Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 8/2

So the jokers finally got around to raising the debt ceiling. Of course, the entitlement monster remains unaddressed. As usual, the politicians punted the problem down the road, praying for an economic miracle to bail out their profligate spending, like the internet and real estate booms did previously. Trouble is, there is nothing on the horizon to give anyone hope, unless one believes the green movement will suddenly become economically viable. The best thing about the deal being passed is that it will put an end to the press coverage until the next time the ceiling is breached. Anyone who thought the two sides would let the country fall into default does not understand the gutless nature of politicians, whose main goal is to hold on to the perks and privileges of elected office. It will be interesting to see if we will continue to go the way of Europe's cradle to grave Socialism or reverse course. The 2012 election will tell us. Expect the media to do all in its power to discredit the Tea Party, whom VP Joe Biden referred to as terrorists. As a conservative, I'm not optimistic. The sense of entitlement in this country is astonishing and depressing: "I exist, therefore I am owed." Anyone who suggests Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid be means tested is attacked. Most argue that they are entitled to what they paid into the system. I argue that the programs are supposed to be a safety net. And no one has proposed a logical follow up question: Will those who live very long lives cease demanding taxpayer money when they reach the amount they have paid into the system? Let's have a show of hands. In less than ten months, I will be 62 and eligible for Social Security, despite the fact that I have yet to withdraw funds from any of my three retirement accounts. Wouldn't it make sense for the government to tell me the accounts would have to fall below a certain level before I became eligible for payments? Multiply me by thousands, perhaps millions of baby boomers, and it seems like a prescription for disaster.
Thanks to the kind folks who bought books today, and to Dave, who donated about $100 worth of hardcovers to the cause.
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