Bucco,
I was a Federal government employee for 36 years at the Veterans Administration. Yes, the VA is a taxpayer supported government agency. VA does a whole lot of good - it is estimated that over 50% of the US is touched by the VA in some way. This is through VA disability payments, VA guaranteed home loans, education benefits to veterans and qualified family, specially adapted housing, VA treatments at hospitals and clinics, and finally through the National Cemetery System (which is a VA function).

I did not pay into Social Security BUT I paid into the Civil Service Retirement System at 7.5% of my salary PLUS paid into Medicare at the same rate as people in the private sector. I paid for my health insurance just like someone in the private sector. I am retired now - and still pay for health insurance. I do not collect Social Security because I did not pay into it.

Please do not demean civil service employees. For the main part, we worked hard for all of our career. There are some slugs in Federal government jobs but you can find slugs in any organization. I will generally categorize Congress as slugs.

Yes, I do think EVERYONE should contribute to their retirement and health insurance plans.