Political Issues Facing Baby Boomers Today, What Were the Influences?
First of all, you need to understand all about what baby boomers are or more accurately who baby boomers are. Baby boomers are people who were born between the years 1946 and 1964. Because of the increased birth rate in these years, people called it the baby boomers generation. In fact, there were about 78 million babies born within the baby boomers generation.
Today, baby boomers are now reaching the middle age. In fact, baby boomers today turn 50 years old every 7 seconds.
The fact that baby boomers came of age during the widespread of civil rights protest and grew up during the cold war, baby boomers have very distinct political and cultural patterns. The baby boomers era is the generation that made what the United States is today. Baby boomers were also the ones who paved the way to modern living and because they came of age during the era where civil rights protests were widespread in the country, baby boomers are very aware of their civil rights and other political issues that the country is facing today.
Baby boomers were one of the leading people who protested the Vietnam War and the draft. This generation is also the generation that started modern Rock + Roll, The Beatles, Beats, and Motown Sounds.
Also, since baby boomers grew up in an era where the world was dominated by the American Military might and the enemies were communists and socialists, you will see how much different they view the world and also how much they are very much active on things concerning the government and politics.
Today, baby boomers continually protest the unemployment rate that the world is facing. This is because unemployment were virtually non existent during the times where baby boomers grew up, provided if you are Caucasian and is willing to work.
Presently, baby boomers make up a large share of the cultural, industrial, political and academic leadership class in the United States. In fact, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are now considered as two of the first people who were born in the baby boomers era to become presidents of the United States.
Clearly, you can see that baby boomers today are the people who are leading the nation. From what you will observe in the Clinton and Bush administration, you will see that they share a very common political view. You will see that both of these two administrations emphasize widely on civil rights and also reforming the United States Military.
You will also observe that these two presidents are also working to improve the sluggish economy of the United States, and in some instances, they succeeded in doing that. They try to make it easier for Americans to live life easier than in the past. This is because of the political and cultural influences they had when they were growing up.
You have to consider that they grew up during the time were civil rights protests were taking place, during the Vietnam War where the United States was defeated, during the Cold War where the arms race was won by the United States, and also during the time where the economy was at a high point and unemployment was virtually non existent.
Because of the world where they grew up, the political views of baby boomers are very much different from the past generation. You can even say that the baby boomers generation is the turning point of the political status of the United States.
It is estimated that the baby boomers generation will hold a plurality in the White House until 2021 and until 2015 in Congress. So, you can expect that baby boomers will stay for quite some more time in politics. Baby boomers are also estimated to have a majority in the Supreme Court from 2010 to 2030.
So, if you think that your civil rights is being respected by the people and by the government and you have a comfortable way of life, you should think of the people who started it all. You should thank the baby boomers era for how you live today. The baby boomers era paved the way for more freedom and also made the United States of America one of the best places to live in today.
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What the State Can Do in the Great Number of Baby Boomers Retiring
Your college days mark a turning point in your life. By this time, you've finally realized the value of getting a degree in order to land a good job. And after establishing your career, you will have to work around eight hours a day for many years. As an individual, you're not only earning money for your family, but you're also helping the economy of the country that you belong.
After World War II, the population continued to increase for nearly twenty years. The babies born during this time were called baby boomers. Millions of babies were born, and at present, some of them are already in their senior years while the rest are in their middle ages.
With so many boomers retiring, can the economy withstand the effects of this situation? In the US alone, they are already preparing for this scenario. Their priorities were attuned to the economy's needs as many boomers retire. This included certain areas such as transportation, health care, and housing.
Now that baby boomers are retiring, the need for health-care workers is in great demand. But it is also expected that the US will lack in geriatricians and nurses. The entire country should have the capacity to meet this need. Therefore, the authorities are trying to figure out effective ways to attract people in the field of health care and ensure that they will stay longer. Workforce preparation is one of the many priorities of the federal government today.
Not all people retire at the age of 65. Others even retire before they reach that age, while others still have the desire to work longer. But the expected number of baby boomers retiring should not be ignored. Retirement funding is a very important consideration that should not be overlooked.
Life expectancy is not the same many years ago. Now, if a person retires at 65, he can expect another 20 years or so of his life. If he doesn't have a job, then he will greatly depend on his pension and family for survival. Social Security may experience a big problem when the boomer retirees start collecting.
The Social Security does not encourage baby boomers to retire at 65 or even have an early retirement. Boomers born from 1944 to 1950 should wait until they reach their 66th birthday before they can receive the benefits. The boomers after 1950 can expect incentives if they retire at 70.
Corporate pension is another problem. By now, you are aware that many companies are reneging on plans or are getting bankrupt. If the whole system is like this, what can the retirees expect?
The workforce can't handle the situation in case all baby boomers retire. This will have a huge impact in many fields. Oftentimes, individuals in their senior years still have a lot to contribute to the society. Those who would still like to work as a part-time employee will be encouraged to do so; another offer for boomers is to work at flex-time after they retire. Seniors have a wealth of knowledge and experiences, so if they decide to continue working, they should not be stuck in a work that does not utilize their skills. But they should also be open to new ways or technology. The seniors should be able to learn new ways.
But not all seniors are still capable to work. As people age, they often get sick. They suffer from certain illnesses which makes it hard for them to work. These things are barriers that can prevent baby boomers from working.
The federal state can't do these things alone. The families of baby boomers, their communities, and all the states should all exert efforts to have all these plans materialize.
But most of all, the aging baby boomer should be prepared for this situation. He should not expect other people to care for him, not even his family. Family members can help and provide assistance, but they do burn out that can lead to elder abuse. Baby boomers should set their minds, and be ready for aging. Aging is one thing that all people will be looking forward to; so be prepared.
As an aging boomer, you should not feel down. Who knows, this might be another good start for you to live a meaningful life upon retirement.
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