| I find interesting your take on American "family" and its financial connection to generations. I am certainly no expert but can hopefully give additional clarification. First, all Americans have social security numbers and are required by federal law to pay federal (and state in many cases) taxes from wages earned. Taxes pay for many things, public education being one item. Therefore, as a taxpayer, even though my husband and I choose to send our children to private school ( and pay full private school tution ) we get no money back or discount for not utilizing one of the services we pay for. In the same manner, taxpayers who have no children or no longer have children in public school still pay the same taxes to support a service that they do not use. My point is that public education is not free to anyone. Free meal programs in schools are paid for in the same manner, through taxes paid by the citizens. Insurance is also not free. Insurance is paid for either through individual policies or through employers. Most employers deduct money from their employees pay checks to pay for the service. Health insurance is extremely expensive and many American's choose not to have it. My husband and I care very much about the happiness of our children, part of that extends to their acheivement. I think most American parents hope that their children are as successful or more successful than themselves. We have paid for private school educations and will be paying for college for our childeren, hoping that not only will they find happiness and be able to support themselves, but also that they meet wonderful people, get married and raise a family. Currently, most American families have both the husband and wife as wage earners. You are correct that many families do not support the elderly, but culturally that seems to be changing. For instance, we have brought my husband's elderly mother to live with us since her husband passed away. Many of our friends are doing the same thing. I hope I have been helpful with my additional explanation. |
Are American Economically Family-Independent