I have been studying Social Security and Medicare. I was disturbed by the recent agreement between Reps Hoyer and Boehner to raise retirement to 70. I read some of the commentaries of both men and others who commented on the issue. Then I began to count the cost. I have to wonder... why should I support or oppose such an idea. I have come to the conclusion that I should not, nor should any sane person, support such a proposal. The politicians have tipped their hands on this issue. The Social Security and Medicare programs are little more than a fraud perpetrated on the American people, by the elected officials. I am 53 years old, based on my family history, there is a high likelihood that I will NEVER live to see 70 years old. My father died when he was 35 years old. My mother died at 50, my older brother at 55, my grandparents all died prior to age 67. Now I have politicians telling me that after they have collected FICA on the lifetimes of work from these seven family members with no payouts, that if we only move my retirement age out five additional years, that you will have the money to pay my retirement. I know that some people live well beyond the 65 year age point. I also know from personal experience that some do not, so tell me why should I believe a Congress that has a long track record of not making good financial decisions, is going to act responsibly now? I have no faith in your (the Congress's) ability to manage my money, because so far you (the Congress's) have shown no such ability to do so responsibly. It is time for Congress to take responsibility for their actions. I submit that until the national deficit is eliminated, the debt is retired, and an actual surplus is "IN THE BANK", the Congress, the President and all their staffs should be limited to being paid minimum wage, and all perks should be withheld until then as well. Anything less, is nothing more than fraud on the part of the government perpetrated on the people.

US government has no moneey to expand unemployment benefits.... oh wait they have a printing press for free cash. I wonder what it will do to the economy if they just print their way out of debt? The mega corporations that grew out of America not only siphoned the world's wealth and resources, but also robbed the American people. Got to love Globalization....

I would like to comment regarding Social Security. The American People have not been told the truth about Social Security. I suggest any interested American sit down with an Accountant who understands Governmental Accounting and visit www.USA.gov and search for "U.S. GAO-Fiscal Year 2009 Financial Report of the United States". Several unsettling items will immediately come to light. #1 The Financial Statements of their country are inaccurate and no one - no one- knows the true state of their country's financial position. This is clearly stated by the U.S. Inspector General in their opinion regarding the Financial Statements. #2 The U.S. is in serious financial trouble based upon even the inaccurate consolidated financial statements presented to the Inspector General by the Government's many Departments [Defense, Transportation, Energy etc.]. #3 The American people think the reason they will not receive Social Security benefits is because not enough money was paid into Social Security by them over the years - or some such BS. This is not true. The reason Social Security is "short in cash" is because their government has taken their FICA withholdings and used those funds for other purposes - such as the military. What amounts to a very big IOU from the General Government to Social Security sits on the books unpaid to Social Security #4 If the Government could - yes could- pay back to Social Security the funds owed to Social Security, retirement funding of millions of Americans would not be a problem - not a problem in any way, shape or form. The Financial Statements and the mismanagement of taxpayer dollars over the years is an American-made "Can of Worms". I suggest Americans wake up, begin reading again and stop listening to the lullaby of their country's in-your-face daily propaganda. The American people have been lied to by their own government and have not a clue. Most will never know yet they feverishely wave the Red, White and very sad Blue.

and regarding unemployment: "The United Evil Empire of America" will extend funding for a "war" -or more appropriately- a "killing spree" taking place half a world away yet begrudgingly considers extending funding to help their own people in need of help at home. Killing trumps Caring in the U S of A. That should make Americans feel good about themselves and how their government doles out their tax dollars according to the varying levels of national priorities The American people are complacent, not well educated and completely brainwashed - hook, line and sinker [and sinking fast].