Re: VLVL2 (1) Zoyd's WORK

[barbara100 at jps.net]

No, Zoyd's abusing the welfare system to the detriment of Reagan's Star Wars
plan.

----- Original Message -----
From: "jbor" <jbor at bigpond.com>
To: <pynchon-l at waste.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 4:03 PM
Subject: Re: VLVL2 (1) Zoyd's WORK



> So, in a way, hasn't Zoyd been abusing the welfare system to the detriment
> of those who honestly are mentally-unfit to work? Particularly in the
> context of the cutbacks you mention, and that we see in the novel later
on.
> It seems to me that there is an intrinsic ambivalence in this opening
> scenario depicting how Zoyd exploits the government welfare system.
>
> best
>
>
> on 15/7/03 10:22 PM, Terrance wrote:
>
> > OK, but Zoyd works for the government.
> >
> > More importantly, disability and unemployment are **not** the same
> > thing.
> >
> > Like unemployment insurance, Workers pay into an insurance fund and if
> > they become disabled, they can collect a benefit. The government merely
> > collects and disburses the money -- much like a private insurance
> > company would.
> >
> > A little history:
> >
> > Disability was not part of the the 1935 SS Act, but is a program that
> > began in  the 1950's. It was one of LBJ's babies. The great deal maker
> > got it passed, but making great deals requires compromise.
> >
> > Reagan wanted to gut it.
> >
> > The Congress didn't.
> >
> > Reagan used his **presidential powers**  to gut it. Putting thousands
> > upon thousands of mentally disabled people out on streets.
> >
> >
> > http://www.ragged-edge-mag.com/0302/0302ft5.html
> >
>