing this, and it would be helpful if one knew WHAT REASONS have been given for what they are doing!

Is it a targeted group for a certain issue or is just anyone anywhere getting kicked off or given reduced income??

I myself don't know anyone "personally" that this has happened to, but I do know of one person who just got an increase in their unemployment pay! THAT WAS A SHOCK to her and to me!!

So cutting disability while given the unemployed an increase certainly don't jibe with me! But I DID see the papers of the person who got the unemployment increase!!

[pipi_k]

134. I've been all over the internet so far today...

and haven't found a thing.

Although I have read that the SSA cannot just cut someone off without notifying them first, and I do know from my own experience that even when they do a review and judge a person still eligible, they state that very thing right on the letter.

I dunno...I just can't imagine that they would arbitrarily cut people off with no reason given whatsoever...


PS...did the person who got the unemployment increase receive a reason for the increase?

[ChiciB1]

168. Actually, I Didn't Ask THAT Question! I Will Contact That Person For

more information. It's a very close relative of mine who has been unemployed for a while now, but she's going to school to get a degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. She's doing it online and is required to perform OJT. Perhaps because she is trying to further her education, and is actually working WITHOUT pay because of it, they increased the payment.

I didn't read the whole thing, but because you're furthering your education in lieu of getting a job, and one that requires you to work for nothing as part of the diploma, that may factor into it in some weird way!

But I'll check it out further. It was a bit of a shock to me and her too! I know they extended unemployment for certain people, but until last week had not heard of any increases!!

However, I'm not going to school and I'm in a position that going to school will be of NO HELP!! We just need to get to the crux of this thing, IMO!

[bobbolink]

138. As others have said, if a purge is going on, there won't be easily found information.

The fact that an author you know has written about it, says a lot.

When Raygun did this, you can be sure there wasn't "information" until the suicides began.

I hope you aren't claiming that *I* am the one who needs to find the info! I am NOT an investigative reporter, nor do I have access to the inner files. Demanding information that is hidden is like claiming that the CIA never does hidden things, because we don't have the "information" from approved sources. We know better than that.

If progressives care enough, they will find people who can investigate. If not, it will wait until enough have died to force some action.

Time will tell which it is.

But pushing people who are being hurt by this to come up with the info is very hurtful... we are already suffering. If you read the posts here, you can see that it is affecting others on DU. I know of another DUer, but he has not posted to this thread, and I will not divulge personal information without permission. I will NOT do that.

[pipi_k]

142. Again...using Google...

I've searched for information on suicides during the Reagan Administration over social security benefits being cut or discontinued.

Couldn't find a thing.

Where did you get this information?

Link, please...

[RedCloud]

42. Don't anyone kill themselves, please.

It may be difficult. I have gone for about five years with no raise. I was told to feel "lucky" about this. The mortgage and insurance companies lick their chops like hungry wolves. And all the other price increasers lusting after what few bucks are out there...

We have found these foods:

quinoa and urad (high in protein); diatomaceous earth (fossil shell flour) really helps with nutrition and is quite good for you when mixed in soups breads, etc. Abundantly cheap but must be fossil shell flour for humans.

For those with a back yard and can't afford the seeds,,, throw some old tomatoes, pumpkins, cukes out in the field... not exactly the same but nature will remember them when their little seeds come back to feed you...

Please don't give up folks...

[bobbolink]

65. Are you going to support them all? Are you going to provide your suggested foods to everyone?

Do you even understand that without any income, there will not even *be* a home of any kind, let alone a backyard?

Can you understand that we are talking about people who do NOT have your circumstances?

Now, do you want to help protest this mess?

[earth mom]

44. I am most definitely fighting for Social Security AND Social Security Disability Insurance

You can count on that!

We are ALL in this together! :grouphug:

[bobbolink]

46. Very well said... we ARE all in this together! Those of us who get ignored

need to know that many of you feel that way! :hi:

So, what ideas do you have for this?

I don't know how much time we have, but it may not be a lot.

[earth mom]

67. Spreading the word, flyers, twitter...just like what was suggested on the other thread.

Just waiting for scarletwoman to post the flyer she is working on. :hi:

[bobbolink]

68. Can you help with this? People seem to assume that I can do all this...

Those who are thinking clearly recognize that I can't.

This will take a massive effort, if we are to avoid the deaths of the Raygun era!

Thanks! :yourock:

[earth mom]

69. I will post something in the other thread so that SSDI will get on the flyers.

As I said, we're ALL In this together. :grouphug:

[bobbolink]

72. That's GREAT! Thank you!

I think I love you! ^_^ :yourock:

When we are ignored so much, and get so much STFU stuff, to have someone hear and include us means everything!

I hope you will be willing to hear some of the pain.... not only the impossible economic woes, but the despair of being left out and ignored.

Thanks.... just... thanks!

[earth mom]

76. Already posted and will wait to see what scarletwoman comes up with.

We need a flyer that gets to the heart of the matter to galvanize people to fight for what is legally theirs.

I appreciate your thanks, but really there is no need to thank me, I totally believe in this issue strongly!

I have family members with disabilities...I am fighting for them, for you, for all of us. :grouphug:

[bobbolink]

77. I'm sorry... I'm just a total asshole.

I thank people when they are kind and caring, so you will just have to deal with it.

:rofl:

[OneGrassRoot]

70. Bobbie, earthmom, everyone....

Maybe these sites can be of help in some way?

Mark Horvath is behind both:

http://www.invisiblepeople.tv

http://wearevisible.com/why-social-media.html


He is effective in giving people a voice and trying to spread the faces and voices. What to DO with that voice as far as changing the system...I'm still clueless about.

But, maybe there is something here of use? I'm sharing in case you may see something that can help and galvanize a project.

I don't know...I'm trying to find outlets to spread the word about the injustices; it's finding the audience for it that is the challenge. How do you get anything done when the government is not for The People, or when a huge chunk of people are proud of not being empathetic, as though that's a strength?

:grouphug: to everyone.

Must work now (and, yes, I'm grateful to have work and realize I'm fortunate...:cry:).

[bobbolink]

73. There are a lot of ways to get the "audience", but doing it alone is a wearying task.

Yet, others don't wish to participate.

[earth mom]

74. Thanks so much for sharing those sites! And Wishadoo

looks interesting too, I will check out all of them.

Thanks! :hi:

:grouphug:

[Dragonfli]

48. K&R Thank you for bringing this up

I will soon get a look at the inside of applying for disability (I have paid in my whole life and will not live to 65, I need my money back now)

I don't know if there is any group to help folks like us, it appears from what I have gathered from other's anecdotal accounts to go like this:

1)You find a way to see the appropriate specialist for a detailed diagnosis (a trick in itself for many, I have to find out how to do that yet - no Ins no money, a diagnosis from a gen pract IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH)

2)once you have proven your disability you apply and are nearly always turned down the first time, proof or not.

3)hire the only people that will help you, lawyers looking to make a profit off you.

4)repeat #1 and hope the law office gets you your benefits

5a)get your benefits if you are lucky (proof appears to have little to do with it) and pay a large sum to the lawyer

5b) you don't get your benefits, the state keeps all that you have paid in for your entire working life and you get to die quietly in agony on the streets.

I will let you know BBL how it goes for me personally if I can get social services to let me see the appropriate doctors.


I would like to add that I have been poor many times in my life and homeless for a period of 5 years when I was in my teens and early twenties and I learned that we are invisible, only someone that has lived like this understands what I mean by that. You know BBL, but most liberals don't believe me.

