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To: daylate who wrote (319)9/2/1999 8:41:00 AM
From: chalu2  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 1449
 
>>How the hell did seniors live before social security?<<

Beautifully phrased. But the answer is: not too well. First, people lived much shorter life spans prior to 1940. There just weren't as many seniors. Second, society then was much more agrarian and much less mobile. Families tended to stay together on the farm or in multi-generational units where the elders were cared for as a natural part of the life cycle. This has severely broken down. Maybe you would happily support elderly relatives; most people would consider this a nightmare, and many would even shun the responsibility. How could you force them to do it?

As for letting neighbors eat cat food--well, you're already doing it. Children and the elderly are always shown to be among the largest groups living below the poverty level. Many don't save enough money to see them through many senior years because they have low-paying jobs, have children to support, had illnesses or accidents, etc. I doubt the men or women who mop the floor at your local hospital have large savings; what would you do with them if they grew too infirm to work, but had no means of support?????

These attacks on Social Security are pure repulsive greed, especially coming as they do during the most affluent era any nation has ever seen. Yes, the government is taking your money to help the old. It wouldn't be needed if people in general were so marvelously compassionate and caring. They're not. You want to find heartless, craven and paranoid Americans, you'll have no trouble at all. Just read this thread.