ffering of the sick or disabled, the destitution of the corrupt or weak in spirit was perceived as retribution for their misdeeds. Rooted in this notion of individual responsibility, aid to the poor has for centuries emphasized sharp distinctions between the deserving poor and the deviant, and required moral judgments by neighbors and community leaders at the local level" (p. 17).
The extent to which these programs have actually assisted the elderly and elderly minorities must be acknowledged. One study summarizes the successes since the 1960's: "For the elderly, benefits in the Social security retirement program were increased substantially, and ultimately indexed to the rate of inflation. The Supplemental Security Income program was passed to effectively ensure that no elderly person - even those without Social Security coverage - need live below the poverty line. And Medicare was enacted, over the opposition of the medical profession, to cover the largest and most feared of the unexpected expenses that older people often confront" (Haveman, 1988, p.
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