Convergence Update

Convergence 2019 continues to “barrel along” towards oblivion. The Medicare premium will increase to $145 per month in January. A notice was received that all previous Medicare premiums (allegedly paid by the State of Hawai’i) is being deducted from this month’s Social Security payout. So, there apparently was no subsidy. Future Social Security payouts will only be $578 per month after Medicare deduction.

There have been no calls from either moms or the bro’s family. At this point in time, the assumption is that moms has probably suffered significant short-term memory degradation (read: dementia). Thus, moms probably has no real perception of time (as discussed in Notes previously). There are no current plans for a visit to Hawai’i Kai.

Bus fares are slated for a major increase soon. Of interest is the discontinuation of the $35 one-year senior citizen bus pass. Instead, senior citizens will pay half of the regular adult fare with a $45 monthly cap. That’s a $530 yearly expenditure. The recent numerous fare increases are directly tied to the ridiculous elevated rail project (currently under criminal investigation).

An attempt to find a reasonably priced pair of prescription sunglasses, allegedly convered by the Medicare Advantage plan, yielded nothing. Even the cheapest “piece of shit” was quoted at $300 or more. The Medicare Advantage vision plan is worthless, by the way.

Every possible coupon, discount, “freebie,” or subsidy is being exploited, but the entire enterprise is a lost cause. No wonder that there has been a sharp increase in homelessness. So many new faces on the streets now. Nobody (i.e., rank-and-file peons) can afford even a substandard life-style anymore.

Addendum: The book, “Hate Inc.,” by journalist Matt Taibbi is a highly recommended title. Taibbi explains the state of journalism in empire. There are many other implications as well.