For them I would like to describe something, I got less looks of disgust when I was homeless than I thought I would. Instead what was glaring was how far out of their way people will go to NOT LOOK AT YOU, when you become homeless you become a Medusa of sorts, people act as if they will turn to stone if they look at you. They refuse to see you at all let alone acknowledge that you are a human being in need.

They treat the issue the same way, how many that were not affected by Clinton's "Welfare reform" noticed the extreme pain hardship and death it caused? How many will notice the same thing when it happens to the disabled or terminal? They will cheer team Democrat and we will be invisible just like under Clinton, I understand he is considered a hero to the party instead of being seen as the heartless bastard that did THAT.

It will be the same again BBL for we are the invisible and only our poor peers give a rats ass about us, our "advocates" prefer to cheer at the alter of the cult of personality.

The invisible have no allies in Washington in either party.

[bobbolink]

53. Your story tears my heart out. This MUST become an important issue for "liberals"!!!

They have ignored this suffering for waaayy too long, and it is time for us to make a lot of noise about this.

You have accuratelyy painted the dismal picture of disability... if anything, you have painted it with too much rose on your brush.

It is GRIM.

There are others on DU facing this very thing, some who will not live to fight, all because this issue doesn't rank up there with war and the other issues that "progressives" rail about.

Help us raise hell about this!

:pals:

[Dragonfli]

57. I must admit that the wind has been knocked out of me

I feel completely powerless and ignored, I know this is an excuse but it is also true.
I am just so tired I don't even turn on my computer much these days. I used to give them hell but it now seems so quixotic and I am juat so tired that I don't know how much help I can be anymore, to others or even myself.

I am already resigned more or less to the idea that I will be homeless again with no options only this time 25 years older and too ill to scrounge like I used to or keep down semi-bad food.

I will try to monitor and see if I can find a way that may help others even as I lose more and more interest in my own future.
Maybe there are ways but every time I have fought this battle - against Reagan, Against Clinton and now against the new DLC Democrats, we have lost and no one even noticed.

[bobbolink]

60. No, it is NOT an "excuse"! When people are battered, it does damage.

:cry:

I have so many of the same feelings. RAGE is the only energy engine there is, and I hope you can find it.

Maybe you would be willing to discuss "Toward Psychologies Of Liberation" with us?

http://www.amazon.com/Toward-Psychologies-Liberation-Mary-Watkins/dp/0230537685

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9034376&mesg_id=9034872

Not to take away your hurt, but to come together with those of us feeling much the same?

:pals:

[Dragonfli]

71. I would like to enter that discussion but will have to obtain a copy first

As far as anger goes well that is about the only time I usually post anymore, I have in fact angered in return more than one of the paid shills here.

I am losing my anger lately tho, I think it is a natural response meant to help with the acceptance of mortality.
I am more concerned about others these days and that is the only reason I am active at all.

There are many that few see, hear, or care about that people need to be made aware of.
They have few to none among the pols to fight for them, we need a way to make the public see them and care about them. I don't know how to do that but will help any effort to do so.

There are tent cities and people living under bridges in larger numbers these days, but does it ever make the idiot box? that is what we are fighting.
We are fighting the silence.

I need to crash for a while but will check back to see if anyone has any good actionable ideas.
I will post any ideas that may come to me as well.

[bobbolink]

75. Yes, I definitely understand the feeling of being more concerned about others.

I get the constant flak here that "Its always about YOU", but that is the group meme meant to discourage/drive me off. The fact is, as you know, those of us who are hurting this way want others never to have to go through this crap!

And, no... we don't have the usual ones speaking for us... not Hartmann, or Rachel, or Big Ed, or K.O, or ANY of them. We don't have the usual ones fighting for us... not Franken, not Sanders, not even Kucinich. We are on our own, and that is DEADLY.

There are some viable and exciting things I am working on to try to change this... would welcome your input and help.

I MUST go get a rest now.. I am burned out.

Feel free to PM me, and I will get back later.

Thanks so much for writing here, and best to you!

[OneGrassRoot]

64. I am so sorry....

There is no justice whatsoever in our current system. None.

I am so sorry. :cry:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[laughingliberal]

94. +10,000 nt

[dotymed]

200. I hired a "lawyer."

He was so inept.
I did all of the work myself and gave him copies of everything. When we had a "trial", he did not say anything. Honestly. He sat there and grinned and farted out loud!
I am now going through the appeals process, alone...

[niyad]

50. just got off the phone with my idiots, and will contact again on monday when someone is in the

office (that way it looks like more of us are calling)

this, unfortunately, does not surprise me in the least. it is despicable, and beyond comprehension how they can do this, but we know that they are. I am hearing the same thing from several friends whose benefits are being slashed or simply cut off.

we will not let this go unchallenged and without protest.

[bobbolink]

52. THANK YOU!

:applause:

Could you please say more about the experience of others? All of this is being done on the Q.T., and we MUST bring this into the open!

Not by divulging personal information, but by saying what is happening.

I want to hear more!

:yourock:

[niyad]

62. these are just the most recent ones I know about--one friend has had food stamps

cut from $200 month to $15.00 (no, that is NOT a typo), another was cut altogether. one friend, with stage 4 breast cancer, has had her disability cut off. how in the hell do you cut off the disability with someone with stage 4 breast cancer? She was told that she should be able to work at some nice little desk job (the desk jockey is lucky I am not there, that is for certain)

My ears are certainly going to be open as I go about my days.

[bobbolink]

78. Just one point out of all that you listed... Given that for every federal dollar spent on food stamp

$1.76 comes back to the local economy, that is a totally ridiculous move.

Not only insensitive to hungry people, which should be the first concern, but colossaly shooting the country in the foot!

[Cetacea]

55. K&R

Thank you for posting this.

[bobbolink]

89. Thanks, Cetacea!

:yourock:

[Cetacea]

100. YW...

Your continued concerns and efforts to keep DU informed of poverty-related issues are much appreciated.
I'll see if I can find out anything on Monday and get back to you.

[bobbolink]

126. I appreciate that so much, and am looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow!

And thank you for your acknowledgement.

This one was very hard for me to write. Not only because of the ongoing suffering, but because this hits me personally.... I am one of the threatened ones. I am on a "hit list" here which has decided that their continual talking point is that it's "always about" me. I can not for the life of me understand people whose mission in life is to go around purposely hurting those who are the most vulnerable. What kind of integrity does that take?

So, this was hard, because so many have decided to make it hard, and I appreciate those of you who are responding in a true progressive manner!

:pals:

[amborin]

66. kr

[maryf]

82. I'll call...

So handy I just found my list of phone numbers for all my legislators...my in laws were treated so shabbily during the year it took to get SSD, I'll scream murder if they take it away (for some it would be murder...)

[bobbolink]

84. "for some it would be murder..." For MANY... as in,, thousands.

As was said in a PM I got from a DUer... "Don't they realize this is a death sentence?"

Of course they do..... that is the point.

Are "progressives" going to stand by and let that happen?

[maryf]

102. Anybody who lets people die unrighteously

whether they call themselves progressive, democrat, republican, left, right, middle, don't deserve to be called human.

