Guys, guys.
I personally know two people in their 20s, on SS disability, for......drug addiction.
I am a candidate for disability, I've paid into that system for 35 years. My career has squeezed the "goodie" out of me. Two shot knees, degenerative cervical spine with fused vertabrae and more on deck for surgery, detached tendons in my dominant arm reatached, osteoarthritis, HBP since I was 14 that they have never discovered it's source. And various sundry other health problems.
I want to work. I could retire...I have my years in, but I'll have no health care, and the money will run out.
Can I do things? You bet. I built my house....17 years ago. Can I make a living at those things, not now.
"Well you are working, so you must be able to work." Yeah, yeah you got me there. I did completely remodel my bathroom, it only took me 3 months. 10 years ago it would have took me 3 days.
Every day is a battle with pain.
I shouldn't feel guilty, about asking for the money that I have been compelled by threat of force, to pay into a Ponzi scheme....but I do. I didn't ask my doctor for a handicap tag, he asked me if I wanted one, so I don't have one.
There are folks worse off than me, so I feel shame in asking. The time draws nigh I'm sure, I'll have no choice. I shouldn't have to feel bad about asking for MY FUCKING MONEY, but I do, so I don't.
I agree with both of you guys.
The system is busted and needs serious reform. People are getting it that shouldn't have it, and some people that should have it aren't.
ArmorPl8, you get it. You wrote this up very well, also. ESPECIALLY that 3 months/3 days comparison. Myself, I'm living is quite the similar boat. Short version here is, and a few people here know.... about the only thing that wasn't broken on me was my left arm. Almost everything else broken/damaged including my pelvis in 4 places. I lived in the hospital for months, and that included first being confined to bed for an eternity, then 'imprisoned' in a wheelchair for eons... before able to go to crutches, then learning how to walk again. Not exactly like 'riding a bike', ya know?
I didn't ask to get drove into by an 18 y/o girl,,,,, she just didn't care whilst showing off to a girlfriend of hers. But that's another story. My Lady and I had to replace the heater-core in our truck this past July. As a Journeyman Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and former machinist, I can honestly say that I'd have gotten this job done in less than a day, in my past. Now, I'm still certified, and still have my knowledge/experience, but don't have near the ability anymore. Problem is, I'm also living on disability income. Ergo, I can't afford to pay the shop rate of over 1,200 bucks for labor for this job. So it took myself and My Lady 8 DAYS to get the job done.
Does that shame me,,,,, YOU DAMN BET IT DOES. At the same time,,,, am I proud to say (and know) that I/we got this job done, working together with My Lady (equally) and overcame the obstacles. YOU BETTER BELIEVE I'M PROUD.
So yeah, I've got the 'little blue placard', and actually need to use it. When walking in the store, I often do have to stop for a bit. I also am the one pushing the cart,,, because it is a mutual thing. I need the extra stability/support, and just set my cane in the cart. Others go through shoes, I go through cane-tips. Very little mileage on them, believe me. (I wonder if they offer a radial....?)
Drug addicts are NOT disabled. They're just stupid and a burden on humanity. Narcan should be banned. That truly is a self-healing problem. And disability income sucks compared to what I used to earn as wages. We get by the best that we can, and truly do appreciate the abilities I have left. What few they are.
Weather changes... that's a whole nother story. Re-define's "bad days"... of which I've no choice in the matter. Part of the reason why I'd like to move to the US, down south. More stable'r weather.
