I came across an article I saved from 2013, about how Civil War benefits are still being paid out to a couple of people, two children of Civil War veterans. Of course, they are "children" now in purely the semantic sense, they are elderly, in their 80s. The benefit amount is about $876 per year, which is approximately $45 in 1872 money.
It made me think of all the lost pensions of those who worked for companies that took a dive in the past few decades. Or all the companies that mismanaged/merged/acquired/re-located themselves out of any financial responsibility toward so many who worked for them loyally for so long.
Like sheep, we've come to accept that treatment as part of doing business with business. We really have no other choice. No one protects our interests in this.
Those who are government-haters and corporate-lovers should take heed.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a world where businesses and corporations would show the same sense of respect and duty that our government does toward those who work for it? Toward those who deserve it? And to keep paying for over 100 years to survivors?
I know that $876 per year is not a living wage. But it represents an acknowledgment of a promise. One that will be kept as long as necessary. What business these days can provide the same?
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