Maggie Coleman writes: >> My own mother, in her mid seventies, a year ago went in for major surgery. She was released after seven days with the drains still in her for infection. Only constant nursing by my step father and neighbors and relatives kept her alive. << Here we see the basis for the solution to the much-heralded crisis of the social security system in the U.S., which is perceived to be arising due to demographic changes implying a rise in the number of old people to be supported by the young tax-payers. However, with the HMO-ization of health care, fewer old people will survive. This will reduce the ratio of old people living off the social security taxes paid by young people. gallows humor while grading exams... in pen-l solidarity, Jim Devine [EMAIL PROTECTED] Econ. Dept., Loyola Marymount Univ. 7900 Loyola Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045-8410 USA 310/338-2948 (daytime, during workweek); FAX: 310/338-1950 "It takes a busload of faith to get by." -- Lou Reed.
