Is It Fair to Raise the Retirement Age?
To the Editor:
Re “Attacking Social Security,” by Paul Krugman (column, Aug. 16):
The importance of Social Security generally and the retirement age specifically is closely linked to race, class and gender.
Viewed from the perspective of privilege (most legislators and the co-chairmen of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, consciously or otherwise, see the world through that lens), it is easy to say that we are living longer and can work longer. But the generalization breaks down once we start paying attention to the work histories, health status and other limiting conditions that affect vast numbers of older people — mostly women and people of color.
There are many ways of “fixing” Social Security that will not unduly penalize those who cannot work until 70 or beyond because there are no jobs, or because they are simply too tired or worn down. Unlike people of privilege, they cannot retire without full benefits.
No policy should be considered just that further harms the already disadvantaged.
Martha Holstein
Chicago, Aug. 16, 2010
The writer is co-director of the Center for Long-Term Care Reform.
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