UNIONS SHOULD PROTECT WORKERS, NOT DICTATE ECONOMIC DECISIONS FOR ALL

In France, people (mostly workers and youths who have latched on as young people tend to do) were demonstrating against a proposed age hike that would take them to where the U.S, is currently (but U.S. is also trying to raise its, as well).  Nevertheless, France passed a bill today that makes retirement age equal to the U.S. though longevity in France exceeds that of the US by two years.  The United States is 38th out of 194 countries listed.

Passing the bill which was opposed by the working populace may reflect a few things.  Some may just not like change.  Some workers just don't trust government.  Some workers assume (at least those who lead the unions) that unions should make all decisions effecting the workers.  It surprises me that in the United States, workers and unions were not as visible opposing suggestions that Social Security be privatized.  Perhaps, since it didn't succeed, it was adequately resisted but it did not happen with violence or the vehemence shown in France. I'd like to think that Americans are finding that non-violent fighting is more fruitful and productive that the 'little-boy" mentality shown by the Bush administration; that the way to solve the problems in the Middle East was by bullying with war power.

Needless to say, there can only be estimates since there are so many economic variables as to what changing the age does in a country.  Writing on Social Security Around the World, the National Board of Economin Research in the US currently posts here..What can be said about universal retirement.  People neither age at the same rate nor easily accept the change in their lives that retirement may bring.  While some are healthy in mind and body at retirement age, others lose life quickly.  While some start new careers, others are lost without their work routine and identity.  Retirement is definitely not a one-size-fits-all.

SIMPLICITY OF LIFE

When the world is ticking away quietly but not yet blowing up, people wait for the other shoe to drop, to end the anxiety-producing wait. Predictably, the Legislative branch voted not to raise the Social Security COLA but did not fail to give themselves a raise. It is winter in New England. There are lots of people poor, cold and hung, but our politicians seem to be isolated from having to deal with those facts. Snow falls occasionally but, with the help of the weather people, predictions have been fairly accurate. The end result, snow falls but has been cold and light and quickly plowed or shoveled away.

Those of us who are fortunate to have a roof over our heads and a heating system to keep us warm though it may cost our life savings to run, note the winter through the windows in the comfort of our homes. We try not to feel uncomfortable about what is happening in the rest of the world because we have no control over it. However, we have some control over how we handle those less fortunate around us. We avoid them, for the most part, because we are inside and they are outside...much like the politicians. All those good feelings of fellowship, tossing coins into the Salvation Army's pot, carols floating out of every store, radio station, and in restaurants...are over for the season. We Northerners can toss out our Poinsettias, they are for Christmas, after all. We'd have to care for them and water them anyway (though some of us see them as a living plant we cannot kill but must try to keep alive regardless of the season.














However, there is always new life in the plant world until we stop being green. Our beautiful Holland bulbs take over with new color and life, giving us hope that another winter will be over before we expect it, to be followed by renewed hope for our world.