Occupy HUNC

I got an email from a friend who told me that he is concerned about losing his job because business is so slow. Since he is in his early sixties he does not think he will work again. His plan is to retire at 62 and turn over his Social Security to a low cost senior housing program, “And just exist.” This conjures visions of 21st Century Apocalyptic Hell for me.

I know at least three other men in their late fifties to early sixties who have lost or may loose jobs. Most have had relationships end and I imagine may have to consider such an existence. Where is the revolution when you need it? Of course, there is the Occupy Wall Street et al movements. This movement, especially the Occupy Oakland division, seems to be more of a field of play for the young and anarchistic. In Oakland last weekend the Occupiers went on a rampage destroying city property, including a 100 year old architect's model of city hall. The motives of some of these protesters/rioters are questionable. If these were right wing demonstrations, ala 1930s Germany, many of the current crop would participate. One thing is clear; neither Democrats nor Republicans are really acting to solve these problems and I think more radical solutions are necessary and Occupy does not appear to be it. They have changed the tenor of the discussion, but then they blow all they have gained with scenes like last weekend.

Riots in France

There are riots in France over the attempts by the government to raise the retirement age to 62 from 60. Protesters accuse President Nicolas Sarkozy of trying to adopt an American style system. Vive le France, I say. Why would they want an American system that keeps pushing the retirement age later and later and along the way discards many of its older workers before they may reap the benefits of a lifetime of work? It would behoove American workers to emulate their French counterparts as they take to the streets. The wealthy top one percent are leading this country to Hell. I think they should have the snot taxed out of them to bring us back from that destination.