[Michigan-Arizona]

88. K&R n/t

[Divine Discontent]

90. hear hear!!! the state took away all the 'over the counter' meds the state was helping give to

disabled folks on SS disability in our state. They used to give creams, salves, vitamins, laxatives, etc. ($30 a month) to help, but they zapped that away. Then every few months they send scary letters that are always probing about your health, and even with a chronic disease they're doing this. The Cat Food Commission wants to swipe even more billions from the taxpayers, and you're right, there are already people suffering as you said. Keep up the fight!!!

[bobbolink]

91. "Then every few months they send scary letters " Domestic Terrorism.

The health effects of those letters is tremendous.

While I agree that, because of the paltry amount people are given to live on, that $30 a month for OTC would be helpful.

However, what I am talking about now is taking away completely that whole paltry amount to live on!

People are not airplants, and without disabiility, many will die.

I hope you will join us in the fight against this purge!

[scarletwoman]

92. In order to fight this effectively, we need to differentiate between SSDI and SSI.

SSDI is funded through our FICA taxes, just like Social Security. SSI is funded through the general fund, which means that Congress appropriates the money as part of the annual budget.

Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration.

While cuts to SSI will fall under the general move to "cut spending" by cutting welfare, food stamps, etc., SSDI, since it's funded by our FICA payments is basically in the same Catfood Commission crosshairs as SS retirement benefits.

Any direct cuts to SSI happening now would had to have been passed in the budget for this fiscal year -- in other words, already a done deal. As for next fiscal year, we need to find out which Congressional Committee(s) are in charge of overseeing SSI appropriations so we can put pressure on specific politicians.

If SSDI and SSI are BOTH undergoing an increase in benefit denials, then the instigators of these actions are more likely located within the Social Security Administration itself. There might be a newly zealous audit going on, or some new rules passed.

We need to find out who's in charge of the SSA, who the players are, what kind of rules they operate under, and whether the SSA is under any sort of Congressional oversight.

We can't effectively fight unless we know who exactly the enemy is, and where he is located.

sw

[maryf]

103. Good advice and also follow the money...

from where to where...

[scarletwoman]

107. Which money? Sorry, "follow the money" is uselessly vague. I'm looking for hard facts.

Please don't take offense, but I'm really frustrated with this whole thread. Big on outrage and anecdotes, but essentially null when it comes to actual information that can be used to mount a counter-offense.

I can't even tell if people are talking about SSDI or SSI. As I pointed out above, they are two different programs with two different funding sources.

Who's the villian? Who do we attack? We all know the over-arching villian is the Plutocracy, but every damn outrage against the common people of this country -- disabled, poor, working class -- ALL arise from the same source.

If there's to be some kind of effective action mounted on the specific behalf of the disabled, then it has to be focused on the specifics. Who, what, where, when.

As Bobbie pointed out above, just calling your congresscritter is nearly useless. We already know they don't give a damn. We need to shine a light on some dark corners and make some people damn uncomfortable. And to do that, we need to know WHERE those dark corners are located (Is it the SSA? Is it the Congress? Is it a committee? Is it a lobby group?), and WHO made the call to get aggressive on denials.

And we need to know what we're talking about in the first place! SSDI? SSI? Both? If we don't even know that, how can we even begin to research the roots of what's going on? And without being to do research, what the hell is there to do besides calling our congresscritters and complaining -- not even knowing which program we're complaing about! Who in power is going to give a shit if we can't even marshall some basic FACTS?

I agree with Bobbie that the "left" ought to get active on this issue. Okay then, let's get the issue defined and focused so we can move forward with it.

sw

[pipi_k]

109. I'm frustrated also...

I've been doing Google searches all over the place looking for something tangible, which is why I've been asking questions about what conditions the SSA might be targeting, or whether there are reasons being given when those reduction/cutoff letters are being sent out.

It's difficult to fight shadows on the wall, which is basically what people are being asked to do when we're told that it's all "under the radar".

Nobody apparently knows about it but a couple of bloggers who talk like they have some inside track on what's going on, making it seem like this is a whole new phenomenon when it might actually be what usually happens anyway.

Like maybe people are getting letters in error.

Or they (or their agents/guardians) aren't returning necessary review forms.

Or some other reason that happens all the time.


Is this real, or is it just paranoia, similar to what we see from the RWers who think their bibles/guns/religion/etc. are, or will be, taken away.


they have no PROOF, but they go on insisting it's going to happen...is happening...and no doubt some of them have just as much anecdotal "evidence" to prove their points as was given in the OP.


I join you in being very frustrated.

[scarletwoman]

112. All I ask AT THE VERY LEAST, is which program is doing this? SSDI or SSI? Both?

Just THAT piece of information would be helpful for a starting point, for knowing where to start looking.

[pipi_k]

118. Yep. Because most people really don't know there's a difference n/t

[ThomasQED]

115. I did some searches too, and found nothing but this thread.

I'm going to hold my outrage at the situation until I know it's actually happening.

[pipi_k]

120. Right now I can't even work up

the energy necessary for outrage, I'm just nearly panic-stricken and sick.


My disability involves a whole host of depression/anxiety disorders along with agoraphobia.


People shouldn't be subjected to unwarranted fears, and it's even worse for someone like myself who definitely doesn't need added stress from worrying if, or when, the axe might fall.


Then there's the whole bit about people committing suicide in droves...


blech. The OP needs to stop with the dramatics and give us facts.

[ThomasQED]

122. I know exactly how you feel

and have felt that way over a variety of issues over the past decade or so... and have wasted a lot of energy worrying over things that never happened.

With all due respect, maybe you should stop reading this thread. You certainly don't need the added stress.

I'm going to step away from the computer, walk the dogs, and then go over to a friend's to help him. He's on food stamps, has no income, and is using his savings to build a tiny solar home (just 120 sq ft) to live in. Today I think we're putting in skylights.

I hope you have a good day too!

[pipi_k]

123. Oh, believe me, I really want to stop reading, but

then I'm afraid if I stop I'll miss some concrete evidence that this is all just a bunch of scaremongering and I'll just go right on worrying myself sick anyway.


I wish I hadn't even opened it in the first place. Sigh... :(




In any event, it's a real nice day out where I am and it's a shame to waste it so I may go sit by the pond for a while.

Have fun building the mini-home. I've seen some of them and they look very cute as well as functional and a great idea.

:)

[ChiciB1]

140. Yes, pipi_k, I NEED Some Answers Too! I'm In The Same Boat You Are...

But I not only have a physical problem, I also have a mental disease that I take medication for! If they kick me off, not only will I be in some real pain most of the time, I just MAY go bonkers off some meds. While I try to take a little as possible because I hate some of the meds, I KNOW I need some to function because it's been well documented by my psychiatrist is one that can not be cured!!

So therefore, I take some meds that I REALLY hate! Still I have found a way to function very well without the really horrible ones. After my diagnoses in the beginning I was on so much stuff I wanted to scream, but slowly began research and began to understand what things would cause certain reactions and have worked hard not to let them get to me like they once did.

I've even had to leave DU from time to time because of the STRESS!! I'm seriously understand this a a problem, but I NEED to know the HOW & WHY!!

I'm like you, just reading about this has caused me more angst about all of it!

[laughingliberal]

196. I believe it's real and I believe it's related to Congress approving $700 million in cuts to SSDI

which happened in 2006. That amount was to be cut over 5 years. It's now 2010. I'm sure they're ramping it up to meet their target.

[bobbolink]

128. If your frustration is aimed at me, just know that I am only one person.

One person who is already battling, on a daily basis, just surviving.

