Should we get a SSN for our baby?

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Saturday April 18, 2009 · 8:38 PM PDT

2009/04/18 · 20:38

This won't be much of a diary, and for this I apologize in advance. I know there is an etiquette here that a diary should be more than a few sentences, but this is something that I've really been thinking about lately.

Our baby will be born in October. When that day comes, if it is possible, should we opt out of having him or her given the automatic social security number?

Poll

250 votes Show Results

Should we get a SSN for our baby?

250 votes Vote Now!

Should we get a SSN for our baby?

Yes

225 votes

25 votes

A thought exercise and challenge... what's the most self-reliant a person could ever become?

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Tuesday June 10, 2008 · 3:56 PM PDT

2008/06/10 · 15:56

Here's the challenge: Imagine that you have enough money to buy all things you will need to survive on your own in a manner as comfortable as possible. But once you've spent the initial money, there won't be any cash coming in, other than what you can generate on your own, selling whatever it is that you sell (even your own labor, assuming that there is enough time in the day for that).

You can spend any reasonable (or even unreasonable) amount of money on land, buildings, farm equipment, seed and plant stock, livestock, vehicles, wind turbines, anything at all.. you name it. But after you have done so, you are as self-reliant as is possible. As much food as you think you'd need, and of the types you'd need, you'll grow it (and process it) yourself.

Any fuel that you use, if you can manage it, should be self-produced. If you drive into town, it should be out of necessity as little as possible. Any of your other needs that you can think of, if you can meet them yourself, you'll do so.

Describe what you'd initially buy, how much you think it would cost, who you'd take with you, where you'd do this, what things you'd still need to purchase and how often, and in total how much cash you'd still need each year to survive (don't forget property tax!).

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Tuesday June 03, 2008 · 10:53 PM PDT

2008/06/03 · 22:53

I submit a hypothetical scenario:

A person owns land, and on that land a home. Neither are mortgaged, all are owned outright. The land is sufficient that said person farm it and provide for all their food needs. As for their electricity, assume that there are either or both wind turbines and solar panels in enough quantity to provide for any reasonable electrical usage.

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Tuesday May 06, 2008 · 2:55 PM PDT

2008/05/06 · 14:55

Just a few (possibly misconceptions) perceptions I've gotten around here lately, and I'm wondering if it's me or not. All answers welcome, all criticisms will be listened to.

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Sunday March 16, 2008 · 9:54 PM PDT

2008/03/16 · 21:54

This will be a short diary, and if because of that it violates Daily Kos guidelines, I pre-emptively apologize. I don't have alot to offer on the subject, but this might help a few people.

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Sunday December 30, 2007 · 7:09 PM PST

2007/12/30 · 19:09

I followed a link on reddit.com the other day (sorry, can't find the specific link). It was a story on Obama, told from the perspective of his wife, bragging up how he is the only true outsider, and how he'd work to clean things up in a way that no others can.

When I hear these types of things, I almost gag. My usual understanding of these things is that they're the most condescending sort of lie, the sort meant to appeal to idealists who are believed by the liar to be too stupid to recognize the dishonesty. But then something else occurred to me...

What if they actually believe the bunk?

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Wednesday December 26, 2007 · 11:11 AM PST

2007/12/26 · 11:11

First, I'd like to take note of a short thread I commented in the other day. In it, the person claimed that had Gore been elected (or installed by SCOTUS, as you prefer), the world would be a better place.

And that this had been "proven".

Mind you, I'm no fool. I don't in any way contend that it'd be as bad as it is now, or even close to it, with Gore in office. I suspect it would be better. I think it would be better. I even know it would be better.

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Wednesday December 19, 2007 · 10:29 AM PST

2007/12/19 · 10:29

Historically, medical care was something that a working person could afford. Something (or many things) have changed in the last century to the point that the average working class person can't afford to pay for any of it out of his own pocket...

Poll

29 votes Show Results

Which type of medical care is the bigger issue?

29 votes Vote Now!

Which type of medical care is the bigger issue?

Routine health care

6 votes

The type that falls between routine and catastrophic

4 votes

Medical care for catastrophic illness and injury

3 votes

All three types are more or less equal

16 votes

Three questions for the Kos crowd.

NoMoreNicksLeft

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Sunday November 25, 2007 · 4:12 PM PST

2007/11/25 · 16:12

I've read stories here off and on for a few years, but only lately have I felt compelled to ask all of you a few things. These questions aren't intended to bait you, I'm not trolling or ranting or anything else. I welcome all answers, there are no qualifications... I'm not asking for strict logic. If you can only answer emotionally, or intuitively, or whatever, that's fine too.

RSS

Should we get a SSN for our baby?

A thought exercise and challenge... what's the most self-reliant a person could ever become?

Middle of the night thoughts.

Some questions for those who consider themselves environmentalists...

What are you doing to become more self-reliant? Planted any vegetables yet?

Epiphanies

Several things...

The high cost of medical care.

Three questions for the Kos crowd.