May 17, 2013
By Thomas J. Mackell, Jr., Ed.D. President Association of Benefit Administrators
In 1969, the author David Halberstam wrote a book entitled, "The Best and the Brightest." In praising the book, The New York Post critic stated that "I predict that this brilliant and unsparing book will stir the conscience of the next generation if not of this."
Unfortunately, the jury is out on this prediction as is so clearly evident today. I would submit that we are in the era of "lackluster leadership."
Health Care Costs - Billions and Billions
February 23, 2012
Thomas J. Mackell Jr.
In the U. S., $2.6 trillion is spent on health care annually! The common questions that come up are who is to blame and what can be done to slow down and control these skyrocketing costs?
April 11, 2013
By Thomas J. Mackell, Jr. , Ed. D. President Association of Benefit Administrators
The surge of generational change that is moving at a dizzying tempo in this country is altering the cultural, and political landscape with a speed and intensity rarely seen in America before.
The Battle for the People - Let's Not Waste Another Year
January 24, 2012
Thomas J. Mackell Jr.
Let's look for the moment at the hand that has been dealt to the average American citizen thus far as we begin the New Year.
The economy has moved away from them. The ethnic makeup of the nation is shifting.
March 15, 2013
By Thomas J. Mackell, Jr., Ed. D. President Association of Benefit Administrators
(Delivered before the Annual Educational Conference of TEXPERS, Austin, TX, March 5, 2013)
Before I take you through the landscape of our future retirement scenario, let's look for a moment at the rear view mirror at the past decade. This is the period that I would characterize as "The Lost Decade." A decade where predatory capitalism wreaked its havoc on the American people.
Working for Less - The New Reality
January 17, 2012
Thomas J. Mackell Jr.
U.S. factory jobs are on the rise. Why you say? Well in case you haven't notice the workplace has changed dramatically over the last 25 years making it more attractive for employers to abandon their sweatshops abroad like in Indonesia, China, the Philipines and Mexico and resettle them here.
January 29, 2013
Thomas J. Mackell, Jr., President, Association of Benefit Administrators
It is ironic that the same people who want to put guns into schools are supported by those who choose to pull a "Thelma and Louise" and go racing over the fiscal cliff.
Most people want to resolve these two issues immediately. While others on the right want to reflect and avoid the debate until later. We have been waiting for "until later" for a long time on policies that have severe consequences for the populace.
The Ticking Time Bomb - The Need for A National Pension Commission
January 13, 2012
Thomas J. Mackell, Jr.
We are all well aware that pensions in the private sector have been under attack for decades and the assailants have been very successful with doing away with Defined Benefit Plans. In the early 80s, some 80% of private sector workers were covered by Defined Benefit plans. Today, it is down to approximately 16% and sliding off the cliff.
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