Working for the Government...

Now, I must start by saying that I am in full agreement that there are people in our country who need these funds and fully deserve the assistance. But, there are millions of Americans receiving Government funded subsidies like welfare, social security, etc. every month that really do not deserve the money without paying back in some manner.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a person qualifies for SSDI if they:
- have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from engaging in any "substantial gainful activity", and
- the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and
- they are under the age of 65, and
- generally, have worked 5 out of the last 10 years as of the determined date of onset of disability

“The work requirement is waived for applicants who can prove that they became disabled at or before the age of 22, as these individuals may be allowed to collect on their parent or parents' work credits. The parent(s) experience no loss of benefits.

Medical evidence is signs, symptoms and laboratory findings and is required to document the claim. Symptoms, such as pain is considered but must be reasonably be expected to come from a medically determinable impairment which the claimant is diagnosed to have. The decision is based on a sequential evaluation of medical evidence. Medical evidence that demonstrates the applicant's inability to work is required. The DDS or ALJ may also require the applicant to visit a third-party physician for medical documentation often to supplement the evidence treating sources do not supply. The applicant may meet a SSA medical listing for their condition if their condition does not meet the requirements of a listing, their residual functional capacity is considered, along with their age, past relevant work, and education, in determining their ability to perform either their past work, or other work generally available in the national economy.”

As most of you know, I was born with cerebral palsy and severe scoliosis due to a breach birth and I’m one of the millions that qualify for Government funding. However, with my pride in-hand, I refuse to accept the assistance and I acquired a Bachelor’s degree and work very hard for (ironically) a Government contractor to provide for my family. With my personal life experiences in hand, I will provide my take on a completely new idea that would make those receiving our assistance responsible citizens.

These persons should be placed on a weighted scale (seems I have a curious affection for these methods as seen in previous blogs) based on a persons condition, age, ability, progression of condition and education. Once they have been evaluated, they would then be required to “work” for the Government for a number of hours based on the amount of assistance provided monthly divided by the current minimum wage rate. These folks are more than happy to receive the assistance and most would even be willing to work for the assistance provided. Most of us receiving the assistance have abilities and are willing to share them but, mainstream American companies (even though there are regulations against discrimination) are reluctant to hire them because of their stigma. I’ve seen this first hand in a PA DMV office where a great young man was in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy and was working his tail off. He was proud of his job and (more importantly) he was gaining self-confidence.

This “plan” would cost the Government NO MONEY! In fact, this would save the Government millions of dollars because they are already paying out the funds with nothing in return. If set-up correctly, those working could receive more “assistance” if they are able and willing to put in more hours…more hours = more work, healthcare, daycare, etc. Their skills would be used accordingly and placement would be done in Government offices or private companies (providing a break to those participating in the program).

This would increase their self-esteem as the stigma of receiving assistance would no longer be seen as a negative thing. I also disagree with this social satire because those who should receive assistance for the right reasons have nothing to be ashamed of. The program would also eliminate those willing to receive the assistance for little to no reason at all. I see it all to often where people claim they have a disability and they a miraculously cured of their problems when they are not being “seen” by the Government rationalizing their required assistance.

As you can see, there is a lot I have to offer and being in politics would be dangerous for the American people. I just don’t see why ANYONE should be able to continue to “sponge” from our tax dollars and continue to raise the deficit. If you can work, work for the assistance you say you need. This should be seen as an opportunity to give back to the Government and not a way o force people into working jobs they’re not able to. If we continue to send our soldiers out into harms way, the least the people at home could do is give back to the country they are taking from.

If I'm fortunate enough to have captured anyone's attention that may also share my vision, please drop me a line at: twitter: 318cg or email: cdecapria@jjkllc.com or LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cdecapria. Thanks for reading! Until next time...ciao!

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_security_disability

We are the world...let's help build it safer!

When I started my blog I had hopes of posting each week. I've become busy with work and I've let you (my true inspiration) and myself down. So, this is a well-overdue posting with a much needed thank you for your patience.

The past few months have brought us a number of devastating disasters throughout the world. The most impacting of them have been earthquakes. But, these have been earthquakes that have been a bit different than usual; larger and in areas not usually prone to them, like smalltown central USA and third-world economically hindered Haiti. These have triggered tidal waves, mudslides, aftershocks, etc that further devastate the areas.

Most Americans take the strength of our economy for granted. Although we are coming out of one of the lowest economic slumps in my lifetime, our economy has remained stronger than most countries and continues. The strength of our economy (although most don't realize) is impacted by our building codes. When a natural disaster strikes, our buildings are constructed to withstand the impact. This allows Americans to use the buildings with little reconstruction necessary and a small amount of disaster relief money is required. Commercial buildings remain open, Government continues and businesses remain open to continue to operate and earn the income that keeps employees with jobs, feeding their families and spending their money on their wants and needs.

Ok, you've just been briefly introduced to the cycle of life that is impacted by the building codes. Now lets look at how the lack of codes impacts an area. In a previous blog, I had touched on the pre-earthquake status of the small country of Haiti. The earthquake on 12 January 2010 is a prime example of the opposite effects brought on by the lack of proper codes. When the 7.0 magnitude quake hit, hundreds of thousands of people were lost, dead or trapped in the buildings and rubble that had become the new skyline of Port-au-Prince. The Government's most prized building (and an iconic figure in the city) had been one of the more than 30,000 buildings and 250,000 homes destroyed; more than 3-million people of Haiti were immediately disconnected and affected by one event. But it doesn't stop there; the hospitals and major infrastructure was destroyed. The months to follow brought more than 50 aftershocks and numerous mudslides while the rubble was being sifted for any life that could still remain. One in five jobs have been lost and the cost to rebuild has been estimated to be in the billions.

Could this all be legitimately reduced through a Global building code? This would significantly reduce the impact of those countries (including the United States) which are caught by the evil wrath of Mother Nature. The plan would take years to build, but by placing the world's countries on a weighted scale based on their economic status, current codes, forecasted natural risks, etc. and by utilizing the expertise of countries throughout the world, the use of agencies already in place (such as the Red Cross/Red Crescent, United Nations, USGS, USGBC/LEED, etc) the process could be put on a fast-track schedule. Within months the program could start focusing on those countries which are deemed least developed and present the highest risk. Leveraging the experience of larger nations, the necessary codes could be developed and begin saving lives in months. This would stimulate the economies of those less fortunate countries and give those in need a chance to have the economy and lifestyles we all deserve.

I'm very passionate about this idea and would love to be involved. If I'm fortunate enough to have captured anyone's attention that may also share my vision, please drop me a line at: twitter: 318cg or email: cdecapria@jjkllc.com or LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cdecapria. Thanks for reading! Until next time...ciao!