The 40 million plus senior citizens in American expect and demand their rightful Social Security and Medicare Benefits. Future retirees also feel entitled to these benefits. Most are afraid that privatization of SS is a mistake because of crooked financial institutions playing with their money. After all Americans have a very poor record of saving money and only a minority of people get pensions, e.g. teachers, or significant 401 K plans. The average Social Security benefit is about $1000 per month. Recently, we have heard criticism that Social Security was never intended to secure the financial future for retirees. This is 20/20 hindsight and hopefully, the future will see Americans saving more money for their retirement. Also, a fair minimum wage, advancement opportunities and bonuses, raises and significant 401K plans will be the norm in the future for most skilled workers.
It really hits home when you analyze the fact the 40 million seniors average $1000 per month in Social Security benefits after working an average of 35 years. When will we stop punishing people with wages that don't secure a future, then blame them for not saving money? The average lower level teacher makes $2000 per month from their pension and without substantial savings/property, are hard pressed to face the fact that women especially will live to be 90 and deal with health issues that cost over $100,000 per year for 24/7 in home health care to remain independent, $6000 per month for assisted living communities, $1500 per month for marginal help in Board and Care Homes, or end up in warehousing, e.g. Medicare/ALL private income for nursing home care. Medicare does not provide 24/7 independent living costs, only doctor ordered nursing visits.
In 1960, I pulled weeds for a generous $2 per hour for neighbors, when the minimum wage was $1.25. Now the minimum wage for most is the federal level set at $7.25 San Francisco offers $10.34 per hour. In 1980, I did unskilled work for several companies, for several years @ $10 per hour. Today, some of the same jobs are paying $10 per hour! It is not Socialism to pay a fair wage. Congress is totally chintzy about a fair wage, while they enjoy legal insider trading and an excellent health care package. Corporate lobbyists come out in full armour when we suggest a raise in the minimum wage to a fair amount.
People who are critical of those who depend on the government for their primary source of income/medical care, suggest that these people live in Kansas, rather than big cities, or perhaps they could live in legal tent cities-the retail rent in suburbs of San Francisco and other large cities is $1500 per month for a one bedroom apartment. Housing subsidies are a lottery and many that need them, don't get them and are not even allowed to sign up for a waiting list.
Let's start caring about our seniors and perhaps we will develop more compassion for those who are working for peanuts and children that are not educated or cared for properly.
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