It has been over 2 and 1/2 years since I first requested help with my disability. I still am waiting on a hearing date that I am told will come soon. This, however, is not the issue. I have paid into the system more than 5 times the amount required to collect. I did so with the idea (given to me as a child) that I was paying into it so that when I needed it, I could be taken care of. This, as it tuns out, could not be further from the truth. I have had to jump through hoops (despite 5 doctors and 2 MRI's showing the extent and disabling aspect of my illness), argue with disrespectful government employees (who seem to forget that government is by consent of the governed), and be essentially called a liar, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary. I have also gotten to see people who can walk without assistance and even run and jump, as well as take care of themselves, who ARE receiving these benefits. I press on though, hoping that the ALJ will have the wisdom to recognize that no employer in their right mind would hire someone who can't lift a gallon of water, has to alternate sitting and standing frequently, has little grip in his left hand, and must take powerful narcotics just to control the pain of his illness. I have tried and tried, but my illness prevents me from doing even the most sedentary work. Unless one believes Dr. Kibria (who, by the way, works out of a Sunglass Hut!) I simply can not perform the jobs that social security believes I can (i.e. Laminator I-requires clear head since it deals with heavy machinery so narcotics probably wouldn't be ideal; Label Addresser-a position that has not been in existence since the 80's unless volunteering for a local congressman is a "job" and, on top of that, would require typing at a decent speed, something my weakness in my left hand prevents; and finally Surveillance System Monitor-a position which would necessitate long periods of sitting as well as moving up and down stairs which I have a VERY difficult time doing, and would also require a clean background, which I do not have). So it boils down to this, Social Security has no desire to pay those who are truly disabled, only those who can fake it long enough to convince them. I am not and will not fake anything. I have paid my dues, and now it is time for the government to pay what they said they would or at the very least, refund my money. These are the only 2 moral and ethical solutions, of course we all know ethical behavior is not a strong point of our federal government.
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