"There’s lies, damn lies, and statistics," wrote Mark Twain—his view of the way numbers bantered about by officials are often designed to mislead. As the following verse suggests, there may be comparable reasons why a lot of this country’s elderly now feel mislead when it comes to the financial props that are supposed to protect their interests.
Lies, Damn Lies,
And Lies to Older Workers
My 401(k) has now withered away
I’m really not sure where it’s gone,
They said if I chipped in each Friday payday
It would grow—but it seems that was wrong.
I’d heard that my company didn’t nitpick
Toward workers it was most paternal,
But I’ve found as I’ve aged and been prone to get sick
Its medical plan ain’t eternal.
The firm’s pension fund I thought also secure
Invested in good bonds and stock,
My payouts this fund is now free to ignore
Just by punching the bankruptcy clock.
Which brings it all back to that old tried and true
The much criticized SSI
If Washington screws up that safety net too
Well heck—I’ll just slink off and die.
********
©2008 Michael Silverstein
