Doris O'Brien is a retired college Speech teacher and banker. She has published two books of humor (Up or Down With Women's Liberation and Humor Me a Little) and for many years contributed light verse to the Pepper 'n Salt column of the Wall Street Journal. She is an avid writer of letters to the editors.
Doris celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in the same year she welcomed her first grandchild. She now lives in Pasadena with a great view of the San Gabriel mountains — and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
She can be reached by e-mail: witsendob at (@) gmail.com
Generations of War: The Rise of the Warrior Caste and the All-Volunteer Force
In the report "Generations of War: The Rise of the Warrior Caste and the All-Volunteer Force," the Center for a New American Security" Research Associate Amy Schafer writes that the trend of military service being passed from generation to generation has created a warrior caste in which a small section of the population bears the burden of America's wars. The report examines the risks and benefits associated with a warrior caste, but advocates against returning to conscription. more »
I'm Not a Pillar or a Cornerstone, Maybe I'm a Small Brick
Diane Girard writes: A older woman friend, who is a member of the baby-buster generation and who is very active in her church and community spoke to me recently about her desire to slow down and guilt she feels about that possibility. Who will do it, if I don't? That's the unasked question. Younger women today have a lot to do, and there are a zillion expectations placed on them. Have a fulfilling career! Have a perfect family! Have a perfect life! Don't forget to look fabulous, always! No wonder being a pillar doesn't fit in. more »
Obamacare Exchanges In Limbo; Deadlines Fast Approaching for the Start of Open Enrollment this Fall
Covered California, the exchange, might not wrap up negotiations with insurers and announce 2018 premiums for its 1.4 million customers until mid-August — about a month later than usual. Similar scenarios are playing out across the country as state officials and insurers demand clarity on health care rules and funding, with deadlines fast approaching for the start of open enrollment this fall. "It's insane," said John Baackes, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan. "Here we are in the middle of July and we don’t even know what rules we will be operating under for open enrollment. It is not how you want to run a business." more »
A Stanford Faculty Spotlight: Should Retirement Be the End Goal for Individuals Entering the Workforce?
"The idea that you can support a 20-year retirement with 30 years of work is outdated. And can't continue. It's just not sustainable. So as lifespans increase, then if retirements start at the same age, then retirements just get longer and longer. And I think the idea that we can continue to support a longer and longer retirement with — without changing the length of work is unreasonable going forward." more »
