New Seniors

The current administration recently announced federal funding to the tune of $500 million for innovative early learning programs for children under the age of 5. Advocates claim this will get children, particularly the poor, prepared for kindergarten and result in them having better opportunities to learn. Opponents believe this is not the government’s job and that the costs will escalate well beyond initial projections.

Are schools so worried about being politically correct that they forget about the basics? Do philosophical agendas trump sound education standards? How can we continue to spend so much on an educational system that achieves such poor results? Have we forgotten to prepare students for a successful life?

A poll taken in early June, after the unemployment rate climbed to 9.1%, indicates consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the president took office in January 2009. Only 3 in 10 Americans, across all age groups, expect the economy to improve in the next year. And, half of all respondents say it is very or somewhat likely the country will enter a Depression similar to that of the1930’s.

The latest cause the environmentalists are trying to foist on the American public is to ban fireworks displays on July 4th. There was a suit brought to court in San Diego recently seeking to accomplish this, but a judge ordered a reprieve. So the people of that city will be able to enjoy fireworks, at least for this year. Will such efforts succeed in this city and throughout the country next year?

The talk these days is concentrated on Medicare and Social Security and how changes will affect the New Seniors population. We must not forget the other end of the age spectrum: our youngsters. They have no voice in the political debate and no dollars in the game, but what we are doing to them will have long lasting consequences.

While the United States government is willing to forgive foreign countries from billions of dollars in debts and continue to barrow money from China or print more in order to loan money to Middle East nations, more and more Americans are slipping into financial despair. One can’t help but wonder if the politicians have their priorities mixed up.

We learned from our parents that, “money doesn’t grow on trees.” That’s because those of us born between 1930 and 1945 were raised during the Great Depression followed by a period of sacrifice during WWII. Along with the baby boomers now turning 65, we were taught that America never had to endure such dire times again as long as we worked hard and “saved for a rainy day.” The clichés seem old now, but their messages remain true.

A project funded by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) is photographing student lunch trays before and after kids eat to determine how many calories each child consumes. Will this be a big help that leads to healthier children or is it a step toward more big brother involvement in the lives of all Americans?

Half of likely voters oppose the president’s budget proposal, according to a recent Rasmussen poll. However, the budget passed by the House (the Ryan plan) is considered unacceptable by some, particularly younger voters. With nearly 50% of Americans receiving entitlement dollars, it will be difficult to balance the budget or come close to it without re-evaluating government programs once considered to be untouchable.

The current administration continues its fight against childhood obesity through healthier diets by “asking” that advertising of certain products be restricted. The hope is to keep ads for foods with high sodium, fat and sugar from reaching those under 18. How will this change the things promoted on TV, what’s available in stores and restaurants as well as the items found in America’s home pantries?