Will the Christmas Spirit Rub Off on Disability Haters?

Some disabilities can’t be seen—think twice before accusing someone of faking disability.
Will the Christmas Spirit Rub Off on Disability Haters?
Spread the Christmas spirit to everyone you see—even if you don't agree with them. AnnGaysorn/Shutterstock
Tom Margenau
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I was struck by something I heard the other day on a radio show. The host of the program was making the point that he thought people are just getting meaner and nastier. I see examples of that every week when I read emails from people who, for whatever reason, really despise the Social Security disability program.

Their meanness and hatred permeate their emails as they describe people getting disability benefits as “deadbeats” and “fakers” and other terms I can’t print in this column.

Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]
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