Comments | pluribus_adelos: Silver Tsunami

pluribus_adelos

Silver Tsunami

Oct 15, 2007 20:47

The first baby boomer applied for Social Security benefits today. At last, that dreaded thing that politicians and economists have been sounding the alarm about for years is finally here. And nothing has been done about it. About 10,000 people per day are expected to sign up for benefits over the next 20 years, and without changes, the program will ( Read more... )

Comments 4

theamaranth October 16 2007, 02:29:26 UTC

that really makes me uneasy.

pluribus_adelos October 16 2007, 10:59:47 UTC

On the other hand, the truth is they'll probably do something... but like most things American, they won't do it until they really really absolutely have to. And with most things economic, later is usually worse than sooner. In any event, that TV commercial "this isn't your father's Oldsmobile" is particularly appropriate - in two ways - first, "this won't be your father's Social Security retirement".... and second... well, they don't even MAKE Oldsmobile anymore. RIP.

catholic_heart October 16 2007, 09:02:26 UTC

I'm in that odd minority of being dirt poor and yet a strong proponent of conservative fiscal policy and governance. Weird. It's funny, because I actually qualify for welfare. But since I've gotten by for so long without it, I figure why waste tax dollars that could be spent elsewhere. I actually qualify for lots of handouts that I don't take, because I can survive without them. I'm glad they're there for people who can't get by without them, but it makes me sad that so many people take them when they don't have to. Human nature, I suppose.

pluribus_adelos October 16 2007, 11:12:39 UTC

Certainly there are poor conservatives, just like there are rich liberals (even though the latter want you to THINK that only conservative Republicans are rich... though their sprawling estates DO belie them ( ... )