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.