RogueGypsy

That last line is the grail. It's the 'check' in checks and balances that the media should be doing. Unfortunately, they don't and haven't for some time. We do not now, nor will we likely ever, know the truth. We are shown pieces according to the reaction they are looking to incite.

It doesn't matter what mass media network you're watching, paper you're reading or station you're listening too. You will hear what you want to hear, from what they want you to hear. If there is any truth in it, it's minute, obscure and often out of context.

To that end, how do we know if anything is actually going to "improve our lives and our country"?

Not to beat a bloated stinking horse, but look at 'health care reform'. Sounds great, everyone gets free medical! That's awesome! I would love that. In reality, it cut existing benefits (good or bad, who knows) and mandates everyone soon pay a minimum of $675/mo if currently uninsured. If I can't afford insurance now, how am I supposed to afford $675/mo? Before I had a choice, buy insurance or pay as I go. Soon it will be buy insurance or face possible imprisonment. Yeah, I know, many threads about this, but you don't put the only 'guilty until proved innocent' division of collection in charge unless you intend to use it.

And how is bigger government better for the country? The more people employed by the government, the less tax dollars there are to improve our country. Less money for infrastructure, less money for security, less money for the retired. Not only have you taken their taxable income out of the equation, your paying them with taxes. It's a double hit and it makes no sense.

The Fed has (2) purposes: 1. To protect the citizens of the United States. 2. To represent the interests of the citizens in international affairs. That's it. No more. Everything else should be left to state government and private industry. Imagine how much better life would be with a few hundred billion tax dollars back in our pockets for us to spend as we choose.

But now I'm straying from the topic, back to the OP.

People 40-60 don't want change? Who likes to have the rules change, just when you've gotten good at the game? Who likes to be promised something, then have it taken away when it's time to deliver? Who really enjoys change at all?

As far as people feeling bad. I think it's more about people feeling angry, betrayed and bitter.

'Hi Bob, I know you worked hard your entire life, played by the rules and did what you had to do to make a better life for you and your family. Contributed to society, weathered the hard times, served your country, and stuck by us all the way. I know we promised, at the end of all that we would take care of you. But the day has come and due to popular sentiment today, we are going to give everything you earned and were promised to others who've never contributed in any of the ways that you have.
Others that, although they could have, chose not to support themselves, contribute to society and help others. Others who figured out a flaw in the system and took advantage of the charity of others. Yes Bob, here is your card board box and can of Sterno. We'll need you to move out of your house now, so we can give it to this other family with 13 kids and no jobs. Surely you can't expect them to live in a box, they're a family. You've enjoyed you're home for so many years. I'm sure they'll love all the improvements you've made over the years. The new den, they're gonna need that extra room you built for your daughter, the deck and patio, wow Bob beautiful lawn. I'm sure the new family will just love it. You're a great guy Bob, Enjoy your retirement.'
What's that you say Bob, you have your own retirement plan because that's the responsible thing to do? Well thank you for reminding us Bob. We'll be taking half of that too. The new family needs to eat too you know. Besides, you're old and weak now. You can't defend yourself anymore, never mind all those you defended serving you're country. They don't care. You're not long for this world Bob, so the suffering will be short. Now take your box and Sterno and be on you're way.'

Why would anyone be unhappy?

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