I am trying to take actions on a variety of issues facing poor people, and there isn't any real help on that. Doing it alone is not only difficult, but NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO FIGHT THEIR ISSUES ALONE. I keep getting told it is up to me, with the inference being that, being homeless, of course I must be lazy.

I am doing things that have NOT been done before, and for the most part, I am doing them on my own. With few resources.

I have my hands overfull.

It is damned time that others step up and take on some of this.

[pipi_k]

133. I can't speak for the other person, but...

my own frustration stems from not having any real, concrete information.

Nobody is asking you to "do it alone", whatever it is people are supposed to be doing.

And that's the point.

Without concrete information, where do people start? To whom do they complain? People want to be able to complain to the appropriate individuals, not waste time and energy on a wild goose chase with little more information to go on other than it's all "below the radar".

That's just an easy way to get labeled a paranoid nutcase and have one's concerns filed away in someone's trashcan.

[ChiciB1]

137. Just Posted The Same Thing!!! We Need MORE FACTS! I've Asked, But

I don't even have a clue whether it's SSA or SSDI!! We just can't go off willy-nilly on a goose hunt! I completely agree that this is an extremely vital issue, but WHERE does one begin??

I haven't received any letters as yet, but because of my disability I was required to be on Medicare! Is THAT a fact?? I'm really in the dark here, but can't say I'm not afraid!!

[maryf]

175. Its hours of waiting on the phone or in an office...

but if anybody gets an answer, share it! (It's SSD). Both my inlaws were placed on Medicare when they were finally approved, that is something I can tell you from experience.

[maryf]

173. Research

is necessary, but many here depend on Bobbie for that research, to answer the questions; I believe you know her situation and her limitations. If people here each found one source to share, did a bit of research and shared it, we might start getting somewhere.

[maryf]

185. Money again...

"the government would rather support the military industrial corporations than help some unfortunates." I said that elsewhere here. The government is starting to hurt for money as it continues to pay 51% of the federal budget for the military, borrowing all the way. Bottom line we need to demand that human needs get met; bottom line, we need to stop a system based on profit, that's what I meant when I said follow the money.

There's no profit in Social Security of any kind, the corporations want to make their profit. Look what they've done and are doing to Health care? Look for parallels with social security (I think they are fucking with all of it), look for the same players, that's who we need to focus on.

I'm sleepy, hope I made some sense. Just don't ask Bobbie for more than she's already does...its tough out there for her, survival on a daily basis is wearing.

[bobbolink]

127. Good points. Do you have suggestions of who could look into this?

Again, the problem is that we just aren't a priority... there is very little, if any, concern about us. Even the clergy I have spoken with about this just aren't moved.

So, if you could dig up someone who could look into this, or an investigative reporter who would take this on with zeal, that would be great.

I have to say.... your comment that any cuts to SSI this year are already a done deal was upsetting to me. Maybe lives are really that inconsequential, but when I think of the thousands who may die from this (including me and other DUers), it is very hard to hear.

[ChiciB1]

136. Good Advice... KNOWING Who & What You Are Fighting Is So Very Important...

and up until now I have YET to get any clear answers! I'm one that could be targeted so I don't take this lightly, but WHO to contact is vitally important. Not knowing where to turn could turn into a nightmare of phones calls and continual writing of letters!!

Where to start and what ground rules that need to negotiated through is VERY important. At least it is to me! I don't doubt something is terribly wrong, but not knowing exactly who to contact and get some good answers is a problem, or so it seems to me!!

[earth mom]

141. Thank you for your work on this!

:yourock:

[laughingliberal]

93. K&R for visibility. Thanks for bringing this out. nt

[inna]

95. Huge K&R

And yes, that article that someone in this thread linked to is an absolute must-read:

http://blogs.alternet.org/refugee/2010/08/25/useless-eaters-the-stigmatization-of-health-problems/


Most people are completely oblivious of the fact that we are an aberrantly cruel and inhumane society as far as social safety net is concerned. What's happening in the US and the way this country treats its poor and sick is BARBARIC and completely outside the norm compared to the rest of the civilized world.

People need to wake up to that reality; we're all in this together.


Thank you for bringing up this issue (that most people are conditioned to overlook, ignore and/or dismiss); you can always count on me personally for support and solidarity; I just wish I could more and had more to offer. The problems, unfortunately, are systemic; and it is the system itself that will have to be confronted in order for any significant changes to take place.

Peace and solidarity and best to you. :hug:

[Starry Messenger]

97. k & r

[aikoaiko]

99. You have moved me to make phone calls and write letters

to my senators, representative, and the SSA, but I need some more information. Please forgive my ignorance about this situation and how SSDI works.

If I understand correctly, the people receiving these letters have already been receiving disability payments with the explicit expectation that the benefits would continue, yes? They weren't on any temporary or provisional plan, were they?

When they received discontinuation or benefit reduction letters, did the letters cite reasons or rules for their denial?

Did they blame the disable person for not doing something correctly?

If rules were cited, did the rules change on them?

Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention.

[Irishonly]

108. Thank You

My husband and I are both disabled on SSDI and we live in fear these days.

[scarletwoman]

110. Were there some recent rules changes? Is the SSA doing some sort of new audit of their cases?

I'm trying to find out WHAT exactly is going on and where the source is.

Any concrete information you can give me would be much appreciated.

sw

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

117. +1

[Silver Swan]

143. The only thing I have found so far

is in the 2010 Social Security Trustees Report: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2010/V_programatic.html#89099

It mentions that disability terminations are expected to increase through 2018 because SSA will be working through a large backlog of continuing disability reviews.

[pinto]

147. The OASDI report projects an increase in terminations from 9.1 / 1,000 to 11.6 / 1,000.

This is through 2019, for "recovery" from disability. The "recovery rate" tracks disability benefits terminated due to a review of initial medical determinations.

The age-sex- adjusted recovery rate under the intermediate assumptions is assumed to rise from a relatively low level of 9.1 per thousand beneficiaries in 2009 (reflecting temporarily lower levels of continuing disability reviews) to 11.6 per thousand beneficiaries by 2019.

This is a projected increase of 2.5 terminations per 1,000 beneficiaries over ten years. :shrug:

[bobbolink]

155. Thank you for that! Exhibit B! This begins to add up, when reading between the lines!

:yourock:

[pipi_k]

167. One of the things I noticed, if I understand it correctly...

is that there is usually an uptick in the numbers of disability claims during times of economic downturn. People having nowhere else to turn to, and all.

One thing I personally observed was a son-in-law who just no longer liked his job. Granted, he does have Crohns, which acts up at times when he's stressed or doesn't take the meds or follow the diet his doctor gave him. But he didn't want to go on disability for that reason. He just wanted to go on long enough to get out of where he worked and then find another job, using his Crohns as an excuse.

Anyway, perhaps some of those cases were expedited and then, on later review, found to be illegitimate. Maybe that's what is going on now, if it really is...


Actually, it was kind of surprising to find out that disability claims go up during economic downturns. I had never actually thought of it...

:shrug:

[Irishonly]

146. Every disabled person

comes up for review every few years. Then the same panel of non doctors decides if you are still disabled. I know a MS patient in a wheelchair that was not only taken off of disability she also had to make payments to them. I doubt if you will ever be able to find a link but if you can find any advocate groups where you live they may be able to give you the information you need.

I went through hell getting disability. At my hearing I was expecting to get grilled but all I had to do was listen to the judge apologizing the system wasn't supposed to work like it did in my case. Other people don't have problems.

