The other, a retired factory supervisor who collects aluminum cans to supplement her Social Security, wants to be able to afford her medicines and have enough left over to put food on her own table. The older said she didn't mean to be and that she hoped there is enough to go around. Yes, the elderly have worked hard. Campaign promises aside, of course, the country can't afford to fix everyone's problems or pay for every social program all at once. But the emphasis on the elderly has, intentionally or not, pitted the generations against one another again.
Many young people say they feel ignored.
We're just trying to get what we hope we earned. All they want, they said, is their due and to keep their dignity. Citing Skinner by name, Gore said he would see to it. But Sherry Ford, who works the counter at the community center, said she fears she will never see the money deducted from her paycheck. But I feel like only the really old and the really young are getting any attention.