In the September issue of The Pomerantz Monitor, Teresa Webb reported on a notable new book, “When the Good Pensions Go Away – Why America Needs a New Deal for Pension and Health Care Reform,” by Dr. Thomas J. Mackell Jr. Recently, the New York Times Book Review asked authors to recommend books that presidential candidates should read. Had we been polled, we would have heartily recommended Dr. Mackell’s book.
In his book, Dr. Mackell gives the reader a better understanding of how benefit programs have been negatively affected by social, political and economic forces over the last 40 years. Also, he sets forth a “Call to Action”: a list of twelve action statements/activities to address the retirement challenges each of us faces. Suggestions for initiating nationwide change range from creating a new cabinet position devoted to the social and economic implications of long-term demographics, to using the power of protest to draw attention to the plight of the American worker.
As the 2008 election approaches, the need for innovative thinking and decisive action in addressing the challenges of this and future generations must be a high priority. Dr. Mackell’s book should be on everyone’s reading list.
Dr. Mackell is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and President of the Association of Benefit Administrators. He is married to Pomerantz Partner Cheryl Hamer Mackell.
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