Let me put it to you this way: the generation that fought WWII (like my father) did pay their way, and put their kids through school. They didn't have a lot of help from the US government to do that. My parents paid for my education without student loans or Pell Grants. They did the same for my 3 sisters and my brother.Now most of their drugs were covered by insurance, but even the co-pay on their medications was quite expensive. I suppose you think my mom should be out there in her wheelchair working as a Wal-Mart greeter. And my dad should have hobbled around on crutches to do something to get his heart medicine.
You are young and perhaps have not had sick relatives yet. I hope for your sake you get gain some compassion.
I will make the same evaluations regarding my family but yes if you don't want to use your money to help your family than yes I would rather her work in her wheelchair than shortchange my children because she did not save enough for her retirement.
And yes they may not have had pell grants but they also paid about 1/15th of what I am paying in social security taxes on a percentage basis not to mention the generally lower tax burden. If they are already taking 15% of the income that should go to my family then compassion does not dictate that I contribute more.