Food for thought

Most people work for about fifty years then retire ready to take it easy and enjoy life. However, many have seen their retirement saving go up in smoke. In Japan, crimes committed by the elderly have doubled in the last decade. Shoplifters are now more likely to be over sixty-five than teenagers. Seventy per cent of such thefts involve food. Last year the Japanese government spent C$86 million to add elevators, handrails, and ramps in three prisons to cater to elderly criminals. The struggle to make ends meet has no age limit under capitalism. This is especially surprising in a country that, until recently, was touted as an example of how the good life could be provided for all.
Toronto mayor Rob Ford announced a task force on homelessness. He even appointed a chairman. Trouble is, more than two years later, nothing has happened. Talk's cheap!