Choosey Beggars

Socialism in action:

Homeless and unemployed, Kenneth Wecker, 62, moved back from Florida to his native city to take advantage of New York's social services -- but he refuses to live in any of the apartments the city has offered him.

"They want me to live in Harlem or East New York," griped the disabled retiree... "I'm not living there."

When Wecker complained that [an $899/month housing subsidy] wouldn't be enough once he found an apartment, the city said it would go as high as $1,070 a month for the rental of his choice. But he insists he needs over $1,200 a month to get the apartment he wants -- a one- or two-bedroom in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, preferably with an elevator since he has trouble walking up stairs.

Since when do welfare recipients get to negotiate their dole upwards? Oh... New York. Right.

He also collects $1,226 a month in federal Social Security disability payments and a small monthly allotment of food stamps that he says isn't enough to feed himself properly.

For those keeping score at home, that's $27,552.00 per year in untaxable take-home funds, plus food stamps. For doing nothing. So work harder, you selfish slobs; Ken wants to live in a nice Bay two-bed with an elevator.

This problem is going to expand many-fold over the coming decades. Both Mrs Jar(egg)head and I have retirement plans and independent savings and stocks. We may not retire rich, but we'll be able to pay our way. I'm certain most of the people intelligent enough to read this blog also have a similar plan. But how many people do you know over the age of 40 who have no 401K or similar plan, existing only in "the now?" I know of a depressingly large number of them. Well, guess who'll get to support them when they're ready to "retire"?

There is, of course, a solution to the "homeless" problem. Then there'll be plenty of food for the bums still kicking around. Don't think I'm serious? Think again.