This CNN article discusses rights of Nazis to receive Social Security. The House of Representatives just passed a bill-- unanimously, in fact-- that "cuts off" former Nazis from getting these benefits. Sam Johnson, a Republican Representative from Texas, stated: "Allowing payments to continue is an insult to those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis." New York's Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney guessed that there were around four people who are currently receiving Social Security benefits, although a recent investigation put that number higher-- around 12. The investigation reports that these dozen Nazis were "stripped of their citizenship and forced to leave the country," but a "loophole" has made it possible for them to keep receiving Social Security. Mirroring the House, the Senate has a similar anti-Nazi bill to pass, but both the House and Senate (and both Democrats and Republicans!) are hoping to be able to place this issue in front of President Obama by the end of this month.
To be honest, the first thought that came to my mind after reading this article was shock that there were still Nazis alive, and living in the United States! As silly as it seems, I was momentarily caught off-guard by the thought that I was living in a world in which Nazis still existed-- I definitely only think of them living about 50 years ago. However, overall I do not believe that these 4-12 people still benefiting from Social Security should be, especially if they have already been "stripped of their citizenship."
First off, this post's title is amazing, great word. However, I found your description to be lacking in some areas that left me with some questions. When you say "Nazi" are you referring only to those of the Third Reich or Nazis as a whole which includes past and present members of other Nazi groups such as the American Nazi Party? The latter definitely should not have their social security taken away because they are using their right to free speech. Also, what if said Nazi was forced to act during World War II and that was not his true intention or was just merely a drafted soldier? There are too many loopholes in this bill for us to bother creating it. The Nuremburg Trials took care of the main perpetrators and most of the others main parties have been found dead in Argentina. All in all, I do not believe this bill is necessary unless proven evidence is presented that they are indeed committed crimes against humanity in a time of war.
ReplyDeleteUnlike Andrew, I do not really understand the differences between Nazi kind. I like that they should not be idiot from social security; however, it is very cruel to just leave them without any means to support themselves. They are still people, so they should still be cared for.
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