I am coming up for review in about a year. My health has worsened although to look at me, I don't look sick. I know I am giving you personal stories and not concrete. My mom was disabled and I wish I could find her last review letter. She had been bedridden for two years and her letter said it was only a temporary extension because her heart may get better. That was in 1980 and less than a month after her review she passed away.

[OrwellwasRight]

111. I hope everyone knows that the first thing you should do is go to your elected

Representative or Senator. They are required by law to assist you in getting cases with federal agencies solved (they are required by law because if they help any one of their constituents--and they all do--then they have to help any other constituents who ask--favoritism violates the ethics rules and could get them in bug trouble).

Anyway, Congressional interest can and does frequently help expedite your case and make a difference.

[walldude]

113. Thanks Bobbo, you are right...

I didn't realize it was happening to others. We used to get a check for my adopted son, his father died of MD and he has the disease himself, when his dad died the benefits still owed were passed to my son. Last month the check didn't come. This month either. My wife (who is my sons biological Aunt) has been fighting with SS for weeks now. Luckily we are squeezing by right now and don't "need" the money. But there have been and will be times when that money was food on the table.

K&R...

[scarletwoman]

116. Which program was your son in? SSI? Was there never a letter announcing the end of benefits?

Did he age out? (age 18)

[walldude]

124. He's only 11. So didn't age out, and yes it's SS

he's getting. When his dad died I assumed his benefits would go back into SS but they sent us a letter saying he was entitled to his fathers benefits. Since we didn't have insurance and he has MD we took the money. But it just stopped coming. No notice nothing, the check would come the 2nd Wed of each month and they just stopped in June. They tell my wife we should be receiving the benefits again including the back money but so far nothing.

[wellstone dem]

217. This should not have happened

There is no reason for this. As SS has apparently noted, this is an error. You should call your Senator or Rep. for assistance in getting these started again immediately.

Unlike disability benefits, these children's Social Security benefits are based only on having a deceased, disabled, or retired parent. When the parent is deceased, the benefits stop only when the child is 18 and not still in high school. Benefits continue for children in high school up to their 19th birthday. (Benefits stop if child marries, I assume this 11 year old is unmarried.)

Like I said, to speed this up, call your U.S. Senator or Representative.

[customerserviceguy]

114. Aside from the stories you've heard

perhaps you have some links to news sites that are covering some sort of purge?

[TheKentuckian]

148. That seems to be a chunk of the problem, there is no coverage. These folks are easy prey

in our system. Nobody speaks for them and few can be bothered to care other than being really worried that somebody, somewhere is "getting over".

So, when the wolves come they are left alone to combat them and usually to fall. I think that is part of what this thread is about to start banging the drum so that hopefully the issues of our poor and disabled start to get some coverage and are allowed out of the shadows.

This segment of the population does not have advocacy groups with corporate dollars streaming in, it does not have a journalistic natural constituency, nor does it have a receptive audience that cares about then in the broader population, not until their they are suffering so much that those that go out of their way to avoid seeing them have no choice but to see.

I know I was flabbergasted that despite the stimulus money that my mother's petty (but needed) thirty plus dollars a month in food stamps was reduced to seventeen. Apparently this happened in response to so some increase in her income which was sucked up in increased medical costs so she doesn't have one thin dime more money but the shitty amount of food stamps being cut to well beyond farcical, leaves her with a little less to get by on.

Its a mess with this stuff because many are ashamed to make any fuss and only layers who focus in this area have a strong handle on what the hell the stuff means and all that.

Poor folks can't afford lawyers to fight for tens of dollars a month, they appeal to a caseworker and that is about it. Our adversarial profit driven system sucks ass for those with nothing.

The specifics can help but there is a much more basic thing we need to do for these underprivileged people is to let our decision makers know that the safety net being strong is important and that we will not accept those with next to nothing having to make do with less or being thrown away to save money to be diverted to the war machine and the wealthy.

If you don't have the details to fight a specific battle take on the broader one. Poverty must become a part of our consciousness again and never forget since but by grace so would we go.

[customerserviceguy]

149. The reason I ask is

anecdotal evidence is really not enough to rally people around. My first ex-wife has been sucking the disability system dry for about thirty years now. And my lady has a brother that just went on disability, and he's the biggest scam artist I've ever met.

When people try to unfairly game the system, they bring down scrutiny that hurts innocent people.

[TheKentuckian]

151. I figured as much. More worried that someone is getting over than many are buried under.

This is why people are thrown away, it can be done in the name of cost control and fighting fraud. The reality isn't important just that there is the feeling that nobody is getting off easy somewhere but of course no matter how Draconian the system is there will be anecdotal evidence that somebody gamed it and that gets run with.

Examine your own attitude. You need hard data to attempt to dispel anecdotal evidence of your own and until you see it you will stick with your impression even if you know on an intellectual basis that people are taking a real hit.

Poverty is not your primary concern but rather busting scam artists. If some have to suffer and die to make sure your brother in law and ex get what you think they have coming, then so be it. After all, you can conflate them with those you believe are gaming the system and rest easy that they probably were lazy and cheats that the system caught up with. Easy peasy.

The desperate, sick, and destitute become the outliers in a system of waste and fraud. You figure if they really are bad off then we are a good and decent people and they'll be taken care of somehow.

[customerserviceguy]

152. Everybody has their own set of anecdotes

That's why I ask for stories involving more than that.

[TheKentuckian]

153. The stories aren't written. These people have no voice. There will be no stories without the public

demanding our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, neighbors and friends are never left behind and that the "least among us" are taken care of.

This as you well know does not fit the narrative of the powerful who are busy as beavers to undermine and cut the safety net.

We must demand a voice for the poor, not wait for them to get one to fight for them.

[bobbolink]

157. Thank you so very much! These demands that I get "proof" and explain it all to everyone' s

satisfaction really got to me, and I gave up.

It literally made me sick today.

It is like demanding that someone who suspects the CIA of dirty tricks in another country prove it, or STFU!

I am in tears that somebody finally gets is!

:yourock: :toast: :yourock:

[pipi_k]

164. A couple of minor differences...

The SSA is not the CIA

We're talking about this country...not a dictatorship



I don't think people are being unreasonable in asking for more information.

Having a pretty good idea of what they're talking about keeps people from looking...and feeling...like fools.


Anybody who really and truly believes this this has "legs" might want to contact a major news source. But I wouldn't be surprised if they also asked for some sort of evidence...

[customerserviceguy]

169. Thank you for pointing that out

With Social Security, there's a commission running around out there, getting ready to make new laws about taxes and benefits, at least that's a potential target.

We're asked to vaguely "do something" about a problem that the entire news media seems to have ignored. There's no law that can be identified that needs to be changed, no procedure that needs to be re-examined, just a general plea for "keep us in mind, too."

While I'm sympathetic to the plight of the truly disabled, they can blame the scam artists for the heightened scrutiny that they get, that's all that I've personally seen that affects the ability of the disabled to get and keep Social Security disability.

[maryf]

171. People should be given the SS at their word

let the scammers get found out after the fact.

NO one should be left without a means to live. When my 63 year old father in law had a stroke, they told him he could hoist 25 pound packages at UPS. You should have seen the man, he'd been a copy writer all his life, heavy, short, and after his stroke hard to understand and shuffled his feet. But, because he might be scamming he had to wait a year to get approved(his wife was up for disablity due to a nervous breakdown at the same time, whole other story there). Meanwhile my husband and I paid all the bills on credit. Its been years since and we still have all the boxes and boxes of documentation and records for both these people, years of bank statements, medical reports, letters, name it. I'll be happy to mail it all to you, that's my evidence.

