5.29.2007

More Proof of a Corrupt System Lacking in Compassion

And common sense, I might add.

Mr. Nina has some health issues that warrant a social security disability claim. He's applied for SSI, but of course, like the vast majority of applicants, he was denied. He applied again. Same consequence. This time he visited with an attorney. The news was sobering.

There are five levels that Uncle Sam looks at in order to disqualify you (or qualify you, depending on how you wish to look at it). In order to be approved, an applicant may not make more than $900/month. An applicant may not work full-time (even though he doesn't work full time, it's still considered to be too many hours). Quitting your job doesn't count, either. You have to be forced out due to your disability. Absolutely rediculous.

Mr. Attorney said if/when you get into this situation as outlined above, then you may use our services.

So let me get this straight, SYSTEM. An applicant, who has worked their entire lives and fed THEIR MONEY into the Social Security SYSTEM, who has been abused by employers to the extent that permanent bodily damage has resulted (we already went the Workers Comp route--unless you're in a wheelchair or have a lot of money to compete with Big Business and their host of millions and attorneys, forget it--our attorney told us to settle--said biz was much more powerful. Criminal, ain't it?), said individual cannot receive a dime of disability until they are living in such extreme poverty conditions, which of course as anyone with an ounce of brain matter knows causes such extreme levels of stress it only worsens health issues, and then at that time, likely homeless or living in a one room shack, THEN they can apply and receive benefits. Uh, sure. And what social service agency gives an applicant money for rent??? Only one here in town is Community Services Consortium and their program is so rugged-individualistic-american-worker-dog-slave based, you must agree to take full-time work (which they will constantly monitor your efforts and help you find such work) when the opportunity arises--irregardless of your ability or want or needs.

Even as my income increases and Mr. Nina can therefore cut back on his hours, it still isn't good enough given he cannot cut back on his hours. His disabilities must be shown to interfere with his job and only his employer can cut back his hours as a result. Ok, so wtf do you do when your employer refuses to do just that, even though you have said I AM IN TOO MUCH PAIN TO DO THIS WORK AT THIS LEVEL OF HOURS. ???

It's his damn money. He has the fucking RIGHT to start collecting it whenever he feels he wants to or needs to. PERIOD. Hello?!! Uncle Sam, you are holding his money hostage.

The SYSTEM sucks. It's broken. It's corrupt. It's criminal. It supports the top and screws the bottom. It helps and values the healthy rugged individualist while abusing the vulnerable broken human. When I experience these sorts of things, I lose it. I go off on a ranting rage. What in the fuck am I to do when my value system doesn't mesh with the value system of the world around me?! It's a question I've pondered for years. I have no answers to it. The madness is enough to make you feel insane.

I completely understand why people resort to non-violent criminal activities to make it in the world. At least the only one telling you what to do is your own mind. I keep telling Mr. Nina--self-employment. Self employment. Self employment. Self employment. Either that or sell off everything and go restore some old abandoned cabin. Of course, there are cameras and laws up the ass, so living in hiding, so-to-speak, doesn't seem doable these days--unless perhaps you have a hefty size bank account or trust fund. Money can indeed buy you freedom these days. Sickening, but true.

God damn, this world sucks more than I can grasp. The unfairness. The injustice. We call ourselves a 'Christian Nation', but that is indeed a lie. Perhaps the biggest lie of our times. If Jesus were here today, would he encourage our leaders to invade another nation? Would he encourage Big Business to continue to give themselves huge bonuses and pay increases while their workers struggled? Would he tell the Health Insurance Industry to keep on raising their rates and putting profits ahead of the well-being of the people? Would he be overjoyed to see people working their asses off just to keep a roof over their heads? Would he cheer as he watched people's dreams slip away due to the workaholic slave labor system and the lack of support we provide one another? Would he be estatic to see the polluted oceans and waterways, the chemical spraying of our skies, the destruction of so many of our beautiful forests, the inhumane ways of today's modern farm? Would he turn on the TV and cheer loudly with the rest of the red necks while watching the reality shows, the judge shows and others like it that only serve to keep rugged individualism and blast-thy-neighbor/whoever yells loudest wins alive and well?

WOULD HE?! Or SHE?!

Or perhaps, maybe just perhaps, would he shake his head and slip into a deep state of apathy and depression. Maybe he would cry tears of deep pain. Maybe he would scream in rage at what he witnessed. And then maybe he would talk with our leaders and remind them of who they really are. Maybe he would remind them of the value in all of life. That inherent worth that cannot be bought or sold. That inherent worth that cannot be judged in absolute truth by any living soul. Maybe he would say ENOUGH to the high cost of housing. ENOUGH to the high cost of health insurance. ENOUGH to the fighting. ENOUGH to rugged individualism. ENOUGH to the "dog-eat-dog" and survival of the fittest mentality (it may apply in the animal kingdom but remember we were given a frontal cortex that enables us to experience REASON and LOGIC so there's no excuse for this auto-pilot bullshit we see in today's world). ENOUGH to greed. ENOUGH to poverty. ENOUGH to living lavishly while others go without basic needs. ENOUGH ENOUGH ENOUGH

I see so much in my mind of how things could be, but I also believe the resistance and apathy is greater, so much greater, than any vision I could ever have. Even though I'm not Christian, at least how today's people have defined it, I sure do wish in my heart of hearts that this being Jesus would return. Male or female, I don't care. And not in some silly, stupid armageddon or end times scenario. In a way that only the true being would do--in love and peace. To unite us all. Bring us to our own hearts again. Remind us.

That is my wish.

3 comments:

tkn said...

i didn't get a chance to read this posting yesterday, so i hope you didn't think that yesterday's comment was directed towards this posting. its yet another balancing act. i feel your frustration and i'm glad you have an outlet and the wherewithall to express yourself so clearly. maybe thats all that the forum needs to be, is give people a place to vent. its funny, how one minute you can be totally overwhelmed and frustrated with the reality on the ground, then the next see people and actions that give you hope.

i went to see a friend a few days ago and stumbled in on a potluck that the neighborhood/community was having and he explained that it has been a long time coming but the folks were finally trying to organize an actual intentional community. these people are on the right track and i love them for it. i know we're in a bubble here and all, but we're not completely isolated. if we can stay on track and move in a positive direction, who knows, maybe things will change in the mainstream.

Anonymous said...

hi

so many people think writing and thnking about dreams is corny. i dont think it is. i know it isnt. a couple of yours sound like lucid dreaming. not that i am really into that., but i think i have probably had a couple.

i like your stationery, it sorta reflects your dreams as a mystical mirror.

well have a nice day and those that follow....

Nina said...

tim: i'm curious to know what these folks mean by intentional community. what are their goals and such and what do they want it to look like? i deeply and completely support such ideas and think this will become the way of the future--hopefully through choice but sometimes i wonder if it will be our only option.

anonymous: thanks for stopping by. i haven't kept my dreams blog updated at all. i've studied lucid dreaming--it's more common than we realize. i have had fascinating experiences with this sort of dreaming. i've actually gone back in the past (in my dream mind that is) and said/done things i wish had. the results aren't always what i had wanted but the choice to follow my heart was awesome. i wake up from these experiences feeling a real sense of peace about the particular situation. i have no clue how i do this other than my desire and intention are/were so strong to change my past, i go to sleep and in my own way, do just that. even if it's just in my own mind, it gives me a sense of peace.

anyway, if you decide to return, i'd love to hear about your dream experiences!