Reader's Comments about Demographics
Mr. Mark Steyn, author of the popular paperback book, America Alone, responds to the recent post about changing demographics. Read Mark's comments:
<< Sue, the problem isn't rapid aging, it is a rapid decline in fertility. Before the "smart" ideas of pensions (Bismarck, Germany, 1870) and Social Security (FDR), people's "pensions" were productive children. When the government tried to become the safety net, the incentive to build a flexible, productive, human pension withered. Now we try to shuffle financial assets around to plug the hole, when really what we need is more human ingenuity. So we're all in this together, against the government's unfulfilled and unfulfill-able promises that it will take care of us. >>
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Mr. Bob Mitchell echoes a similar sentiment that government largesse is unsustainable. Here is what he writes:
<< Full credit to Credence Clearwater Revival – “How much should we give? They only answer more! ‘more!’”
- There is no “fair amount” of minimum benefit that we need to provide, beyond possibly food to survive.
- Whatever level you provide, you are too stingy for those who want more. So they will keep pushing.
- People don’t have a right to live in a particular area that they cannot afford.
- People don’t have a right to high paying jobs nor pensions.
- People don’t have a right to unlimited free health care.
- Some things have to be earned.
- US standards of poverty exceed the average income of much of the world population.
- You are on your own But if you work it right, you can join a group (lobbying, union, church, insurance plan, fraternity, etc.,) where someone will look out for you in exchange for your involvement. But don’t expect it to come for no cost.
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Editor's Notes: Click to read the original post entitled "World Economic Forum Report - Demographic Gaia" (October 2, 2008). Click to access the lyrics and music to "Fortunate Son" by Credence Clearwater Revival.
If you concur or have a different point of view, drop us a line.
