Why should the Amish be forced to pay into SS and then not take it? Sure, that might benefit the system by giving it more money in the short-term, but, if forced to pay in, I am sure the Amish would, as anyone would, claim what is theirs at the appropriate age. So there is really no net effect either way. The courts have ruled that the Amish are exempt from having to use the SS security system. Since the Amish nearly always take care of their own without reliance on goverment programs for anything, they are probably more of a benefit to the rest of us than many people. They pay taxes but take very little in return.

As far as how the Amish decide what "modern stuff" is acceptable and what is not, the standard generally seems to be that technology or practices that would weaken their sense of community, lessen devotion to their family and God, or fill their time with idle activity are not to be allowed. They can ride in cars and use other forms of transportation for trips, but owning cars and using them as they pleased all the time would lead to dependence on their cars and too much involvement in things outside the community and beyond the home. Having a phone available is becoming accepted among the Amish, but they still try to keep it at an arm's length so as not to get too caught up in gabbing for no reason. When I talk with my Amish friends on the phone, it is strictly business--we chat when we get together. Some unmarried Amish ladies I know spend time with English friends watching TV (one lady I know loves to watch figure skating), but owning a TV would make it too convenient to turn it on all the time and just let the garbage distract you from what's really important in life.
Many of the Amish people I know seem really happy in their lives, so I wouldn't feel too sorry for them, pml. They travel some and probably spend more time than most of us in social activities with family and friends, and they still manage to get a lot of work done. Even though they don't use the internet or watch TV in their homes, most have hobbies they enjoy like reading, crafts, games, and so on. Think of it this way--back when NO ONE had anything electric, people weren't all sitting around completely miserable, waiting for Edison to do something.

One thing about my Amish friends is that, for me, they are very relaxing to be with. They are really concerned with hearing about your life, even though it is different from theirs, and finding out how you are REALLY doing on the inside. I think they get to know people on a deeper level than most because they are not as caught up in status issues and trying to impress as many people are.

How does the fact that they don't pay, nor collect, hurt you.

As less Amish are farmers, some of them work for "English" empoyers. Those employers are required to pay S.S. and the S.S. is deducted off the Amish paychecks same as everyone else. But when they retire, they don't collect. That means more for your pocket.

Thank you License. I do get all that you said. It does take a lot of discipline to live that kind of life and I have always opined that it would be nice to sit around and talk without Tv and other distractions. I will say my mind will not chang about the buggies. They are dangerous adn messy adn I think with the discipline you have talked about here, they could own cars adn only use them for the bare neccessities. Really the only thing about the AMish lifestyle that directly affects me is the buggies. The rest is none of my business.

I'm not a fan of the buggies, either. My daughter went for a ride in one, and I stayed back because I have terrible allergies to horses. I was worried sick just knowing how people drive and the fact that the buggies are made of nearly nothing. Of course, she completely enjoyed her ride. I was the whole time, waiting for them to get back safely.

Seems to me that some Amish are using horses less and less and hiring drivers, mostly because the traffic is getting so bad. Several ladies I know have given up "driving" because they didn't like how even good horses can get spooked or fail to obey with all the cars around. I think buggies are OK for back roads, where people kind of expect them to be, but the big roads are getting even more dangerous for them.

Thanks License. I think we can end the week on a good note on this thread. I think everyone knows when car vs. buggy, car wins. Horse always loses and being an animal lover I worry. SO yes it is good that the Amish are taking precautions to protect their families.
My last word on this is that maybe the govt should rethink the whole passport law in general. I think it is BAD law that will make a fortune for our govt. Although I will say going to Jamaica for me was a real pain in the but because not only did I need my birth certificat, but my marriage license and driver's license. We had to display these papers several times and it really would be easier to just open up the passport. We may be going to Greece at some point in the next ten years so it is really something we need to do anyway. The ridiculous thing is if a large family must get passports for everyone and spend a lot of money for just one trip. Many resorts are offering to pay for you passport if you book this year. Have a great weekend!