Testing A Mean Way To Treat Oldies
Illawarra Mercury
Friday December 31, 2004
HOORAY! Johnny Howard is giving self-funded oldies $200 a year for those who hold a seniors health card. No health card, no money. We also have the option of returning the cheque if not wanted.
Instead of eating out one's savings, wouldn't it be great to receive the aged pension regardless of means testing. After all, most of these oldies have been paying taxes to cover their pension since the late 1940s.I believe 1 per cent of wages taken in taxes was allocated to cover the aged pension. No mention back then of having to forfeit because of means testing.What happened to our 1 per cent and 50-odd years of paying taxes?How do these oldies become self-funded retirees? By scrimping and saving for a rainy day and watching their every penny spent?My goodness - if I had my time over I would look at things differently. Those of us fortunate enough to be able to live comfortably in our senior years haven't always had it this easy.There were times when every penny counted. One had to save before buying household goods.Many thanks, John, for nothing. - SHIRLEY JONES,Corrimal.
© 2004 Illawarra Mercury