Old folks (like me, for example) might look around them these days and think somebody's really trying to do them in. No social security COLA for two years, they're monkeying with health care, ex-Alaska-Governor Palin is suggesting "death panels," and dad-burn it, we're not even first priority for swine flu shots! On top of that, Republican national chairperson Michael Steele is waving around some kind of "contract" he claims to have with older Americans -- where did that come from all of a sudden, and what's it going to cost?
Well, if all this is making you feel as confused as the guy who lost his chewing gum on the floor of the henhouse, don't get all upset. It's not as terrible as it sounds. Once again, there's a lot of politically motivated fear-mongering out there, along with some really bad media reporting. Here are a few points worth considering:
Social security: That 5.8% last year was pretty nice, wasn't it? And even though we all know that the cost-of-living calculation is an imperfect instrument that usually trails real inflation in the things that seniors have to buy (health care, utilities, food, shelter), it's nice that it can't be taken back. So in times like these, when the economy is weak and inflation is low, we can be happy that we're really not losing anything. In fact, Chuck Blahous, the Director of Bush's social security commission in 2001, points out that for most older folks, "zero COLA" still results in a net gain. Far from feeling deprived, seniors should pat themselves on the back; no COLA means that more government resources can be focused on helping their sons, daughters, and grandchildren -- all those younger people who are losing their jobs or their houses or having trouble making ends meet.
Palin's "death panels:" In my experience, older people are often far more realistic about the Grim Reaper than their kids or other caregivers. Many have very specific ideas about DNRs, end-of-life care, and such, but those who do not, or may not have thought about it, might find that an opportunity to discuss such issues with their doctor would be welcome. Some versions of health care reform bills suggest that such a consultation be required. Is "mandatory" necessary? Maybe not, but I don't see a lot of harm in it. On the other hand, Sarah Palin has dreamed up a concept of government "death panels" that she says would make life-and-death decisions for people, push the old toward euthanasia, and so forth. What can she be thinking? I think that's a terrible idea! Again, though, I'm not concerned; I believe that wiser and more humane heads will protect us from Palin's Panels.
Then, there's the new "Seniors' Healthcare Bill of Rights," touted recently by Republican chairperson Michael S. Steele. Wow! It's a tapestry of lies and misrepresentations, starting from the point where he says Republicans "believe reforms are necessary." If they did, we would already have had reforms about six years ago. Could it be accidental that the letters of Steele's name, rearranged, spell out "Scheme, lie, steal"? I don't know about the "steal" part, but I can tell you, I stepped out my front door Monday morning and tripped over Steele's nose. Moreover, this "Bill of Rights" has nothing to do with health care, and everything to do with politics. Because seniors vote in larger numbers than other groups, the Republican Party has carefully crafted this masterpiece of pandering to appeal to, or frighten, seniors.
Most offensive about all these efforts that seem to "target" seniors, I think, is the assumptions they make: Seniors are befuddled, dumb, and selfish; they can't think for themselves; they will allow themselves to be stampeded by fear. Fortunately, that's not me, and it's not the elder population I know. The "greatest generation" is/was characterized by their commitment to independence, justice, and duty, and by their shared sense of our unity as a nation. I presume they will resent attempts to mislead them, assess facts (not allegations) for themselves, recognize that most of the dire scenarios they're being warned of are illusory, and reject selfishness in favor of solutions that work to everyone's benefit.
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