Art Unwin wrote:

...
John, some years back the Government aproved the removal of a
percentage of pensioin funds
for their own use as long as the pensions were not in jeopody. In
other words if the funds earned more money than expected
then the company could use that money. So the majority of pension
funds were kept at the prescibed minimum level.
Now pension funds have turned south and the businesses have also
turned south such that they cannot replace the funds removed.
This little pot has started to simmer but has yet to get to the
boiling point. As Yogi Bear said i9t aint over until it is over!
Everything was OK when we let the market decide but then greed changed
the metric of the market.
Art

YES! Indeed, it is much worse than that, the gov't has also used SSI
funds by "tossing them into "general funds",
questionable-investing-of-these-funds, etc." Now, they attempt to
"resell" us our SSI with increased taxes and "increased fees." (just
another name for "tax(s.)")

Ever notice how they end up taking library and other public service
funds, tossing 'em into a general fund, then reselling us the services,
again-and-again-and-again-... well, most DON'T seem to! I just brought
this up at a board of supes meeting in my city, and was threatened with
removal from the room ... (well, I did get a bit "hot", seems hot
enough to get a few others to take a verbal stance) Anyway, we
convinced "them" NOT to shorten library hours--at least.

It is time for investigative reporting, FBI/congressional investigations
and criminal proceedings against the guilty parties.

Instead, we are getting "bailouts" which reward the very crooks and
powers-which-be which are responsible for this fine mess! And, NOT one
word of closing the "loopholes." (DEFINITION: loophole = sanctioned
criminal activity!)

Regards,
JS