[Elsie]

The assumption that Americans who are older or handicapped are categorically less productive will automatically exclude people from work opportunities.

I 'assumed' nothing.

I merely mentioned LESS productive.

[Grateful2God]

I was referring to the assumption in general, not to your statement specifically, Elsie, and I'm really sorry if it came off that way. It is an assumption that pervades the job market; society values youth and appearance more than the intangible values that make a good employee. Transience seems to be the norm, rather than being in it for the long haul, as in my day. It's a jungle out there, and the older we get, the lower we are on the food chain...

I agree that some middle-aged folks sure can't move like kids- but do the kids have the ambition or the work ethic to do the moving? Is it their, or their families' bread and butter, or just a stepping stone to a "better" job? I think things like that make a good employee, too- not to mention the wisdom and life experience a few more years can bring to the table.