Destiny's Child disappointed penniless men and PRA-lovers everywhere with their 1999 jumpoff, Bills, Bills, Bills.  The song hinted to prospective love interests that a relationship with Beyonce or one of the others hinged upon whether a man could pay the telephone bills and automo' bills of Destiny's Child.  It was a bold statement of irresponsibility that irritated independent women across the country.

Realizing their mistake, Destiny's Child came out with Independent Women in 2001, a song that recognized the importance of Social Security reform for women and placed Beyonce and the others at the forefront of the personal accounts debate.  "I depend on me," the group proclaimed, making it clear that they didn't want others supporting their retirement.  Furthermore, they asked that "All the honeys who makin' money" and "All the mommas who profit dollas" join the celebration of self-reliance.

Why did Destiny's Child change their views on personal accounts?  It's simple.  Once Destiny's Child started to sell some records, financial independence allowed them to remove unwanted interferences from their lives.  They realized that even though "it ain't easy being independent," it is more free and more satisfying.  "I worked hard and sacrificed to get what I get," the song explains.  Why put the results of your hard work and sacrifice into a program that won't be able to pay your bills?  Wouldn't it be better to invest the money and have ownership of it?

"Depend on no one else to give you what you want," Destiny's Child advises.  That goes for shoes and diamonds, but it also goes for security in retirement.  I like the knowledge that they bring.  Thanks, Destiny's Child.

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