What the heck happens to folks without families??? these people need a voice.

And we should protest everything we protest in front of all the news agencies, tv, papers, etc. Then maybe we'd get some press. Sit in at the New York times, anyone??? Social Justice for all!!!

[bobbolink]

172. I know you and your parents went through a lot, mary. I'm afraid that is what it takes

before too many people begin to understand the enormity of this, and the tragedy.

So many of these arguments make me feel like I have tuned into Faux!

[maryf]

And I know how hard

It is for you having to do all your paperwork, documentation, etc. from your tiny space alone without help. What happens to people who are really slow? Who don't understand the paperwork? There aren't enough Social Workers to help, and the ones that are there are callous or depressed from overwork and the tragedy all around.

I really think focusing on the press, demanding they write the stories, demanding they give us a voice might be a way...

[bobbolink]

180. And people being out-of-town, or in the hospital, or too ill to get their mail.

10 days to respond before being cut of.... too bad if you didn't get your mail for some reason.

Oh, and the other trick they played.... they managed to postmark the first letters earlier than they sent it out, so that it was *received* AFTER the 10-day period. I found this out by comparing notes with other people! Damned bastards!

"I really think focusing on the press, demanding they write the stories, demanding they give us a voice might be a way..."

I think it is at least one important way! If you can get this effort going, that would be great. The other person who suggested this wanted my personal papers (complete with my SSN!) and the papers of other people! Can you imagine that? :crazy: And dumped it when I didn't comply.

So, I will hope that you and others follow up on this. There are already some good links in this thread. It should give any investigative reporter worth his or her salt plenty to start with!

[customerserviceguy]

182. Are you advocating giving out Social Security disability

to anyone who asks for it, without proof or verification? Really?

[maryf]

187. Basically yes.

when they first apply, with some medical documents, start paying them then, research as they are being taken care of. Charge the scammers when found out (I actually think this would save a whole lot of time/paperwork). I'd rather make certain that 100 people get taken care of than worry about 2 people getting away with something. It's not that much money to appeal to very many scammers...really, it's barely livable funds what most people get...and people die before they get it far too often...

[laughingliberal]

199. +1000,000 nt

[customerserviceguy]

215. Because that rich US Government has all the money, right?

I used to think the same thing about my parents when I was a teenager.

[bobbolink]

220. No, because poor people deserve to die.

[laughingliberal]

191. Oh, right! The scam artists. Another rework of Reagan's welfare queens.

I've had to deal with SSDI on behalf of patients and it is a nightmare of a system if you fall outside the preset, automatic reason qualifiers.

All these witch hunts for the scam artists, welfare queens etc...grossly inflate the extent of the problem and leave people who really need the help without. The system is not always operating in good faith.

[maryf]

170. If people want more information, why don't they research it themselves?

Why do they expect anyone to do the work for them? The people have given the evidence they have, their personal experience. If that isn't enough, then research!!!

[pipi_k]

177. I've been trying to do that nearly all day and have gotten nothing

And really, isn't it up to the person who makes the claim that this or that is happening, or will happen, to provide some sort of information?


This is what makes me suspicious. I do research, come up with nothing, yet we're all told that there's basically something wrong with us if we don't accept someone's experience as FACT.


Let's turn this around for a minute...

Let's pretend a bunch of Freepers are sitting around talking about how a couple of friends had their guns taken away, and that is clear "evidence" that the big bad evil government is out to get them and take away everyone's guns.

How many here are going to laugh hysterically and call them idiots?


I dunno...where I come from, you make the claim, you provide the proof...

:shrug:

[maryf]

184. The woman is homeless

Did you read my post above??

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9034376&mesg_id=9041250

while waiting hours and days in SSD for my folks to get approved, I saw tons of people come in, tons. I saw some people hobble away in pain because they couldn't wait any longer, so they'd have to come back again...I saw folks begging, I saw folks crying, they deserve academy awards if they were faking.

I saw not one person, and I was there a lot, who I thought was scamming, maybe the scam is to tell folks there are lots scammers...I don't deny there might be some, but I tell you, it'd be easier to pan handle, and the money they get ain't worth the hassle. The people who are there are very likely there because they need it, and the government would rather support the military industrial corporations than help some unfortunates.


WHY would anyone fabricate this?? Look at what happened to health care, look at what has happened to the unions in this country. People are getting poorer and more destitute. Most are frogs sitting happily in their warm baths getting cooked...some frogs keep jumping out just to hit another pot of hot water.

(and, btw, the government would love to take away everyone's guns!!!)

I'm tired.

[pipi_k]

186. Oh, so that's a good enough reason...

we call a Congress person and say, "Well, an anonymous person on an internet discussion board has a friend who had _________ happen to them, and then there's the other anonymous person who has a 'hunch' that certain secret things are going on and the government is trying to kill off its citizens by cutting off their Social Security benefits without notice or reason. It's all this big plot, see, and....etc. etc. etc.".


Congress person: "Well, that sounds serious. Do you have proof?"

Person calling him/her: "Uh, no. Not really. But someone on an internet discussion group said it's true, so it MUST BE".

Congress person: "Er...OK, thanks for your call" *click* dial tone.


Like I said somewhere else in this thread...anyone with the time might want to get in touch with a major news network...they have people who are probably more experienced in sniffing out information.

I personally am not willing to stick my neck out on that one. Especially after wasting most of a really good day trying to find some kind of information on this.

[laughingliberal]

192. Oh, Oh,that works. People can just starve if they can't satisfy our requests for a link.

I read an article several days ago which mentioned the 2006 Congress approved cuts of $700 million for SSDI over 5 years. I'd say there's a big push on to meet that goal as we are now in the last 1 1/2 years of that. I'm trying to locate the article.

[pipi_k]

203. Starve??? All I'm asking for is that

people who make claims here that something is going to happen give us links to the information that backs up their claims and which also gives others something to use as a reference point when they try to fight what may happen.

What does that have to do with starving?


As far as cuts to SSDI, that could mean just about anything...it doesn't necessarily have to mean that people who are already getting it are about to be arbitrarily cut off.

[laughingliberal]

206. Going to happen?

This is not the only place I'm hearing of people getting thrown off their SSDI. It IS happening.

People who have no other income are at a real risk of starving if they are cut off.

It would be hard to get to $700 million without throwing some people off the rolls.

The problem with issues such as this one are there is rarely anything spelled out in policy. These types of changes are generally in the form of changes in focus. Much like Bush I's instructions to the IRS to leave the wealthy alone and focus on the middle class and self employed, there were no changes to the law or tax code but there was a change and real people who were filing just as they had been for years found themselves targeted for audits over the most mundane entries on tax forms.

My instinct is this is taking the form of more aggressive review processes for those who don't have one of the some 50 diagnoses that don't meet the automatic qualifying criteria.

Here's what I plan to do. I'm calling Reid's office (he's my Senator) and stating I'm seeing quite a few reports of people on SSDI for long periods of time getting thrown off the rolls and that I understand there were steep budget cuts to SSDI in 2006. I will say I'd like them to look into it and would appreciate any light they can shed on this. I will also say I am not happy with the demeaning and debilitating process people must endure to apply for and keep their SSDI benefits and that I am not in favor or people being left to starve while they attempt to work their way through this inhumane and unwieldy system. I really don't see how I've lost anything by doing that.

