Salty Ginger Talk Newsletter

NOVEMBER 11, 2025

Author

SGT
November 11, 2025

Man faces 10 years in prison for defrauding the government out of $34K in disability benefits while he worked at jobs

Our take:  The need for a social safety net is generally understood by most Americans. What qualifies someone for government assistance, and how much rigor goes into vetting those who receive assistance to ensure fraud and abuse is minimized, is a hotly debated topic.

This case out of Pennsylvania is an interesting illustration of this debate. A man applied for disability income, which was approved. At the same time, he worked at 9 different jobs for 5 years without disclosing those wages to the government, as his income would have made him ineligible for the benefits he was receiving.

More than one thing can be true at the same time. Many people are genuinely unable to work due to illness or injury.

There can also be people who lie and cheat the system in order to get “free” money from the government. We all know this is not free money but comes out of the paychecks of hardworking Americans who do their part to hold up their end of the social contract. We need to be able to have more nuanced, less emotional conversations about these issues if we want to make sure we are helping those who need it without enabling bad actors who are willing to steal from the rest of us.

COURTESY: MSN

Old congress members are finally bowing out to clear the path for fresh blood in the House and Senate

Our take: Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last week she will not seek reelection at age 85. This week, Bonnie Watson Coleman, 80, of New Jersey, followed suit. It’s about time.

Congress could rightly be referred to as Jurassic Park. Pelsoi is 85. Coleman is 80. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is 92. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is 83. These folks lost the plot long ago. In today’s world of technology, with A, I one of the most pressing and important issues in the country, we need people who can understand the challenges and opportunities these things represent. If you grew up before television, it’s time for you to step aside and let more qualified people grab the reins. 

COURTESY: YAHOO

Supreme Court bitch slaps, revisiting same sex marriage case from former Kentucky county clerk

Our take: Kim Davis was formerly the county clerk for Rowan County, Kentucky. She came to national prominence when she decided to impose her own religious beliefs on a same-sex couple applying for a marriage license and deny the application “due to her religious beliefs.” Davis was ordered to issue the license and pay compensation to the couple. She had appealed to the Supreme Court, who refused to hear the case.

This seems pretty straightforward. When you work for the government, you don’t get to apply your own religious beliefs instead of the actual law.

If you are that strongly against same-sex marriage (gay couples have every right to be as unhappily married as many heterosexual couples), go find a job that doesn’t issue marriage licenses. That would be every other job in North America except the one you have. Or you could just issue the license and keep your mouth shut. Good riddance to this woman.  

COURTESY: THE GUARDIAN

Tip of the day for learning not to care what other people think about you

The truth is, the fear of being disliked or judged can hold you back from living your fullest life. Whether it’s speaking up in meetings, sharing your true thoughts, or just being yourself, the anxiety of disapproval creates a cage that keeps you from living freely. But by practicing these tools—realizing that disapproval is temporary, embracing it as medicine, and listening to what people are really saying—you can break free from this fear.

If you're ready to reclaim your life, stop hiding, and show up as your authentic self, then it’s time to face this fear head-on. It's not easy, but the rewards are worth it. You can do this.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.” – Barack Obama