That is certainly a VERY judgmental statement on your part. Are lord and master judging me?
By the way, I read the entire article. The article doesn't mention that he was wiped out by illness, the market crash (which, by the way is pretty much back), etc. I have no doubt that an extra sob story aspect like that would have gotten in - make the **evil** employer look even worse.
My point throughout my posts still stand - in general people in the US are "live for the now" types and could really care less about retirement. Savings rates vs. spending/debt are proof. But, yes, FReepers should have fits stating that there are at least three people who they have heard about who were devastated financially by cancer - so how heartless of me to want people to save for retirement.
It's not heartless at all;it's actually a good goal. However, it IS heartless to assume that because others have not had the same circumstances -- and luck -- that you have had they must be slackers looking for government hand-outs.
I don't think Harry is a real person
You neglect to consider people in the following situations:
1. People laid off multiple times who have used up their savings while looking for work.
2. People whose pensions (which they counted on) have been stripped by their former employers.
3. People who have been devastated by illness or natural disaster.
4. People whose savings have been pirated by unscrupulous investment manipulators (Enron, Indianapolis Power and Light).
5. People who have toiled at jobs which never paid enough for them to save very much (the working poor).
It is all well and good to make the statements about how everyone should save, and it's their fault if they don't have enough to retire. Are you going to reimburse your parents for the money they spent on your education?