Dogwoods and Two Grand Lies
A tool-and-die shop owner and a children’s surgeon take different paths through work, sacrifice, and retirement. Their fictional story asks what Social Security promises to the people who pay into it—and what happens when reform asks one group to pay more or another to accept less. I consider social insurance, earned benefits, voluntary charity, and the obligation to speak honestly about the promises we make.
Read the essay and sources: https://joelkdouglas.com/2026/08/11/dogwoods-and-two-grand-lies/
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