My, my! Testy aren't we!
Though hard for you to believe, I too am a believer in sanctity of contract. But sometimes you have to follow reason. Take the UAW, for example. Their retirees contracted fairly for a very nice retirement that includes gold plated health care FOR LIFE! No Medicare for them at age 65. The auto industry can no longer afford those terms, so now you and I are paying for them through the auto union bailout. That just isn't right. Make them go on Medicare like the rest of us. I don't like adding them to the Medicare rolls any more than you do. But given a choice between 1) handing over billions of dollars in regular bailouts (there will be more) or 2) making them "make do" with the same senior health care as the rest of us - I choose the latter.
Sure, when legal contracts are concerned.
As far as your example of UAW goes ... We, as a nation are not obligated to pay for corporate bailouts. Of course our corrupt Congress sees that in completely different light. It's called paying back your supporters for their voting you in office.
The auto industries should go bankrupt, if they cannot make a profit. As should all businesses.
The UAW's knew they were taking the companies down the road to ruin. It has been well reported for decades.
When the companies went belly up, and the pensions were not protected by law ( that Congress could, if they did not, protect by law ) that is to bad for the union thugs and their membership. Now they must give up that new car every other year, (or whatever that deal was) lose their heath care, lose their pensions and live on S/S.
Now, as it is, it is to bad for you, I and every tax paying slob in the country.
BTW ... are you beginning to like our nationalization of corporate America (Reads: Socialism) now?
You should, because what you & others are suggesting be done on a voluntary basis, will be forced down our throats.
When Officialdom comes and tells you that you have no need to live in such a big, or expensive home, as you are old and have no need for it. Then tells you what temperature you are allowed to set your thermostat to, and how many calories you are allotted each day, perhaps you will understand.
Anyway ... this is JMHO. After all, and exchange of ideas is good for the soul. Thanks.