Response to Moderator's Question on Unmarried Partners

[National Dialogue Moderator <moderator>]

Yes, I'd like to see unmarried partners included as eligible for spousal 
benefits, on the same terms as married partners.  For separate partners that 
would require that they were together 10 years before separation.  Some form 
of registration would need to be required.

The idea of benefits for unmarried partners seems to be an area of agreement 
between Darcy Olsen and myself.  However, Darcy spoils it by wanting everyone 
to have individual accounts to do whatever they want with.  The women's 
movement worked hard to require spouse's to sign off on their partner's plans 
to leave them none of their retirement pension, because before that 
requirement became law, most men were not leaving their wives any of their 
pension.  Funny thing, since the requirement more men make sure their wives 
will have a survivor benefits.  

Maybe Darcy wants everyone to be as strong and independent as she must be, 
but in the real world people share their lives and theirs sicknesses and 
their health, and they should be legally entitled to a share in each other's 
retirement income.  I don't think freedom for all is really the way to go on 
this.  As Janis Joplin sang, "freedom is just another word for nothing left 
to lose."  


Heidi Hartmann