[pipi_k]

208. I meant going to happen TO THEM.

As far as the rest of it goes, what is so "demeaning and debilitating" about the review process?

I've been through it a few times.

They send you a form that you fill out and you send it back. I always make a copy of it and send the original back by Certified Mail.

Sometimes they will ask for more information from your treating physician.


Is this that much more "demeaning and debilitating" than having a job review?

[laughingliberal]

210. Makes no sense. It IS happening to the people I'm hearing from. Yes, to THEM.

Good for you having such an easy time with the reviews!

My experiences with many patients over many years were not so cut and dried in dealing with applying for SSDI or dealing with reviews. Certain diagnoses are more readily approved than others. People who are disabled as the result of several diagnoses which, in and of themselves, would not qualify but, taken together, make it impossible for them to work often have a very hard time. I've dealt with chronically and terminally ill patients my entire life and I have seen some horror stories out of that system. If that budget was cut in 2006 I'm sure it's worse now.

You may choose, since it's not your experience, to disbelieve or disregard what is happening to others but I do not. As I said, making that call to Reid's office costs me nothing.

My experiences with many patients over many years were not so cut and dry in dealing with applying for SSDI or dealing with reviews. Certain diagnoses are more readily approved than others. People who are disabled as the result of several diagnoses which, in and of themselves, would not qualify but, taken together, make it impossible for them to work often have a very hard time. I've dealt with chronically and terminally ill patients my entire life and I have seen some horror stories out of that system. If that budget was cut in 2006 I'm sure it's worse now.

You may choose, since it's not your experience, to disbelieve or disregard what is happening to others but I do not. As I said, making that call to Reid's office costs me nothing.

[pipi_k]

211. Let me clarify...

there are people to whom some of these horrible things are NOT YET happening.

They are sitting here worrying about if/when these things may happen TO THEM.

People are asking for information...not "personal experiences", and they're being told that it's all happening "under the radar".


And they're being told to contact their elected officials, who may or may not be part of the problem.


Great. Complain to the foxes that the foxes are raiding the henhouses.


Like I said elsewhere in this thread, why aren't people bombarding major news networks with all these cases and evidence? Really get some useful national outrage going...

[laughingliberal]

214. I, too, believe we need some media person to get involved and look into it.

Otherwise, people are being picked off in secret and left to starve anonymously with the public none the wiser.

It is not those it is happening to, some without shelter or enough to eat, who are going to be able to get to the bottom of it and they need our help.

It sounds like the sort of issue Taibi might take up or someone on the nation. Perhaps some of us could email them and see if we can work up some interest. People have different levels of being able to expose themselves to publicity.

I, personally, believe people living in desperate poverty are emotionally traumatized especially the homeless. Many have come to expect rejection, ridicule, hostility, and suspicion from society at large. They try to remain hidden and avoid contact with others as much as possible-a huge task in and of itself if they are homeless and forced to live their lives in public. This is why the poor are such easy targets and why the last 30 years have seen such a war on the poor-they are not likely to fight back as many have internalized the propaganda that they are, somehow, responsible for their poverty. How sad to see we went from Johnson's War on Poverty to Reagan's War on Poor People.

It really is up to those of us who have some resources (limited though mine are, now) to try and speak for them.

[TheKentuckian]

176. I don't see how someone wouldn't get it I don't understand what some folks see

and fail to see even more.

[bobbolink]

181. They see a vulnerable person, smell blood, and get pleasure out of causing more pain.

I've experienced it enough to recognize it.

Vile.

[TheKentuckian]

178. and you are more than welcome

[Jackpine Radical]

163. Gee--Didn't you catch that 2-hour special on Fox the other night

reporting on the desperate plight of the poor in America?

Had me in tears, I tell ya. Oh, the stories Glenn told about starving children, and how we all need to give a little more to the poor.

Don't tell me you missed that broadcast.

[bobbolink]

165. !

:rofl:

~~snarf~~

[bobbolink]

156. You have hit the target exactly, and right down the line! We are VULNERABLE and easily picked off!

"Nobody speaks for them and few can be bothered to care other than being really worried that somebody, somewhere is "getting over".So, when the wolves come they are left alone to combat them and usually to fall."

This is it exactly. They know we don't have resources, they know we don't have legions coming to our defense, so we are an easy target. THEN they can say, "See how much we reduced the deficit". Never mind the corpses left littering the way.

"I think that is part of what this thread is about to start banging the drum so that hopefully the issues of our poor and disabled start to get some coverage and are allowed out of the shadows."

THANK YOU for getting it! That is exactly it! During the Raygun purge, we didn't know what was happening until it was too late, and thousands killed themselves. THIS TIME WE MUST BE ALERT! I don't want it on my conscience that I didn't speak my hunch, and people died.

"The specifics can help but there is a much more basic thing we need to do for these underprivileged people is to let our decision makers know that the safety net being strong is important and that we will not accept those with next to nothing having to make do with less or being thrown away to save money to be diverted to the war machine and the wealthy."

YES!! First, we need to have our lives preserved, and second, we need to know that we are valued by "progressives"! Our needs and problems get ignored over and over and over... we are on NONE of the priority lists that get posted here regularly. That must end!

Please, bang the drum! LOUDER!

:yourock: :patriot:

[laughingliberal]

193. Certainly, we expect our corporate controlled MSM to let us know of issues affecting the poor.

:sarcasm:

[scarletwoman]

121. Bobbie, I have to leave for the day, so I won't be posting more on this thread until late tonight.

I hope you'll read the other posts I've left here.

sw

[JDPriestly]

129. I have taken it for granted that when I oppose the Cat Food Commission

I am also opposing cuts to SSI. The two are not separate for me.

And, by the way, the Census Bureau statistics show that over 50% of people over 65 are disabled. I do not know what percentage of people between 65 and 70 are disabled, but it is, I think we can assume, high. And many people between 65 and 70 who are not now considered disabled would be counted among the disabled if they could not retire until the age of 70. Those vulnerable to developing disabilities earlier if they do not retire are people who do physically demanding or very stressful jobs.

Everyone knows that police officers and members of the military who are not high level officers usually need to retire well before the age of 65. If we studied aging more, we might discover that people in certain other professions also need to retire well before age 65.

But I have always considered the SSI and Social Security as well as Social Security for survivors issues to be really the same thing.

Who do you think will pay for Sarah Palin's son's care after the Palins' deaths? Even if I thought she could manage money well enough to keep her millions, I would predict that at some point Sarah Palin's son will be drawing SSI. The children of right-wing Republicans draw SSI as do right-wing Republicans. And I haven't seen a movement among senior Beckians to renounce their Social Security or SSI benefits. As a matter of fact, maybe we should challenge them to renounce their benefits. Maybe that would be more effective than asking them to continue to provide benefits to others. They are mostly motivated by self-interest, so maybe we should appeal to their self-interest.

[bobbolink]

139. YES! I think your proposal to demand that RWers renounce their benefits is a good one!

In envision it on billboards!

:evilgrin:

[Greyhound]

130. K&R. Another step toward the abyss.

Good luck to us all.

[hulka38]

135. Yes.

[BeHereNow]

144. Culling the herd...

Honestly, I can't find much information on the situation,
but then I am not all that surprised that it is being
done in silence and behind closed doors.

There is an insidious, slow blood letting in motion.
Who's behind it? The same people we never hear about.

But make no mistake, they were not there to help the
victims of Katrina either.

