The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Snow
Greetings ta ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
As I write this column the weatherman is a declare'n 6-7 inches of "heavy" snow that should of arrived two hours ago outa the possible worst storm of the winter, named "Stella"!
I reckon not many will be disappointed if'n he misses his prediction on the low side by several inches.
Special Days
Next holiday is St. Patrick's Day so I suppose a goodly supply of corn beef is on hand fer the special occasion.
This come'n Monday, the 20th, is the first day of spring. It's high time ya finish up on prune'n them fruit trees and grape vines. Time is a gett'n away.
Warm Weather
The recent warm weather has sprouted a passel of tulip bulbs outa the ground and flower tulip trees to their early glory.
Colder weather likely will give "em a shocker and snow will make the robins that have arrived look hard fer worms.
As fer folk around these parts, I'm a think'n they better put their short britches back in the drawer, where they belong, fer a spell.
Bull Sale
Western Illinois 45th performance tested bull sale, dedicated in memory of Dr. Ken Nimrick saw the top bull price go fer $7,500. It was a black angus, of course, with the next highest bull sell'n fer $7,000. It was a red angus/semmental cross. The third highest was a black angus fer $6,600. The majority of 47 bulls sold in the $3,500 range. 10 bulls in 4 K range, 22 bulls in the 3 K range, 11 bulls in the 2 K range and 4 young bulls 1900-1550.
I figure, as yer a drive'n down the road, ya oughta know what the bull market is in case yer neighbor starts talk'n "Bull" ta ya.
Talk'n about "Bull" I reckon some of you older folks might be enterested in a history lesson on your Social Security Card.
S.S Lessen
History Lesson on Your Social Security Card
Just in case some of you didn't know this.
It's easy to check out, if you don't believe it. Be sure and show it to your family and friends.
They need a little history lesson on what's what and it doesn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. Facts are Facts. Social Security cards up until the 1980s expressly stated the number and card were not to be used for identification purposes.
Since nearly everyone in the United States now has a number, it became convenient to use it anyway and the message, NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION, was removed.
Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) program. He promised:
1. That participation in the program would be completely voluntary. No longer voluntary.
2. That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual incomes into the program
Now 7.65% on the first $90,000.
3. That the money the participants elected to put into the program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year. No longer tax deductible.
4. That the money the participants put into the independent "Trust Fund" rather than into the general operating fund, and therefore, would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement program and no other government program, and under Johnson the money was moved to the general fund and spent.
5. That the annuity payments to the retirees would never be taxed as income.
Under Clinton and Gore up to 85% of your Social Security can be taxed.
Since many of us have paid into FICA for years and are now receiving a Social Security check every month-and then finding that we are getting taxed on 85% of the money we paid to the Federal government to "put away'- you may be interested in the following.
Q: Which political party took Social Security from the independent "Trust Fund' and put it into the general fund so that Congress could spend it?
A: It was Lyndon Johnson and the democratically controlled House and Senate.
Q: Which political party eliminated the income tax deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding?
A: The Democratic party
Q: Which political party started taxing Social Security annuities?
A: The Democratic party with Al Gore casting the "tie-breaking' deciding vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the US.
A: Which political party decided to start giving annuity payments to immigrants?
And My Favorite:
A: That's right!
Jimmy Carter and the Democratic party.
Immigrants moved into this country, and at age 65, began to receive Social Security payments! The Democratic party gave these payments to them, even though they never paid a dime into it!
Then, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that the Republicans want to take your Social Security away!
And the worst part about it is uninformed citizens believe it.
There ya have it then, actions speak louder than bumper stickers.
Me and the boys is a gonna dwell on these facts fer a spell.
Hope'n ta see youn's in church this week "On Time."
Remember: Wherever ya are, whatever ya be a do'n, "BE A GOOD ONE!"
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke