[RestlessMind]

Thanks for the historical perspective. Now what about times before 1950's, when societies were typically /not/ flooded with money? You mention that "The government SHOULD be providing healthcare, and decent retirement". Was that the norm before 1950's anywhere? If yes, how did the math work out?

I believe longer lifespans coupled with generous safety net provided by the government is a historical anomaly, propped up due to the growth spurt that happened post great depression + ww2. Now that things are reverting back to historical norms, we should rethink the way society is structured.

[photojosh]

> Now what about times before 1950's, when societies were typically /not/ flooded with money?

Social welfare such as the old age pension and disability pensions were starting to be eased before that. In Britain and it's colonies it was just after the turn of the century. (Not idea re: the USA.) They were basic, but you wouldn't starve.

> Now that things are reverting back to historical norms, we should rethink the way society is structured.

Or should we fight against reverting to historical norms? I'm not so keen on seeing our quality of life and life expectancy decline.