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How Old Fogies Can Save America

Brooks: They need to unite in the cause of selflessness

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 2, 2010 1:26 PM CST

(Newser) – Forget Washington—America's salvation lies with its senior citizens, writes David Brooks. He wants them to form a sort of tea party of their own, not to accrue more financial benefits but to return some they already have. Federal spending tilts too heavily toward the old instead of the young, writes Brooks, and "it now seems clear that the only way the US is going to avoid crisis is if the oldsters take it upon themselves to arise and force change."

"It may seem unrealistic—to expect a generation to organize around the cause of nonselfishness," Brooks writes in the New York Times. "But in the private sphere, you see it every day. Old people now have the time, the energy and, with the Internet, the tools to organize. The elderly. They are our future."

Selfless seniors can save America, says David Brooks.
Selfless seniors can save America, says David Brooks.   (Shutter Stock)
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Only the old can lead a generativity revolution—millions of people demanding changes in health care spending and the retirement age to make life better for their grandchildren. - David Brooks, New York Times

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 57 comments
Toon
Feb 4, 2010 2:01 AM CST
This shows that Brooks has not been paying attention. How did the insurance industry kill single payer? By paying to the greed, ignorance and fear of older Americans. Too many boomers and 'greatest generationers' fell for those lies hook line and sinker, effectively saying me first and screw the grandkids.
Rembrandt_Q_Einstein
Feb 3, 2010 12:16 PM CST
Was I the only one who had a "Soilent Green" scenario pop into their head. IT'S PEOPLE!!!!
HANKHILL
Feb 3, 2010 10:24 AM CST
AS AN OLD FOGIE I SAY DAVID BROOKS IS A NUT
 

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