I've said it here before and I'll say it again-
it is only a matter of time until TPTB Katrina us all.

It's a class war, to be certain.
WE don't matter to them.
WE are disposable.

What to do about it?
I really don't know.

My daughter needs medication every month-
The cost is killing us financially- even though
her diagnosis qualifies her for help, I am not holding
my breath for them to grant it at this point.

Ultimately, it is about resources.
Peak oil, declining water and food shortages-
global climate changes displacing millions eventually.

TPTB are well aware of what is coming.
We are not part of their future playbook.

In their eyes, the more of us that die, the more
chance they have of surviving.
It's a business decision to them.

As the BFEE referred to us, we are
nothing more that "useless eaters."

BHN

[bobbolink]

161. I agree with all of that.... The question is, do we accept it or fight it?

[niyad]

207. that was exactly the expression that occurred to me-- pretty obvious what they are doing.

I see it in my very red community here--the govt here doesn't give a damn, and demonstrates it over and over and over again. the ONLY people they care about are their wealthy donors--the rest of us, according to the mayor, are "lowlifes and bums" (and yes, that is an EXACT quote from the great horseface himself)

[BeHereNow]

216. What part of the country are you located in?

Just curious, got some friends in Kyle and in Browning.

BHN

[Drops_not_Dope]

145. This Country Does Not Value Human Life

[prolesunited]

179. Your words:

"I don't want it on my conscience that I didn't speak my hunch, and people died."

You claim a purge and a massive cover-up and when pressed for specifics, you just attack people for being mean and heartless. Later, you admit that you have no more to go on than a "hunch."

So, how should we act on this information?

[bobbolink]

183. Follow your heart.

[ThomCat]

188. The government isn't going to ADMIT that they have an

ongoing effort to kick disabled people off the rolls in order to save money. That would be a PR disaster.

Saving money by attacking the poorest and most desperate would make for bad press. So of course they are going to keep it quiet.

But of course they are going to do it too. Constantly making people with disabilities re-prove that we have disabilities in order to stay on the rolls will always force some percentage of people off. Anyone who can't afford to see good enough doctors to maintain good enough medical records won't be able to document their disability well enough to satisfy these evaluations. Gone. The government saves money. It doesn't matter that you really are disabled. The fact is, you're desperately poor, and that makes you vulnerable.

There will also always be a certain percentage of people who just aren't savvy enough, or smart enough to know how to handle these re-evaluations. They are high-stress. So even if you don't fail because you are poor, you might fail because you aren't very smart. You might fail because your disability inhibits your ability to think clearly and deal well with the bureaucratic attack. If you don't have a family to help you, if you live alone and have to handle this alone, you might be screwed. So that is another small percentage of people who will fall off the rolls. They shouldn't, because they are exactly some of the people SSI should be helping, but they will.

Our Government has a history of making the poorest and the most vulnerable pay the heaviest costs. This is going to be yet another example.

For the record, I've posted already that I'm another person going through a re-review right now. Bobolink isn't alone. And I have also heard of others who it is happening to. So if we all keep hearing of others, all these anecdotes add up to a trend that sounds like a purge to anyone who is paying attention.

But how the hell are we supposed to get proof? We aren't inside Social Security. They aren't going to admit anything to us.

[blindpig]

201. It is across the board

with those least able to defend themselves victimized the most, as usual.

They get away with this shit because we lack solidarity, so with the 'least' of us, all of us.

[TheKentuckian]

189. Its okay. Someone will wake you when a Pulitzer quality writer does an expose

that connects all the dots of the people turned down time and time again with their doctors screaming bloody murder, the previously approved people rolled out with no resources to fight back, the slow bleed of reductions and freezes because of conflicting regulations designed to keep a cap on total aid, and the knife wielding deficit cutters looking constantly like sharks for food for ways to reduce social net spending.

Until then it doesn't matter, sleep well knowing the cries for help is just blowing in the wind.

After all, if there was anything to it someone important would be talking about. Surely any noise is the scammers trying to create public outcry so getting over will be easier that or fear mongering to help the Republicans or well something...

Hear the cries of your people or ignore them but don't say I hear them and they are nothing.

[bobbolink]

190. "Hear the cries of your people or ignore them but don't say I hear them and they are nothing."

:applause: :toast: :applause:

[laughingliberal]

197. +1,000,000 nt

[pipi_k]

204. Wouldn't an expose be a better option for getting things done

than a bunch of outrage and a few phone calls made by a couple of dozen people on an internet discussion board?


Which one is going to reach more people? Make the bigger impact?


If this is as all-fired important as some here claim it is, why aren't you (the collective you) bombarding the major news channels with demands to have this investigated and reported on so that everyone...not just a privileged few on an internet discussion board... knows about it?

[TheKentuckian]

209. That is indeed the point pipi, to raise the alarm and get people to demand a voice for these folks

It is circular logic though to assume that because no such expose exist that there is no problem.

[pipi_k]

212. I never said that it doesn't exist because there is no expose...

I'm just saying that if it's such a huge problem, people need to take it to another level right off the bat.


Not (as I pointed out somewhere above) to the very elected officials who may, or may not, be part of the problem.

[Panaconda]

202. Bumping

n/t

[Faryn Balyncd]

205. kick

:hi:


:kick:

[Poboy]

218. ttt

[pipi_k]

219. Just thought I would add...

that there is another thread elsewhere regarding a horrible mistake affecting the life of one woman who was mistakenly declared "dead".

This is the article:

http://redtape.msnbc.com/2010/08/hey-banks-this-woman-is-alive.html



What I found interesting was this paragraph which says:


"Two years ago, an msnbc.com investigation found that the Social Security Administration database is riddled with similar errors. A government report found that more than 1,000 people were being "killed" incorrectly every month. In some cases, appealing the decisions can take more than a year to complete."



So it would appear that perhaps part of this mass "purge against the poor" could be nothing more than stupid mistakes. Anything is possible. Even if people aren't being declared "dead", the possibility always exists that some other mistakes might be happening, not all of this having to do with something ominous and underhanded.

Mistakes, people.

Not an "under the radar" WAR on the poor.

[ThomCat]

221. "stupid mistakes"

don't happen accidentally. They happen because the systems in place don't care whether those mistakes exist, and actively prevent people from correcting those mistakes.

That also means they don't care that people are getting hurt by those mistakes as they develop, and they are ignoring all the people, their own clients, coming in to complain about small mistakes even as they snowball into big mistakes.

People here complaining are one symptom of those very kinds of mistakes.

[pipi_k]

222. Many mistakes happen

because people making them are feeling tired, pressured, overworked.

Instead of doing their own jobs, they often end up doing the job of two, maybe three, other people...all for the same pay.

And the people trying to do their jobs under those conditions are very likely too afraid to complain to anyone because the don't want to lose their jobs.


Some individuals care very much, but are overwhelmed.

Some individuals do NOT care.


Sometimes it's not even the system itself. The "system" starts with individual people.

I'm not sticking up for The System...not by any means. But I think it is reasonable to say that sometimes problems start on the individual level.

Hence...stupid mistakes.

:shrug:

[MerryBlooms]

223. kick

Housing, SSI/SSDI, food stamps, Medicaid, etc - all vital services have been doing this for years, and boy, do these agencies find every reason under the sun to deny people or reduce benefits. The pattern I'm seeing from the stories I've been able to find so far, is it's being kept at the local level and basically treated as 'isolated', events by media. Yes, definitely flying under the national media radar.